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

Burrard, Colonel S. G.

£500.00

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Product Description

KASHMIR AND JAMMU – BARAMULA AND ANANTNAG 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: 1917
Edition: 1st edition of the 1912 edition, updated
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. 4cm closed tear to one fold line. Ring mark to upper margin. Very minor amounts of loss to three corners of fold lines. Reverse is blank with very minor age toning and marks. In original and unrestored condition. Exceptionally scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220

Description:

A detailed map showing the area of Srinagar and its 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 locations of a silk factory, race course, rifle range, cavalry lines, floating gardens and a distillery are shown in Srinagar. The JISC Library hub finds no copies British institutional libraries.

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

The 1911 Survey of Baramulla and Anantnag Districts, conducted under the direction of Colonel Sidney Gerald Burrard, then Surveyor General of India, was part of a broader effort by the Survey of India to map and document the topography, geography, and socio-economic aspects of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The results of this survey were published in 1912 and were essential for British administrative and military purposes. Here’s an overview of what such a survey would likely have included:

1. Geographical and Topographical Mapping:

  • Baramulla and Anantnag Districts were among the most important regions in the Kashmir Valley. Baramulla, in the northwest of the valley, was a key point on the trade routes to Central Asia and had strategic importance due to its proximity to the Jhelum River.
  • Anantnag, located in the south-eastern part of the valley, was known for its fertile lands and natural resources, including springs and water bodies. The survey would have focused on documenting the physical landscape, including mountain ranges, rivers (such as the Jhelum), valleys, forests, and agricultural land.
  • Detailed topographical maps would have been created, showing elevation, terrain, and important geographical features that would assist in everything from land management to military planning. The Survey of India was known for its precision in these matters, using the latest surveying techniques of the time, such as triangulation.

2. Administrative and Military Importance:

  • Baramulla District, due to its location along trade routes and proximity to the frontiers with Afghanistan and Central Asia, had strategic military importance. During British rule, understanding the terrain was critical for controlling the region and ensuring the movement of troops and supplies. The 1911 survey would have documented these aspects with a focus on potential military uses.
  • Anantnag District, being agriculturally productive and with access to key water resources, would have been surveyed for its economic potential as well as its strategic positioning within the valley.
  • This survey would have been used by British authorities to maintain control over the region, which was of geopolitical importance due to its location near the Russian Empire, a concern during the era of the Great Game—the strategic rivalry between the British Empire and the Russian Empire in Central Asia.

3. Economic and Agricultural Insights:

  • The survey would have examined the agricultural productivity of the districts, focusing on key crops like rice, wheat, and saffron, which were grown in the fertile soils of the Kashmir Valley.
  • Baramulla, being located in the north-western part of the valley, had fertile plains along the Jhelum River, where agriculture and trade thrived.
  • Anantnag was known for its fertile lands and abundant water sources, including numerous springs, making it a key area for agriculture. The 1911 survey would have provided a detailed account of irrigation systems, crop patterns, and the distribution of agricultural land.

4. Cultural and Demographic Documentation:

  • The survey would have also documented the population distribution in the Baramulla and Anantnag districts, providing insights into the demographic makeup of the region.
  • The religious composition of the population—predominantly Muslim with Hindu minorities, including the Pandit community—would likely have been recorded. This would have been important for the British administrators in understanding local social structures and managing governance.
  • The cultural and religious sites, particularly shrines, mosques, and temples, would have been noted, given their importance in the social fabric of the region.

5. Infrastructure and Development:

  • The 1911 survey would have included an examination of existing infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and trade routes. Baramulla, being a gateway for trade, would have been important for the movement of goods between the Kashmir Valley and Central Asia.
  • In Anantnag, the infrastructure that supported agriculture, such as irrigation systems, would have been of interest. The region’s water resources, including springs and rivers, were critical for sustaining agricultural production, and their management would have been a key focus of the survey.
  • The British were keen to develop infrastructure that would support both the economic exploitation of the region’s resources and the strategic control of its territory.

6. Climate and Environmental Observations:

  • The survey was conducted in 1911, and it would have included observations on the climate of the two districts. This was critical for understanding the agricultural cycles, potential for future development, and military logistics.
  • Detailed records on seasonal variations, including temperature, rainfall, and snowfall, would have been kept, as these factors had a direct impact on both the economy and the movement of troops.

Conclusion:

The 1911 Survey of Baramulla and Anantnag Districts was a significant endeavour under the guidance of Colonel S.G. Burrard. It provided the British administration with a detailed and practical understanding of the geographical, economic, and social landscape of these important districts in the Kashmir Valley. The survey’s findings would have been crucial for the governance of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as for the military and strategic interests of the British Empire during the period of high imperialism and rivalry with Russia.

This report, published in 1912, remains a key historical document that contributed to the body of knowledge about Kashmir and its importance during the early 20th century.

