Indus Valley site of Harappa in 1826

Who was the first person to visit the Indus Valley site of Harappa in 1826?

A) Alexander Burnes                   B) Sir John Marshall

C) Charles Mason                   D) Alexander Cunningham

EXPLANATION

  • Charles Masson, a British explorer and archaeologist, was the first person to visit and record observations about the ruins at Harappa in 1826.

  • Although he was not an archaeologist by profession, his accounts brought early attention to the site.

  • He mistakenly identified the site as being from the time of Alexander the Great, but his visit laid the groundwork for future interest.

Other Options:

  • Alexander Burnes – Known for his travels in Central Asia, but not the first to visit Harappa.

  • Sir John Marshall – Director-General of the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), who led formal excavations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro in the 1920s.

  • Alexander Cunningham – Considered the father of Indian archaeology, he visited Harappa later in the 19th century, but not in 1826.

✅ So, the correct answer is: C) Charles Masson.

Indus Valley site of Harappa in 1826