Excavation History

Essays on the archaeological exploration and excavation history of ancient Indus Valley sites including Harappa, Mohenjo-daro and Gola Dhoro.

ASI 1921 Report

"The first major series of publications [John] Marshall instituted in the very beginning of his career [as Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, ASI] was the Annual Reports,

Daya Ram Sahni

Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni (1879-1939) was a pivotal figure in the discovery of Harappa, familiar with the mysterious seals and earlier archaeologist and scholar's visits to the site. It was Sahni who, after a three-day visit in February 1917 began the process that led to his first excavations there in January 1921.

Charles Masson, 1829

"A long march preceded our arrival at Haripah, through jangal of the closest description. East of the village was an abundance of luxuriant grass, where, along with many others, I went to allow my nag to graze. When I joined the camp I found it in front of the village and ruinous brick castle."

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