Surveys Become Important
The British colonial administration believed that thorough knowledge of a country was crucial for its effective governance. In the early nineteenth century, detailed surveys emerged as essential tools, mapping the geography, soil, flora, fauna, and local histories of India. These surveys included revenue assessments to inform taxation and resource allocation.
By the late nineteenth century, regular Census operations were instituted every ten years, compiling vital demographic data, including information on castes and religions. Alongside census data, various additional surveys—botanical, zoological, anthropological, and forest surveys—were also conducted to deepen the British understanding of India's natural resources and human diversity.
However, historians today highlight that this wealth of official records provides a limited perspective on colonialism. They reflect the views and interests of British officials without adequately representing local experiences and sentiments. To capture a fuller picture of society during colonial rule, researchers need to explore other types of sources, such as personal diaries, travel accounts, and newspapers, which can reveal the lived realities of the Indian populace, including voices that were historically marginalized.