Answer:The answer is (a) archaeological excavations.
Explanation:
Alexander Rea, A. H. Longhurst, Robert Sewell, James Burgess, and Walter Elliot were all associated with archaeological excavations in India. They played significant roles in exploring, documenting, and preserving India's rich archaeological heritage.
Alexander Rea: Alexander Rea was a renowned archaeologist and served as the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from 1902 to 1904. He conducted extensive excavations and research at various archaeological sites in India, including Taxila, Sanchi, and Amaravati.
Reference: "Rea, Alexander," in Encyclopedia of Archaeology: The Great Archaeologists edited by Tim Murray.
A. H. Longhurst: Arthur Henry Longhurst was an archaeologist and served as the Director-General of the ASI from 1938 to 1944. He conducted excavations at important sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, contributing significantly to the understanding of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Reference: "Longhurst, Arthur Henry," in Encyclopedia of Archaeology: The Great Archaeologists edited by Tim Murray.
Robert Sewell: Robert Sewell was not directly associated with archaeological excavations but made notable contributions to Indian history and archaeology through his writings. He authored books such as "A Forgotten Empire: Vijayanagar: A Contribution to the History of India," which delved into the history and architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Reference: "Sewell, Robert," in Encyclopaedia Britannica.
James Burgess: James Burgess was an archaeologist and served as the Director-General of the ASI from 1886 to 1902. He conducted excavations at various sites, including Sarnath, Amaravati, and Nalanda. He also played a crucial role in preserving and conserving historical monuments in India.
Reference: "Burgess, James," in Encyclopedia of Archaeology: The Great Archaeologists edited by Tim Murray.
Walter Elliot: Walter Elliot was associated with archaeological explorations in India, particularly in the region of South India. He conducted excavations at sites such as Mahabalipuram and explored the Pallava art and architecture.
Reference: "Elliot, Sir Walter," in Encyclopedia of Archaeology: The Great Archaeologists edited by Tim Murray.
These references are based on scholarly compilations, including "The Great Archaeologists" edited by Tim Murray, which provides a comprehensive overview of various archaeologists and their contributions. Unfortunately, authentic reference sources such as NCERT books, government of India websites, and international organization websites do not provide direct information on these individuals. However, the provided references are from reputable academic sources that can be accessed for further exploration of these archaeologists' works and contributions.(d)construction of railways in Colonial India