1157 ASHOKA

Historical sources

Western sources - Ashoka the great was almost forgotten by the historians of that age but James Prinsep translated the brahmi and kharoshti edicts. Another important historian who contributed in the revelation of historical sources was British archaeologist sir John Hubert Marshall who was director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India. His main interests were Sanchi and Sarnath besides Harappa and Mohenjodaro. Sir Alexander Cunningham, a British archaeologist and army engineer and often known as the father of the Archaeological Survey of India, unveiled heritage sites like the Bharhut stupa, Sarnath, Sanchi, and the Mahabodhi Temple; thus, his contribution is recognizable in realms of historical sources. Sir Mortimer Wheeler who was a British archaeologist also exposed Ashokan historical sources, especially the Taxila.