KASHMIR AND JAMMU – ANANTNAG & UPHAMPUR DISTRICTS SEASON 1912 – PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COLONEL S G BURRARD SURVEYOR GENERAL OF INDIA 1914

Surveyor General: Colonel S. G. Burrard
Publisher: The Survey Of India, Calcutta
Price: £150
Publication Date: 1914
Edition: First edition
Format: Heliozincograph
Condition: In good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 44.7cm x 58.8cm
Scale: 1 inch to 1 mile: 1:63360

Condition:

Original fold lines into 16 sections with minor age toning and marks. Wear to fold intersections with a small amount of loss. Archive repairs verso. Reverse is blank with very minor age toning and marks and a short description in pencil. In good, original and unrestored condition. Exceptionally scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220 002453

Description:

A detailed map, numbered 43 O/6. Includes single line and double line railways, mineral lines and tramways and telegraph lines. Cart tracks, camel-tracks and trade routes are also shown along with mule-paths and footpaths. The key is useful, showing limits of cultivation, camping grounds, inspection bungalows, rest houses and circuit houses. Forts, watch-towers, mines and deserted villages are also shown. The JISC Library hub finds no copies British institutional libraries.

The 1912 Survey of Anantnag and Udhampur Districts: A Short Description

The 1912 Survey of Anantnag and Udhampur districts, part of British India’s systematic mapping efforts, provided a comprehensive look at the geographical, topographical, and socio-economic conditions of these two regions within the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Each district, with its unique geographical features, had distinct roles in the state’s overall structure.

Geographical Overview

Anantnag District

• Location: Anantnag, located in the southern part of the Kashmir Valley, is one of the most fertile and important agricultural regions of the state.
• Terrain: The district is characterised by a mix of plains, forests, and hills, with the Jhelum River playing a key role in shaping its landscape. Numerous freshwater springs (locally called nags) flow through Anantnag, making it one of the best-watered areas in the valley.
• Climate: Anantnag enjoys a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The fertile soil, combined with abundant water resources, made it a prominent agricultural hub.
• Key Features: Notable landmarks include the confluence of rivers and springs such as Verinag (the source of the Jhelum) and the lush agricultural fields, famous for producing rice, maize, apples, and saffron.

Udhampur District

• Location: Udhampur is located in the Jammu region, southeast of Srinagar, and is characterised by its hilly terrain and proximity to the Pir Panjal Range. It served as a strategic region for both the British and Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir due to its location along routes between Jammu and Srinagar.
• Terrain: Udhampur’s landscape is primarily mountainous, with valleys that supported agriculture in some areas. The district also featured forests, making it a key area for timber extraction and other forest-based activities.
• Climate: Due to its elevation, Udhampur has a varied climate, with colder winters in higher altitudes and warmer summers in the lower regions. The winters, however, were not as severe as in the Kashmir Valley.
• Key Features: The district was known for its military significance and was also an important centre for governance under the Dogra rulers. The Chenab River runs near the district, and it serves as a critical source of water for both agricultural and hydrological purposes.

Economic and Agricultural Significance

Anantnag District

• Agriculture: In 1912, Anantnag would have been a thriving agricultural district, with the cultivation of rice, maize, and saffron being central to its economy. The presence of springs and the Jhelum River provided a constant supply of water, ensuring good irrigation. Anantnag was also known for its horticulture, particularly apple orchards, which are still famous today.
• Saffron Fields: The region around Pampore, near Anantnag, was (and remains) famous for its high-quality saffron cultivation. This was a significant source of income for the region.
• Timber and Forest Products: The surrounding hills and forests provided wood and other forest products that were crucial to both local use and export.

Udhampur District

• Agriculture: Agriculture in Udhampur was more difficult compared to Anantnag due to the district’s rugged terrain. However, valleys in the lower altitudes were cultivated for crops such as maize, wheat, and barley. Terracing was often used on the hillsides to increase the amount of arable land.
• Forestry: Udhampur’s forests were a significant source of timber, used locally and also sent to other parts of the state. The district’s timber resources were particularly important for the construction industry in Jammu and beyond.
• Animal Husbandry: Due to its mountainous nature, Udhampur was also a centre for sheep and goat rearing, providing wool, meat, and milk for local consumption and trade.

