Page:Annual Report of the Archaeological Survey of India Vol 1.pdf/10

 when done at all, should be done upon a separate and full consideration of any case which may seem to claim it. "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 trace‘able, and a record of the traditions that are retained regard­ ing them.

“ .I propose that the work be entrusted to Colonel Cun­ ningham, with the understanding that it continue during the present and the following cold season, by which time a fair judgment of its utility and interest may bo formed. It may then be persevered, in, and expanded, or otherwise dealt with as may seem good at the time.

“ fcolonel Cunningham should receive Its. 450 a month, with Its. 250 when in the field to defray the cost of making surveys,and measurements, and of other mechanical assist­ ance. I f something more should be necessary to obtain the services of a native subordinate of the Medical or Public Works Department, competent to take photographic views, it should be given.

“ It would be premature to determine how the results of Colonel Cunningham’s labours should be dealt w ith; but; whilst the Government would of course retain a proprietary right in them for its own purposes, I recommend that the interests of Colonel Cunningham should bo considered in the terms upon which they may he furnished to the Public.” Memorandum b y C ot.o n e i, A. C u n n i n g h a m, of Engineers, regarding a proposed investigation of the archaeological remains of Upper India.

“ D u r t n g the oue 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 en­ dured for ages, and are likely to last for ages still to com e; but there are many others which are daily suffering from the effects of time, and which must soon disappear alto­ gether, unless preserved by the accurate drawings and faith­ ful descriptions of the archaeologist.