The location of the ancient city of Taxila (Takshshila), mentioned in

The location of the ancient city of Taxila (Takshshila), mentioned in ancient Indian texts, was identified by

Alexander Cunningham
R.D. Banerji
John Marshall
Daya Ram Sahni
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2021
The correct answer is Alexander Cunningham.
Sir Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India, played a pivotal role in identifying numerous ancient Indian sites. Using accounts from Chinese Buddhist pilgrims like Faxian and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) and other ancient texts, Cunningham successfully located the ruins of Taxila in the 1860s. Later archaeological excavations were conducted at the site, most notably by John Marshall. However, the initial identification is credited to Cunningham.
R.D. Banerji is known for the discovery of Mohenjo-Daro. Daya Ram Sahni was the first to begin excavations at Harappa. John Marshall was the Director-General of the ASI during the period of major excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, confirming the existence of the Indus Valley Civilization, and also oversaw significant work at Taxila.