KASHMIR AND JAMMU – BARAMULA AND MUZAFFARABAD DISTRICTS SEASON 1911 – PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COLONEL S G BURRARD SURVEYOR GENERAL OF INDIA 1912

Surveyor General: Colonel Sidney Gerald Burrard
Publisher: The Survey Of India, Calcutta
Price: £500
Publication Date: 1912
Edition: 1st edition
Format: Heliozincograph
Condition: In very good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 44.7cm x 58.8cm
Scale: 1 inch to a mile: 1:63360

Condition:

Original fold lines into 16 sections with minor age toning and marks and very short closed tears to the margins. 2cm closed tear to the right hand margin. 3cm tear to the lower margin. Very minor amounts of loss to four corners of fold lines. Reverse is blank with very minor age toning and marks and a short description in pencil. In original and unrestored condition. Exceptionally scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220

Description:

A detailed map showing the area of Baramula, Gulmarg and their environs. 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 location of power lines near Kitshom are shown along with the Golf course, Hotel and Club in Gulmarg. The JISC Library hub finds no copies British institutional libraries.

The 1911 Survey of Baramulla and Muzaffarabad Districts: A Short Description

The 1911 Survey of Baramulla and Muzaffarabad Districts was a part of the broader cartographic and topographical efforts conducted by the Survey of India during the early 20th century. Directed by Colonel Sidney Gerald Burrard, the Surveyor General of India, this survey aimed to provide detailed geographical, economic, and strategic information about these important districts in the Kashmir Valley and its adjacent areas. The survey was published in 1912.

1. Geographical Scope:

• Baramulla District (now known as Baramulla) is located in the north-western part of the Kashmir Valley. It was strategically significant as the gateway to the Kashmir Valley, connecting it with Punjab and Central Asia via trade routes.
• Muzaffarabad District (now part of Azad Jammu and Kashmir under Pakistani control) lies further to the west, bordering the Kohala region and forming a key part of the transition from the Kashmir Valley to the Punjab plains. Muzaffarabad served as a link between Kashmir and the rest of British India.

2. Purpose and Importance:

• The survey was primarily conducted for administrative, military, and economic purposes. British India was particularly interested in controlling and understanding the terrain of its frontier regions, especially given the geopolitical tensions of the Great Game between Britain and Russia.
• The survey provided the British government and the Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir with detailed topographical maps, which were crucial for military planning, especially given the rough and mountainous terrain in these districts.

3. Topographical Features:

• Baramulla District: The survey focused on documenting the Jhelum River valley, including its surrounding mountains, forests, and plains. It also detailed the Pir Panjal mountain range, which separates the Kashmir Valley from the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
• Muzaffarabad District: The survey examined the hilly terrain and river systems, including the Neelum River (a tributary of the Jhelum). The rugged landscape of this district, with its deep valleys and high mountains, was carefully mapped.
• Climatic Information: Data on the climate, including seasonal variations in rainfall, temperature, and snow cover, would have been collected to help understand agricultural patterns and military logistics.

4. Military and Strategic Significance:

• The Baramulla region, being a gateway to the Kashmir Valley, was a point of interest for the British military. The survey would have included assessments of defensive positions, routes, and potential fortifications.
• Muzaffarabad, which lies on the frontier, was similarly crucial for British defence strategies, especially since it controlled access to the Kohala Pass, a key entry point into Kashmir from the west.

5. Economic and Agricultural Data:

• Both districts had rich agricultural lands along the river valleys, particularly in the Jhelum River basin. The survey detailed land use, irrigation systems, and crop production, with a focus on staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize.
• The survey would have also recorded trade routes, especially those linking Kashmir to Punjab, and noted the movement of goods such as pashmina wool, saffron, fruits, and carpets through these districts.

6. Cultural and Demographic Insights:

• The survey included information on the population distribution in both districts. Baramulla had a predominantly Muslim population, with significant minorities of Hindus and Sikhs. Muzaffarabad was also primarily Muslim.
• Local religious and cultural sites, including Sufi shrines, mosques, and temples, were documented. These religious landmarks were important for understanding the social fabric of the region.

7. Infrastructure and Transportation:

• The 1911 survey would have mapped roads, bridges, and transport routes, highlighting the key connections between Baramulla and Muzaffarabad. Given the difficult terrain, these routes were critical for both trade and military logistics.
• Bridges over the Jhelum and other rivers were vital for movement within the region, and their locations would have been carefully documented for administrative and military planning.

Conclusion:

The 1911 Survey of Baramulla and Muzaffarabad Districts provided a comprehensive overview of the geographical, economic, and strategic importance of these regions within the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. This survey was essential for British colonial authorities and the Dogra rulers to maintain control over this strategically crucial part of northern India, helping in military planning, trade management, and governance. The detailed topographical maps and data collected during the survey remain an important historical resource for understanding the region’s landscape and its significance in the early 20th century.

