NORTH WEST FRONTIER PROVINCE KASHMIR AND JAMMU – HAZARA MUZAFFARABAD DISTRICTS SEASONS 1908-1909 – PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COLONEL F B LONGE SURVEYOR GENERAL OF INDIA 1910

Surveyor General: Colonel F. B. Longe
Publisher: The Survey Of India, Calcutta
Price: £400
Publication Date: 1916
Edition: First edition, 1st reprint.
Format: Heliozincograph
Condition: Good condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 77.8cm x 97.8cm
Scale: 1 inch to 1 miles: 1:63360

Condition:

Original fold lines into 36 sections with minor age toning and marks. Backed on linen. Quite worn to the corner folds with some loss. 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:

Corrected to 1916. A detailed map, numbered 43 F/3,4,7,8. Cart tracks and camel-tracks are also shown along with mule-paths and footpaths. The key is useful, showing camping grounds, forts, watch-towers, mines and deserted villages. Settlements and towns include Muzaffarabad, Dhamtaur, Rajoia, Garbi Habibullah, Giddarpur, Baffa and the Abbottabad Cantonment. The JISC Library hub finds no copies British institutional libraries.

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

The 1908-1909 Survey of Hazara and Muzaffarabad Districts, published by the Survey of India in 1910, was a detailed cartographic and topographical project focusing on two key districts of British India in the north-western frontier: Hazara (in present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) and Muzaffarabad (in present-day Azad Jammu and Kashmir). This survey was part of a broader British effort to map the strategically important areas along the north-western frontier, which held significance for both administrative control and military strategy, especially given the geopolitical context of the time.

1. Geographical Scope:

• Hazara District: This district, now part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was of strategic importance due to its location between the Peshawar Valley and Kashmir, bordered by the Indus River to the west and the Himalayan foothills to the north. The survey would have detailed the rugged mountainous terrain, valleys, and rivers that characterised this region.
• Muzaffarabad District: Located on the border between Kashmir and British India, Muzaffarabad was key to controlling access to the Kashmir Valley. The district lies along the confluence of the Neelum River and the Jhelum River, and the survey would have captured its hilly terrain, river systems, and trade routes linking Kashmir to the Punjab plains.

2. Military and Strategic Importance:

• Both Hazara and Muzaffarabad were critical for British India’s defence and control of the north-western frontier. The survey was likely conducted to support military planning, given the ongoing Great Game rivalry between the British and Russian Empires over influence in Central Asia.
• Muzaffarabad was a key point for accessing the Kashmir Valley and controlling routes that connected Kashmir to Punjab and Afghanistan. The British wanted to ensure the security of these routes, particularly in the context of potential threats from Russian advances or local tribal uprisings.
• Hazara, situated near the Indus River, was also important for maintaining control over the volatile tribal areas and ensuring the defence of India’s northern borders.

3. Topographical and Geographical Mapping:

• The survey would have employed triangulation methods and other geodetic techniques to produce detailed topographical maps of these regions, including information on elevation, terrain features, rivers, passes, and valleys.
• Rivers such as the Jhelum, Neelum, and Indus were crucial to the survey, as they served both as natural barriers and transportation routes. The mapping of these rivers and their confluences would have been key for both administrative control and military logistics.

4. Infrastructure and Transport:

• The survey included details about the roads, bridges, and mountain passes connecting these districts to the rest of British India. This infrastructure was crucial for moving troops, supplies, and trade caravans between the Kashmir Valley and the Punjab plains.
• Muzaffarabad was a major stopping point for traders and travellers coming from Srinagar and heading towards Rawalpindi or further west into Afghanistan. Ensuring the maintenance and security of these routes was a high priority for British authorities.

5. Economic and Social Data:

• While primarily focused on the topography, the survey would have also documented the local economy, noting agricultural practices, land use, and population distribution. Both Hazara and Muzaffarabad were rural, agricultural districts with a significant portion of their economies based on subsistence farming, livestock rearing, and local trade.
• Muzaffarabad served as a key trading centre, particularly for goods traveling between Kashmir and Punjab. The survey likely noted the flow of agricultural products, wool, pashmina, and timber.

6. Cultural and Demographic Insights:

• Muzaffarabad had a predominantly Muslim population, with a mix of ethnic groups including Gujjars and Paharis. The survey recorded the distribution of villages, religious sites, and settlements, providing insight into the social structure of the region.
• Hazara also had a majority Muslim population, with various tribal groups inhabiting the district. The British were particularly interested in understanding the tribal dynamics of the region, as these areas were often difficult to govern due to their semi-autonomous tribal structures.

7. Geopolitical Context:

• The survey took place during a period of heightened geopolitical tension, known as the Great Game, a struggle for dominance in Central Asia between the British and Russian Empires. Both Hazara and Muzaffarabad, located on the north-western frontier of British India, were seen as critical areas for maintaining control over this region and guarding against potential incursions by Russian forces.
• The British were also concerned about local tribal uprisings and the threat of instability in the frontier regions. Mapping these districts was part of a broader effort to ensure that British forces could move quickly and effectively in the event of conflict.

