Harappa, the initial Indus Valley Civilization site uncovered, suffered considerable damage from brick theft. Alexander Cunningham, the father of Indian archaeology and first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, noted that Harappa's bricks were extensively used, particularly for constructing approximately 100 miles of railway track between Lahore and Multan, leading to substantial damage to its ancient structures. Mohenjodaro, in contrast, was found to be in a superior state of preservation.
The correct answer is: Harappa
Alexander Cunningham, the inaugural Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is widely recognized as the progenitor of Indian archaeology due to his substantial efforts in the research and safeguarding of India's historical locations. A notable observation he made during his directorship pertained to the dilapidated condition of Harappa, a prominent Indus Valley archaeological site. He underscored the severity of its dilapidation by stating that the bricks salvaged from the site could have been utilized to build approximately 100 miles of railway track between Lahore and Multan.
Brick Robbers were the primary cause of the Harappan site's destruction. Historical accounts confirm that substantial damage resulted from the pilfering of bricks. In 1875, Alexander Cunningham, the inaugural Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, reported that the bricks taken from Harappa were enough to build around 100 miles of railway track between Lahore and Multan. This extensive brick removal severely damaged the ancient structures, a fate less severe than that of Mohenjodaro, which remained better preserved.
In the 19th century, during the construction of British India's railway infrastructure, bricks from the Harappan civilization were repurposed. The Harappan site was heavily plundered for its superior bricks, which were then used to construct railway lines, primarily between Lahore and Multan. Alexander Cunningham confirmed this, noting that Harappan bricks were employed for approximately 100 miles of this particular railway. The extensive use of these ancient bricks resulted in significant damage to the original Harappan archaeological site.
Consequently, the railway line that utilized Harappan bricks was between: Lahore and Multan