Baramula (Baramulla) In 1911: A Short Description

In 1911, Baramula (now spelled Baramulla) was a key town and district in the north-western part of the Kashmir Valley, serving as both an important trading centre and a strategic military point for the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir under Maharaja Pratap Singh. At that time, Baramula was known for its geopolitical importance, agricultural activities, and rich cultural heritage.

1. Geographical Location and Significance:

• Baramula was strategically located along the banks of the Jhelum River, which played a vital role in trade and transport throughout the Kashmir Valley. The town marked the gateway to the valley from the west, making it a critical point for anyone entering Kashmir from Punjab or Central Asia.
• Its position at the foot of the Pir Panjal mountain range also made it important for military and logistical purposes, as it controlled access to the Kohala Pass and trade routes to Muzaffarabad and beyond.

2. Economy and Trade:

• Baramula was an important trading hub in 1911, facilitating commerce between the Kashmir Valley and other parts of British India. Goods such as pashmina wool, saffron, silk, dry fruits, and carpets flowed through the town, making it a key point in the regional economy.
• The district was also known for its fertile agricultural lands along the Jhelum River. Major crops included rice, wheat, and maize. Baramula’s agricultural output contributed to the overall economic stability of the Kashmir Valley.

3. Cultural and Religious Life:

• Baramula had a predominantly Muslim population, but it was also home to smaller communities of Hindus and Sikhs. The town had a rich cultural history, with strong Sufi traditions and important religious sites.
• One of the most significant religious landmarks was the Khanqah of Syed Janbaz Wali, a Sufi shrine revered by the local population. Such shrines were integral to the religious and spiritual life of the region, with Sufi Islam playing a key role in shaping the town’s cultural identity.
• Festivals and religious events, especially those related to Islamic and Sufi traditions, were important social occasions, drawing people from the surrounding villages to Baramula for trade and worship.

4. Political and Administrative Context:

• Maharaja Pratap Singh, the ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, was nominally in control, but his authority was heavily influenced by the British administration. The British Resident in Srinagar had significant oversight over the state’s governance, including regions like Baramula.
• In 1911, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state under British suzerainty, meaning it was autonomous in internal matters but subject to British control in areas like defence, foreign policy, and trade.

5. Military and Strategic Importance:

• Baramula held immense military significance due to its location at the western gateway to the Kashmir Valley. The town was a key point for British and Dogra military forces, who were concerned about defending Kashmir from external threats, particularly from the northwest frontier.
• The British were interested in the region because of its proximity to Central Asia and its strategic value in the context of the Great Game, the geopolitical rivalry between Britain and Russia.

6. Infrastructure and Transportation:

• The Jhelum River was a major transportation route, and Baramula’s position along its banks made it a hub for river-based transport. Goods and people often travelled by boats on the Jhelum, which connected Baramula to Srinagar and further south to Jammu.
• The town was connected to Srinagar and other parts of the valley by roads, although travel by horseback, carriage, and boats were the primary means of transportation. The British had built and maintained key infrastructure, such as roads and bridges across the Jhelum, to ensure the efficient movement of goods and troops.

7. Population and Demographics:

• Baramula’s population was predominantly Muslim, but the town also had small Hindu and Sikh minorities. The Kashmiri Muslims living in Baramula primarily engaged in agriculture and trade, while the Hindu community, particularly the Pandits, played a prominent role in administration and religious affairs.
• The town’s demographic composition reflected the wider pattern of Jammu and Kashmir, where the Muslim majority coexisted with Hindu and Sikh minorities in a relatively peaceful but socially stratified environment.

8. Climate and Environment:

• The climate of Baramula, like much of the Kashmir Valley, was marked by cold winters with snowfall, followed by mild and pleasant summers. In 1911, Baramula would have experienced seasonal changes typical of the region, with agriculture and trade heavily dependent on the weather patterns.
• The surrounding landscape was a mixture of lush green fields, forests, and mountainous terrain, making it both an agriculturally productive area and a scenic one.

Conclusion:

In 1911, Baramula was a town of great strategic, economic, and cultural importance in the Kashmir Valley. Its location along the Jhelum River made it a vital hub for trade and transportation, while its position at the entrance to the valley gave it military and geopolitical significance. The town was a mix of Muslim, Hindu, and Sikh communities, with a rich cultural and religious life dominated by Sufi traditions. Under the influence of the Dogra rulers and British oversight, Baramula was a key part of the political and economic framework of Jammu and Kashmir in the early 20th century.

Gulmarg In 1911: A Short Description

In 1911, Gulmarg, located in the Kashmir Valley, was a well-established hill station and summer retreat for both the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and British officials. Known for its stunning landscapes, lush meadows, and cool climate, Gulmarg had become a popular destination for visitors escaping the heat of the Indian plains.

