KASHMIR AND JAMMU – BARAMULA & LADAKH DISTRICTS SEASON 1912 – PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COLONEL S G BURRARD SURVEYOR GENERAL OF INDIA 1915

Surveyor General: Colonel S. G. Burrard
Publisher: The Survey Of India, Calcutta
Price: £100
Publication Date: 1915
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. Pencil marks in red to margins giving a location of a camp and the location of a shooting of a bear in 1927. In good, original and unrestored condition. Exceptionally scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220 002454

Description:

A detailed map, numbered 43 N/2. 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 Baramula and Ladakh Districts: A Short Description

The 1912 Survey of Baramulla and Ladakh districts provides a fascinating snapshot of two very different but equally significant regions in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. These regions, separated by vast geographical, climatic, and cultural differences, had strategic, economic, and historical importance during the British colonial period. Here’s a detailed exploration of the key features and insights from such a survey:

Geographical Overview

Baramulla District

• Location: Baramulla lies in the Kashmir Valley, on the banks of the Jhelum River, to the northwest of Srinagar. It acts as the gateway between the Kashmir Valley and the routes leading to Muzaffarabad (in present-day Pakistan) and the North-West Frontier.
• Terrain: The district is characterised by its relatively fertile valley floor, surrounded by the Pir Panjal and Himalayan mountain ranges. Baramulla’s terrain transitions from flat agricultural land near the river to more rugged hills and mountains as one moves towards the higher altitudes.
• Climate: Baramulla has a temperate climate, with cold winters and warm summers. Snowfall is common in the winter months, especially in the higher elevations.

Ladakh District

• Location: Ladakh lies to the northeast of Kashmir, stretching across the vast trans-Himalayan region. It includes parts of the Ladakh Range, Zanskar Range, and Karakoram Range, encompassing some of the most remote and high-altitude regions in the world.
• Terrain: Ladakh is primarily a high-altitude desert, with rugged mountains, deep valleys, and few water sources. The Indus River is the main waterway in Ladakh, flowing from Tibet through the region. The altitude of much of Ladakh exceeds 3,000 metres (9,800 feet), with several areas reaching over 5,000 metres (16,400 feet).
• Climate: Ladakh experiences an extreme cold desert climate, with long, harsh winters where temperatures can drop well below freezing, and short, warm summers. Precipitation is minimal, as the high mountains block the monsoon rains.

Economic and Agricultural Overview

Baramulla District

• Agriculture: Baramulla’s fertile valley and proximity to the Jhelum River made it an important agricultural region. The district was a major producer of rice, maize, wheat, and barley, much like other parts of the Kashmir Valley. The rich alluvial soil supported a variety of crops, with the main growing season lasting from spring to early autumn.
• Horticulture: Baramulla was also known for its apple orchards, walnut trees, and other fruit-bearing plants. The agricultural produce was often transported along the Jhelum River to Srinagar and further to Punjab.
• Timber: The surrounding forests of the Pir Panjal Range supplied valuable timber, which was floated down the Jhelum River to the plains. Timber extraction was a significant industry in Baramulla, and the 1912 survey likely detailed forest management practices.

Ladakh District

• Agriculture: Agriculture in Ladakh was limited due to the harsh climatic conditions and lack of water. However, small patches of land, particularly along the Indus River, were cultivated for barley, millet, and peas, which could grow in the short summer growing season.
• Animal Husbandry: Given the limited agricultural potential, animal husbandry was a more significant economic activity. The Ladakhis reared yak, sheep, goats, and pashmina goats, the latter producing the valuable pashmina wool used to make fine Kashmiri shawls. Pashmina wool was one of the key exports from Ladakh.
• Trade Routes: Ladakh’s economy was historically based on trade, as it sat along the ancient Silk Road routes connecting India, Tibet, and Central Asia. The 1912 survey likely noted Ladakh’s role as a trading post for goods such as wool, textiles, spices, and tea moving between these regions.

Strategic and Military Significance

Baramulla District

• Gateway to the North-West Frontier: Baramulla held strategic importance as the last major town before entering the rugged terrain that led to Muzaffarabad and the tribal areas of the North-West Frontier Province. Its location made it crucial for both trade and military movement.
• Jhelum Valley Road: The Jhelum Valley Road, one of the most important routes connecting Srinagar with Rawalpindi and the plains, passed through Baramulla. This road was vital for transporting goods and troops, and the 1912 survey would have focused on documenting this strategic infrastructure.
• British Military Presence: While Baramulla was not a major military base in itself, its proximity to strategic passes and routes meant that the British kept a keen eye on the district’s infrastructure and local population. The survey would likely have detailed military outposts, garrisons, and forts in the vicinity.

