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In the subject of archaeology, especially in South Asia, Sir Alexander Cunningham (1814-1893) is considered a trailblazer by many. The foundation for the methodical investigation and conservation of old Indian legacy was established by his services. After being appointed as the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1861 and serving in that capacity until 1865, Cunningham's extensive career began. Under his direction, the ASI began systematically exploring and cataloguing India's archeological sites, laying the groundwork for an exacting standard of archaeological practice. By using exacting survey methods and creating an organized monument inventory, Cunningham's methodology helped discover and categorize a large number of sites and objects. His work was essential in locating and interpreting important Buddhist sites, such as the well-known Sarnath and Bodh Gaya, which are essential to comprehending the historical progression of Buddhism. Apart from his fieldwork, Cunningham made major contributions to the academic debate on South Asian archaeology through his scholarly publications, such as "The Ancient Geography of India" and other studies. He also pushed for the conservation of heritage places long before contemporary conservation procedures were formalized, which has contributed to their preservation and protection. This is an instructive study with an exploratory research approach. The current study examines Cunningham's contributions to the discipline of archaeology. Finally, the conclusion of this study enhance our knowledge of Cunningham's methodologies and provide valuable insights into the understanding the contribution in the field of archaeology.