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Charles MassonBritish soldier and explorer
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Charles Masson: The Explorer Who Unraveled the Secrets of Harappa
- A Soldier's Journey
- Captivity and Escape
- Discovering Harappa
- Unveiling the Past
- The Horrors of War
- Later Years
Charles Masson: The Explorer Who Unraveled the Secrets of Harappa
James Lewis, better known as Charles Masson (1800-1853), was a British soldier and explorer who made history as the first European to visit the ruins of Harappa, an ancient Indian city in Sahiwal, Punjab.
A Soldier's Journey
Masson was born in Britain and joined the British East India Company's military forces, traveling to India. He fought in the Battle of Bharatpur and later deserted the army in 1827.
Captivity and Escape
Masson traveled to Punjab, which was not under British control at the time. However, his journey was cut short when he and a companion were imprisoned. He was released through the intercession of Josiah Harlan, who was gathering a force for a planned coup in Kabul, Afghanistan. Masson declined to participate and deserted once again.
Discovering Harappa
In May 1833, Masson embarked on a journey south from Kabul. Despite the dangers in Afghanistan, he sought out an unassuming mound he had noticed on earlier travels. After days of excavation, he uncovered a treasure trove of artifacts, including two 10-foot statues and a cache of ancient scrolls.
Unveiling the Past
Masson's discovery was the first of many archaeological investigations that led to a fuller understanding of ancient Afghanistan's role in the Buddhist world, its place on the Silk Road, and the lost settlements of Alexander the Great.
The Horrors of War
Masson witnessed the horrors of the 1839 Anglo-Afghan War, solidifying his antipathy towards Western colonialism and British imperialism. He avoided further military service when possible.
Later Years
Little is known about Masson's later life. He died in 1853, leaving behind a legacy as the explorer who laid bare the secrets of Harappa and illuminated the rich history of the region.
