The story of Indian archeology during the colonial period is one of accidental discoveries, committed individuals and unexpected developments. This new book captures all three elements in a chatty writing style that, while scholastic in its detail, is not heavy in technique. The three most important elements in the book deal with the imperial agenda in Indian archeology, the fascinating story of the discovery of the Indus Valley civilisation and the comparative differences between Roman and Indian archeological techniques. The books outlines the fact that the discipline of archeology worldwide is only 300 years old.
In India the emphasis of the archeologists was driven by their personal desires. The pioneers of Indian archeology, Alexander Cunningham and John Marshall, had two primary interests — to peer into the history of Buddhism and the fascination with Alexander’s encounter with India. It is not surprising therefore that John Marshall, who is credited with the discovery of the Harappan legacy, worked for 20 years at Taxila in Pakistan. He visited Mohenjodaro only after announcing its discovery by his subordinates in London Illustrated News.
The book brings to light the fact that Harappa in particular was ill served given the techniques of archeology that destroy several layers of priceless materials from the past. The combined destruction brought on by the construction of a nearby railway line which used Harappan bricks in its construction, as well as a slash and find method, destroyed a lot of clues of the past.
The history of museums in India makes for interesting reading, as does the detailing of the loot that the British took from India. Loot was of course for the British Empire and the British Museum in London has perhaps more loot than any other single building in the world.
At the same time the book outlines the role of the British Empire in particular and that of Viceroy Curzon in reviving and sustaining institutional interest in India’s past. The book is a must read for those who are enthralled by the story of how India recovered its history through diligent digging of a few individuals fascinated by things lost in the foggy ruins of time.