1. Geographical Location and Climate:

• Gulmarg, meaning “Meadow of Flowers,” is situated at an elevation of about 2,650 metres (8,694 feet) in the Pir Panjal Range of the western Himalayas. Its high altitude and picturesque location made it an ideal summer retreat.
• The area was known for its mild summers and snow-covered winters, offering a cool respite from the scorching summer heat in the plains of Punjab and other parts of British India. Its meadows were dotted with wildflowers during the warmer months, making it a scenic and desirable getaway.

2. Role as a Hill Station:

• By 1911, Gulmarg had already become a favourite summer destination for the British elite, colonial administrators, and officers stationed in India. It was known as a hill station, akin to other popular spots like Simla, Darjeeling, and Nainital, where the British would retreat to escape the heat.
• Gulmarg was particularly favoured by British army officers, who often travelled there with their families during the summer months. The station was also a retreat for the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, who used Gulmarg as a royal summer residence.

3. Recreational Activities:

• One of Gulmarg’s key attractions by 1911 was its use as a hub for recreational sports, especially during the summer months. Polo, in particular, was extremely popular, and Gulmarg boasted some of the highest polo grounds in the world. The British cavalry officers stationed in India were particularly fond of playing polo in the expansive meadows of Gulmarg.
• Golf was another popular pastime. The Gulmarg Golf Course, established in the late 19th century, was one of the highest in the world, and by 1911, it had become a central feature of the town. British officers and officials, as well as Indian aristocrats, frequented the golf course during the summer months.
• During the winter months, Gulmarg also became a hub for skiing and sledging. Although skiing was not yet as developed as it would become later in the 20th century, early forms of winter sports were already taking place.

4. British Influence and Tourism:

• British tourists and officials formed the majority of visitors to Gulmarg in 1911. As the British elite travelled to Kashmir, Gulmarg became a vital part of their tourism circuit, offering scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and luxury accommodations.
• Gulmarg’s growing popularity as a tourist destination led to the construction of bungalows, cottages, and even hotels that catered to the needs of wealthy British tourists and Indian nobility. These were typically used in the summer months, as the colder winters made Gulmarg less accessible.
• The British presence also introduced colonial architecture in some of the structures built around Gulmarg, reflecting the style and preferences of the British elite of the time.

5. Access and Infrastructure:

• Access to Gulmarg in 1911 was primarily via Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, located about 50 km (31 miles) away. Visitors would typically travel from Srinagar to Tangmarg, and from there, a steep ascent to Gulmarg would be made by horseback, palanquins, or ponies due to the lack of modern roads.
• Although there were no railways directly serving Gulmarg, the British made improvements to roads and pathways, enabling easier access to the hill station. Travel to Gulmarg required considerable effort, but this did not deter the affluent visitors who made the journey each summer.

6. Social and Cultural Scene:

• Gulmarg in 1911 had a distinct social atmosphere, dominated by the British elite and Indian aristocrats. It was a place for social gatherings, sporting events, and diplomatic interactions. The summer months saw the arrival of numerous officials, military personnel, and their families, all seeking respite from the heat and engaging in recreational activities.
• Garden parties, high-society gatherings, and sporting events like polo matches were common, adding to the lively summer atmosphere. Gulmarg became a centre for social life in the Kashmir Valley during the British colonial period.

7. Natural Beauty and Scenic Views:

• Gulmarg’s natural beauty was one of its most remarkable features in 1911, as it remains today. The expansive meadows, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, created a stunning backdrop that attracted visitors from far and wide.
• From Gulmarg, visitors could enjoy spectacular views of Nanga Parbat, one of the highest peaks in the world. The serene landscape, fresh air, and blooming wildflowers made it a favourite destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity.
• Forests of pine and fir surrounded the town, adding to its charm and creating a peaceful environment for visitors.

8. Winter Activities:

• Although Gulmarg was primarily a summer retreat, by 1911, early forms of winter sports had begun to take root. Skiing, though not as developed as it is today, was being introduced by British residents and officers. Sledging and other winter activities made Gulmarg a potential winter destination, even though infrastructure for large-scale tourism in the winter months was not yet fully developed.

Conclusion:

In 1911, Gulmarg was a flourishing hill station and a major tourist destination in the Kashmir Valley, catering to the needs of the British elite and Indian royalty. Its scenic beauty, combined with its reputation as a hub for polo, golf, and other recreational sports, made it one of the most popular hill stations in British India. With its cool climate, picturesque meadows, and stunning views of the Himalayas, Gulmarg continued to attract visitors during the summer months, offering a blend of relaxation, social activities, and outdoor sports. Its role as a social hub for the colonial elite and its natural charm made Gulmarg a unique and important part of Kashmir’s history in the early 20th century.

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.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220

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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