Ladakh District

• Border Region: Ladakh’s remote location on the borders with Tibet and China made it a region of strategic interest for the British. The rugged terrain and harsh climate limited large-scale military operations, but Ladakh was nonetheless important for monitoring potential threats from the north and east.
• Trade and Defence Routes: Ladakh’s role as a crossroads of ancient trade routes also made it strategically valuable. Control over Ladakh helped the British monitor and protect the trade routes that connected India with Tibet and Central Asia.
• Military Posts: Although sparsely populated, the 1912 survey would have included references to military posts and observation points along key routes, particularly around Leh, the capital of Ladakh.

Cultural and Religious Context

Baramulla District

• Religious Diversity: Baramulla was a diverse district, home to a population of Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. It was an important cultural centre with a long history of religious harmony.
• Religious Sites: The town was known for its mosques, temples, and gurdwaras, reflecting the district’s multi-religious character. The 1912 survey would likely have noted important religious and historical sites, including shrines and places of pilgrimage.
• Cultural Life: The survey may have also detailed the district’s role in Kashmiri handicrafts, particularly the weaving of carpets, shawls, and other textiles, which were traded in Srinagar and beyond.

Ladakh District

• Buddhist Culture: Ladakh, by contrast, was predominantly Buddhist, with Tibetan Buddhism being the dominant religion. The region is known for its monasteries (gompas), many of which date back centuries. Notable monasteries like Hemis, Thiksey, and Alchi are located in the district, and the 1912 survey would have documented these significant religious and cultural landmarks.
• Islamic Influence: The western part of Ladakh, particularly around Kargil, had a significant Muslim population. The survey would likely have noted the religious practices of these communities and the existence of mosques and Islamic cultural practices.
• Monastic Economy: Many of Ladakh’s monasteries played a central role in the local economy, acting as centres for education, agriculture, and trade. The monasteries controlled large tracts of land and were involved in the trade of pashmina wool and other goods.

Transport and Infrastructure

Baramulla District

• Jhelum River: The Jhelum River was the lifeblood of Baramulla, providing transportation, irrigation, and trade routes. Boats were commonly used to transport goods downstream to Srinagar and beyond. The survey would have noted the importance of the river for trade and communication.
• Roads: The 1912 survey would have detailed the roads connecting Baramulla with Srinagar, Muzaffarabad, and other important centres. These roads were crucial for the movement of goods, troops, and local people.

Ladakh District

• Limited Infrastructure: Due to its remote location and harsh environment, Ladakh had very limited infrastructure in 1912. Most travel was on foot or by animal caravan, with routes connecting Leh to Srinagar, Tibet, and Central Asia. The survey would have focused on documenting these ancient trade routes.
• Caravan Trade Routes: Ladakh’s connections to Tibet via Demchok and Central Asia via the Karakoram Pass were critical to its economy. The survey would have likely mapped these routes and assessed the viability of trade during that period.

Environmental and Geographic Challenges

Baramulla District

• Flooding: Like other parts of the Kashmir Valley, Baramulla was prone to seasonal flooding, particularly when the Jhelum River swelled due to snowmelt from the surrounding mountains. The 1912 survey likely recorded water management practices and the impact of floods on agriculture and settlements.
• Mountain Passes: The district’s proximity to the Pir Panjal Range meant that passes through the mountains were crucial for trade and travel, and the survey would have mapped these strategic routes.

Ladakh District

• High Altitude and Harsh Climate: The high altitude and extreme climate of Ladakh posed significant challenges for both the local population and any efforts at infrastructure development. The survey would have noted the lack of arable land, the difficulty of transporting goods across rugged mountain passes, and the need for specific adaptations to survive in such a harsh environment.

Conclusion

The 1912 Survey of Baramulla and Ladakh districts would have provided a detailed account of two vastly different regions within Jammu and Kashmir. Baramulla, with its fertile land, strategic location, and agricultural economy, was an essential district in the Kashmir Valley, while Ladakh, with its high-altitude deserts and trade routes, held strategic importance as a border region. Both regions had unique challenges and opportunities, and the survey would have been invaluable in shaping British and Dogra policies in the area, influencing everything from military strategy to economic development.

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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