CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -It was founded in 1861 by a British Army engineer who took a keen interest in archaeology in India, James Cunningham. Archaeological pursuits started much earlier, in the 18th century, when Sir William Jones formed the Asiatic Society in 1784 together with a group of antiquarians.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), under the Ministry of Culture, was established in the year 1861 is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.

Detailed explanation-3: -It was founded in its current form in 1861 by Sir Alexander Cunningham with the help of the then Viceroy Canning. It regulates all the archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 and the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

Detailed explanation-4: -Sir Alexander Cunningham was the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Detailed explanation-5: -Detailed Solution. The correct answer is Alexandar Cunningham. Alexander Cunningham is known as the father of archeology. He founded the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1861.