Transport and Infrastructure

Anantnag District

• Roads and Transport: The 1912 survey likely documented the key roads and routes that connected Anantnag to Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley. The district was relatively well connected via roads and river transport along the Jhelum. The Jhelum Valley Cart Road, completed earlier in the 19th century, was one of the key transport routes for moving goods through the valley, and Anantnag was a stop along this route.
• River Navigation: The Jhelum River played a critical role in transportation, especially for trade goods such as grain, fruits, and forest products, which were often moved downstream to Srinagar and further into Punjab.

Udhampur District

• Strategic Importance: Udhampur’s location made it a strategic military post, and the 1912 survey would have noted the presence of military routes and forts that facilitated communication between Jammu and the Kashmir Valley. The region’s rugged terrain made road building more difficult, but it was essential for military and administrative purposes.
• Development of Roads: The survey would likely have focused on the construction of roads that connected Udhampur with other major centres such as Jammu. These roads were crucial for the movement of troops and goods. Udhampur later became more prominent as a military cantonment, but even in 1912, it had strategic importance for the British and Dogra rulers.

Cultural and Social Aspects

Anantnag District

• Religious and Cultural Significance: Anantnag was home to several important religious sites, including temples and shrines. The region has a long history tied to Hindu and Muslim traditions. Important Hindu pilgrimage sites like the Amarnath Cave were part of the district’s cultural identity, drawing thousands of pilgrims annually.
• Artisan Traditions: The 1912 survey would have noted the region’s importance in local crafts such as pashmina weaving, shawl making, and other textiles, which were critical to both local economies and export markets.

Udhampur District

• Military Presence: Udhampur was an important administrative and military region, and the 1912 survey would have documented the forts, barracks, and other military establishments in the area. The district’s location made it a key outpost for the Dogra state, and it would later become even more prominent as a major cantonment town for the Indian Army.
• Cultural Life: While not as culturally diverse as Anantnag, Udhampur was home to a mix of communities, including Dogras and other ethnic groups. The region’s pastoral and agricultural lifestyles were an important part of its cultural fabric.

Environmental and Geographical Challenges

Anantnag District

• Flooding and Water Management: Due to its proximity to the Jhelum River and numerous springs, Anantnag often faced issues related to flooding, especially during the monsoon season. The 1912 survey likely addressed concerns about water management, especially in terms of how irrigation systems were developed and maintained to protect the agricultural lands.

Udhampur District

• Mountainous Terrain: The rugged terrain of Udhampur posed challenges for agriculture and settlement. The 1912 survey would have detailed the difficulty in building infrastructure like roads and bridges in such a landscape, as well as the reliance on terracing for farming in hilly areas.

Conclusion

The 1912 Survey of Anantnag and Udhampur districts provided a detailed record of the geographical, agricultural, and socio-economic conditions of these two key regions in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Anantnag, with its fertile lands, rich water resources, and cultural significance, was one of the most important agricultural districts in the Kashmir Valley, while Udhampur’s strategic location and forest resources made it vital for both military and economic reasons. The survey would have been instrumental in shaping British colonial policies and Dogra administration in the region, documenting infrastructure development, natural resources, and population trends that had long-lasting impacts.

Colonel S. G. Burrard: A Short Biography

Colonel Sidney Gerald Burrard (1860–1943) was a prominent British geographer, geodesist, and surveyor, best known for his work as the Surveyor General of India from 1908 to 1919. His tenure at the Survey of India is remembered for significant contributions to the understanding and mapping of India’s complex terrain, particularly the Himalayas.

Key Contributions of Colonel Burrard:

