FOUR REPORTS MADE DURING THE YEARS, 1862-63-64-65

The matter contained in these two volumes is the result of the archeological survey which the author conducted during four consecutive years from 1862 to 1865. The object of this survey cannot be better stated than in the memorandum which he laid before Lord Canning in November 1861, and which led to his immediate appointment as Archaeological Surveyor to the Government of India. During the one hundred years of British dominion in India, the Government has done little or nothing towards the preservation of its ancient ‘monuments, which, in the almost total absence of any written history, form the only reliable sources of information as to the early condition of the country. Some of these monuments have already endured for ages, and are likely to last for ages still to come; but there are many others which are daily suffering from the effects of time, and which must soon disappear altogether, unless preserved by the accurate drawings and faithful descriptions of the archaeologist. A perusal of the four reports contained in these volumes will show that he carried out with but little deviation the programme laid down in this memorandum. What is aimed at is an accurate description illustrated by plans, measurements, drawings or photographs, and by copies of inscriptions, of such remains as most; deserve notice, with the history of them so far as it may be traceable, and a record of the traditions that are preserved regarding them.