Named after Sir Alexander Cunningham, the founder of the Archaeological Survey of India, this Gold Medal honours his seminal role in establishing archaeology as a systematic academic discipline in South Asia. Cunningham introduced rigorous methods of survey, documentation, and interpretation, transforming antiquarian interests into scientific archaeological inquiry. His work laid the groundwork for archaeological research traditions that continue across the region.

This medal recognises excellence in archaeological research thought, encouraging critical engagement with theory, methodology, and the intellectual history of archaeology.