Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Ancient India: Bricks, Beads and Bones

Question:

Who took over as Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1944?

Options:

Alexander Cunningham

R.E.M. Wheeler

John Marshall

None of the above.

Correct Answer:

R.E.M. Wheeler

Explanation:

R.E.M. Wheeler, who became Director-General of the ASI in 1944, recognized the need to follow the stratigraphy of the mound instead of uniform horizontal lines. He brought military precision to the practice of archaeology, rectifying the shortcomings of Marshall's approach.
Overall, the discovery of seals and the announcement of a new civilization during Marshall's tenure marked significant advancements in Indian archaeology. However, it was Wheeler who addressed the issue of stratigraphy and introduced a more precise approach to excavation.