Srinagar In 1911: A Short Description

In 1911, Srinagar, the summer capital of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, was a significant cultural, administrative, and economic centre in the Kashmir Valley. At the time, the region was under the rule of Maharaja Pratap Singh, part of the Dogra Dynasty, which governed the state under British suzerainty.

Key Aspects of Srinagar in 1911:

1. Political and Administrative Context:

  • Maharaja Pratap Singh (r. 1885–1925) ruled the princely state, but, like other princely states under British India, his authority was subject to British oversight. A British Resident was stationed in Srinagar to ensure that the Maharaja’s administration aligned with British colonial interests.
  • Srinagar served as the summer capital due to its cooler climate, while Jammu was the winter capital. During the summer months, the state’s administration, including the royal court, shifted to Srinagar, making it the political hub of the region.
  • The city, being strategically located and at the centre of the beautiful Kashmir Valley, attracted not only the ruling elite but also British officials and tourists, particularly during the summer season.

2. Economic and Social Life:

  • Handicrafts: Srinagar was renowned for its traditional handicrafts, particularly pashmina shawls, silk, and carpets. These goods were highly sought after by both local and international buyers, making Srinagar an important hub for trade in the region.
  • The silk industry in Srinagar was an essential part of the local economy, and the city was a key centre for the production and export of silk fabrics, supported by the Maharaja’s policies to promote this industry.
  • Agriculture: The surrounding fertile valley supported agriculture, with rice being the staple crop. Srinagar’s proximity to the Dal Lake and other water bodies also supported the cultivation of crops such as saffron and vegetables.
  • Houseboats: By 1911, houseboats on Dal Lake had become popular among British residents and tourists. These floating homes, initially established to circumvent the restrictions on foreigners buying land in Kashmir, became iconic symbols of Srinagar’s landscape.

3. Architecture and City Layout:

  • Srinagar’s architecture reflected a mix of Mughal, Kashmiri, and Dogra influences. The city was known for its gardens, such as the famous Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, which were Mughal-era gardens built by Emperor Jahangir in the 17th century.
  • The Jhelum River flowed through the city, and many houses were built along its banks. The river was vital for transportation and trade, and boats were a common mode of travel within the city.
  • Religious and Cultural Sites: Srinagar was home to significant religious and cultural monuments, including the Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in the city, and the Shankaracharya Temple, a prominent Hindu shrine located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city.

4. Population and Demographics:

  • Srinagar had a predominantly Muslim population, with a significant minority of Hindu Pandits (Kashmiri Brahmins) and a small number of Sikhs and Buddhists.
  • The population in 1911 was diverse in its cultural and religious makeup, with Islam being the dominant religion. The city had a long history of Sufi traditions and religious syncretism, with several important Sufi shrines, such as the Hazratbal Shrine and Dastgeer Sahib.

5. British Influence and Tourism:

  • Srinagar was a popular destination for British officials and their families, especially during the summer. The British Resident in Kashmir, stationed in Srinagar, played an influential role in local governance, often advising the Maharaja on key decisions.
  • British tourists and officials, attracted by the scenic beauty of the Kashmir Valley, stayed in houseboats on Dal Lake and visited the region’s famous Mughal gardens. By 1911, Kashmir had already gained a reputation as the “Paradise on Earth” for its natural beauty.
  • The British introduced some infrastructure improvements, including roads and bridges, to facilitate travel to and within the city. However, the overall development was limited, as much of the focus was on maintaining control rather than investing in the region’s modernization.

6. Education and Modernisation:

  • While modern education was still in its early stages, the Dogra rulers had established some schools in the region, though access to education remained largely restricted to the elite. The state had a traditional system of madrasas (Islamic schools), as well as Hindu educational institutions for the Pandit community.
  • Efforts to modernize Srinagar’s infrastructure were gradual. Although roads, bridges, and public works were constructed, these were primarily designed to benefit the ruling class and British officials. The general population, especially the Muslim peasantry, continued to face social and economic hardships.

7. Climate and Environmental Features:

  • Srinagar’s climate, with its pleasant summers and cold winters, was a defining feature of the city. In 1911, the city would have experienced its typical seasonal variation, with snow in winter and a warm, moderate climate in summer, attracting both residents and visitors.
  • The city’s location near Dal Lake, the Jhelum River, and the surrounding mountains made it an important place for agriculture, fishing, and local trade.

Conclusion:

In 1911, Srinagar was a vibrant yet politically complex city, balancing its traditional role as the capital of Kashmir with the growing presence and influence of the British colonial administration. The city’s scenic beauty, cultural richness, and economic activities made it the heart of the Kashmir Valley. However, beneath the surface, economic inequality and the dominance of the Dogra rulers over the Muslim-majority population were growing tensions that would later become more pronounced in the political movements of the 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.

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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