Module: | Archaeological Discovery & Civilization Decline
Q48: Consider the following statements regarding John Marshall's tenure and his specific excavation methodology at Harappan sites:
1. John Marshall's appointment as Director-General marked a major milestone, as he was the first professional archaeologist to work in India, bringing substantial experience from his work in Greece and Crete.
2. In 1924, John Marshall published his findings in the Illustrated London News, formally announcing the discovery of the Indus Valley civilization.
3. Marshall's primary excavation methodology involved carefully following the natural stratigraphy of the mound, ensuring that artifacts from different historical layers were never mixed together.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. In 1924, John Marshall published his findings in the Illustrated London News, formally announcing the discovery of the Indus Valley civilization.
3. Marshall's primary excavation methodology involved carefully following the natural stratigraphy of the mound, ensuring that artifacts from different historical layers were never mixed together.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A
🎯 Quick Answer:
Option A is the correct answer because statement 3 completely misrepresents John Marshall's flawed excavation methodology.Structural Breakdown: Marshall brought professional enthusiasm and international experience to Indian archaeology.
His 1924 announcement was a monumental event in world history, prompting scholars like S.N. Roy to write that Marshall left India three thousand years older than he had found her.
Historical/Related Context: Despite his historical importance, Marshall's field methods were highly destructive by modern standards.
He ignored the natural undulating layers of the earth.
Causal Reasoning: Statement 3 is entirely false.
Marshall's fatal flaw was that he excavated in strict, uniform horizontal lines across the mound, completely ignoring the natural stratigraphy.
Because of this mechanical approach, artifacts found at the exact same physical depth but originating from entirely different cultural and temporal periods were grouped together, resulting in the permanent loss of vital chronological context for thousands of excavated items.