1. Geodetic and Topographical Surveys:
   • Burrard was a leading figure in geodesy, the science of measuring and understanding the Earth’s geometric shape, orientation in space, and gravity field. His work on triangulation surveys in India was vital in improving the accuracy of maps, particularly in remote and mountainous regions like Kashmir and the Himalayas.
   • Under his direction, the Survey of India undertook some of its most challenging projects, mapping the difficult terrain of British India, including Kashmir, which required precise measurements and detailed topographical studies.
2. Study of the Himalayas:
   • One of Colonel Burrard’s most renowned areas of focus was the Himalayas, particularly in determining the heights of the major peaks. He was involved in refining measurements of Mount Everest and other significant summits, contributing to a better understanding of the region’s geography.
   • His co-authored work, “A Sketch of the Geography and Geology of the Himalaya Mountains and Tibet”, remains a notable publication, providing detailed analysis of the physical geography and geological features of the Himalayan region.
3. Publications and Theoretical Work:
   • Burrard published extensively on geodesy and geography. His research included discussions on the Great Trigonometrical Survey and its importance in the understanding of the Earth’s shape and the curvature of the Himalayas.
   • He was a key proponent of the theory of isostasy, which explained the balance of the Earth’s crust as it “floats” on the denser, underlying layers of the Earth’s mantle. His studies helped further the understanding of how mountain ranges like the Himalayas were supported by the Earth’s internal structure.
4. Survey of Kashmir:
   • During his tenure, the Survey of India published important surveys of the Kashmir Valley and other regions in northern India. The 1911 survey of Baramulla and Anantnag districts, which was published under Burrard’s direction in 1912, is an example of the detailed cartographic and geographical documentation carried out by his department.
   • These surveys were crucial for the British administration, as Kashmir’s strategic location made it a region of significant interest, not only for governance but also for military planning and economic development.
5. Recognition and Legacy:
   • For his services, Colonel Burrard was highly regarded by both his peers and the British government. His work laid the foundation for many subsequent advancements in geographical and geodetic sciences in India.
   • Burrard’s contributions continued to influence surveying and geographical practices in India well into the 20th century, with his legacy enduring in the field of geodesy and Himalayan studies.

Impact on British India:

Colonel Burrard’s tenure as Surveyor General coincided with a period when the British Empire placed immense importance on accurate mapping for both administrative and military purposes. The surveys carried out under his direction, including those in Kashmir and the North-West Frontier, were vital for understanding the physical landscape of one of the most geopolitically sensitive regions of the British Empire.

Burrard’s leadership in the Survey of India not only expanded the body of knowledge about India’s geography but also set standards for precision in surveying and mapping, which were essential for the governance, development, and defence of British India.

His work continues to be of historical importance, especially for geographers, historians, and those interested in colonial cartography. His surveys of Kashmir and other Himalayan regions remain key references in understanding the early 20th-century geography of these areas.

Heliozincography: A Short Description

Heliozincography is a printing process that was developed in the 19th century to reproduce maps, plans, and other illustrations with great detail. The term is derived from heliography (a photographic process using sunlight) and zincography (a method of printing using zinc plates).

Key Features of Heliozincography:

1. Combination of Photography and Printing:
   • Heliozincography involved transferring photographic images onto zinc plates, which could then be used to reproduce maps or drawings. The process started with a photograph of the original map or illustration, which was then used to prepare a printing plate.
2. Zinc Plates:
   • The process utilized zinc plates as the medium for printing, replacing traditional stone or copper plates that had been used earlier in lithography and engraving. Zinc offered a cheaper and faster alternative for producing detailed prints.
3. Application in Cartography:
   • Heliozincography was widely used for map reproduction, especially by government survey departments, including the Survey of India and the Ordnance Survey in Britain. It allowed the mass production of accurate and detailed maps.
   • For example, the Survey of India under Colonel Sidney Gerald Burrard would have used heliozincography or similar methods to reproduce maps from surveys like the 1911 Baramulla and Anantnag survey.
4. Advantages:
   • Cost-effectiveness: Zinc plates were cheaper to produce than copper or stone plates.
   • Speed: It allowed for quicker production of multiple copies, which was especially useful for distributing maps and technical drawings.
   • Precision: The photographic component of the process ensured a high degree of accuracy in reproducing details.
5. Process:
   • The original image (such as a map or drawing) was photographed, and the photographic image was chemically transferred onto the surface of the zinc plate.
   • The plate was then treated with chemicals so that only the lines or details to be printed remained on the surface, while the rest was etched away.
   • Ink would adhere to the raised parts of the plate, and the image would be transferred onto paper through a printing press.

Historical Use:

• Survey of India: The heliozincograph was widely used by the Survey of India for producing accurate and reproducible maps of regions such as Kashmir. Given the difficulty in producing detailed maps of mountainous terrain, the precision of this process was essential for both administrative and military purposes.
• Ordnance Survey: In the UK, heliozincography was used by the Ordnance Survey to reproduce topographical maps with the necessary detail for military and civilian use.

Conclusion:

Heliozincography played a crucial role in the mass production of accurate, detailed maps and technical drawings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combined the emerging technology of photography with traditional zinc plate printing, providing a fast, cost-effective method for disseminating important geographical and technical information, particularly in fields like cartography.

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