Previous Year Question
With reference to Indian History, Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess and Walter Elliot were associated with:
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
All these personalities were associated with archaeological surveys, excavations and the study of antiquities in India.
Alexander Rea was an important archaeologist associated with the Southern Circle of the Archaeological Survey of India. According to the official history of ASI Chennai Circle, he became its first Superintendent in 1902. A. H. Longhurst was among the prominent archaeologists who subsequently headed the Southern Circle.
Robert Sewell undertook archaeological work at Amaravati. British Museum records identify him as one of the archaeologists who excavated the Amaravati Stupa in 1877. ASI Chennai also lists his The Antiquarian Remains in the Presidency of Madras among its archaeological publications.
James Burgess served as Archaeological Surveyor and Reporter for Western India and later for Southern India. He succeeded Alexander Cunningham as Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1886.
Walter Elliot was directly associated with excavations at the Amaravati Stupa. British Museum provenance records identify several Amaravati sculptures as having been excavated by Walter Elliot in 1845.
Hence, the common association of all these personalities was archaeological excavations and archaeological research.