Why did Cunningham fail to recognize Harappa's age?

He primarily used Chinese pilgrim accounts as his guide, which did not account for a civilization thousands of years older than Buddhism.

History of Indian Archaeology

UPSC Archival Analysis

Exam Year

2006

Evidence Source

Link

ID: HIS_ANC_2006_90 Ref: Standard Educational Reference

The first archaeologist who excavated Harappa, but could not recognize its significance, was:

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Correct Option: A

Alexander Cunningham was the first to excavate Harappa but failed to recognize its ancient significance, attempting to place it in a much later historical period.