Conclusion:

The 1908-1909 Survey of Hazara and Muzaffarabad, published in 1910, was an important project for British India’s military, strategic, and administrative objectives. It provided detailed topographical and geographical data that was critical for controlling the north-western frontier, ensuring the security of key trade and military routes, and understanding the local social and economic structures. This survey, part of the broader efforts of the Survey of India, played a significant role in the British Empire’s control over the volatile frontiers bordering Afghanistan, Tibet, and Central Asia.

Muzaffarabad: A Brief Description

In 1916, Muzaffarabad, located at the confluence of the Jhelum and Neelum Rivers, was part of the Jammu and Kashmir princely state, which was under British suzerainty but ruled by the Dogra Maharajas. Muzaffarabad served as the administrative centre of the Muzaffarabad District and was strategically important due to its location near the borders of British India and its position as a gateway to the Kashmir Valley.

1. Geopolitical Context:

• Muzaffarabad was a crucial frontier town for British India due to its proximity to the volatile North-West Frontier and its location along the route connecting Kashmir to Punjab.
• At this time, the British Empire was deeply concerned about the stability of its frontiers, especially given the ongoing World War I (1914–1918). Although the war had limited direct impact on Muzaffarabad, the region’s military importance as a link between British India and Kashmir was significant. The British were keen to secure their northern borders and maintain influence in this strategic region.

2. Strategic and Military Importance:

• Muzaffarabad was a key stopping point for British military and civil administration en route to the Kashmir Valley. It was also significant for controlling the Zojila Pass, a vital connection between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
• The town’s position at the convergence of the Jhelum and Neelum Rivers made it a natural hub for transportation and communication, especially along the route from Srinagar to Rawalpindi and Peshawar.
• The British maintained a presence in the area through local Dogra officials, but they had significant oversight of military movements and the infrastructure used to transport goods and personnel across this border region.

3. Economic Activity:

• In 1916, Muzaffarabad’s economy was primarily based on agriculture, trade, and local handicrafts. The fertile valleys surrounding the town supported the cultivation of rice, wheat, and maize, while its position along trade routes facilitated commerce.
• Local markets would have seen goods such as wool, pashmina, and timber pass through the town, linking Kashmir’s resources with other parts of British India. Trade caravans frequently passed through Muzaffarabad on their way to Srinagar or Punjab.
• Sheep herding and wool production were significant economic activities, with wool and pashmina being key exports from the region.

4. Infrastructure and Transportation:

• During this period, Muzaffarabad had basic infrastructure to support trade and movement. Roads connected the town to Srinagar in the east and Rawalpindi in the west. The road to Kohala, where the Kohala Bridge spanned the Jhelum River, was one of the main routes into Punjab.
• Travel in 1916 was still relatively slow and limited by the region’s rugged terrain. Pony tracks, caravans, and riverboats were common modes of transport. Bridges over the Jhelum and Neelum Rivers were critical for maintaining the flow of goods and people.
• While railway infrastructure had expanded in other parts of British India, Muzaffarabad and its surrounding regions remained dependent on roads and river routes for transportation.

5. Cultural and Social Life:

• Muzaffarabad had a predominantly Muslim population, with a smaller presence of Hindus and Sikhs. The local culture was heavily influenced by Islamic traditions, with mosques and Sufi shrines playing a central role in daily life.
• Sufi practices were particularly significant in Muzaffarabad, with Sufi saints and their shrines acting as spiritual centres for the local population. Religious festivals such as Eid and Mawlid (the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth) were important community events.
• The Gujjar and Pahari ethnic groups were predominant in the region, and nomadic pastoralism was common. The Gujjars, in particular, were known for their seasonal migrations with their herds between highland pastures and lowland valleys.
• Local handicrafts, such as woollen textiles and carpets, were produced in small quantities and traded both locally and in nearby towns.

6. Administrative Context:

• Muzaffarabad was under the rule of the Dogra Maharajas of Jammu and Kashmir, but the region was heavily influenced by British oversight, particularly in matters of defence and trade. The British Resident in Srinagar played an important role in advising the Dogra ruler and ensuring that British interests were maintained in strategic regions like Muzaffarabad.
• The Dogra administration, while nominally in control, often relied on local officials to govern Muzaffarabad, as it was geographically distant from the political centers of Jammu and Srinagar. The region was administered in a way that accommodated local customs and tribal leadership while ensuring the continued collection of taxes and maintaining law and order.

7. Climate and Environment:

• Muzaffarabad experiences a temperate climate, with cold winters and mild summers. The region’s rivers and mountain streams supported the local agriculture, and the surrounding mountains provided a dramatic backdrop to the town.
• In 1916, Muzaffarabad would have been surrounded by forests and fertile valleys, making it an attractive area for farming and grazing. The Jhelum River was a key feature of the landscape, essential for the town’s economy and as a transport route.

8. Role in the Great Game:

• Although the Great Game (the geopolitical rivalry between Britain and Russia) had largely subsided by 1916, Muzaffarabad remained an important town due to its location on the north-western frontier of British India.
• The British kept a close eye on movements in this region, as the nearby Afghan border and the proximity to Central Asia still made it a sensitive area for imperial defence. The British sought to maintain stability in these frontier areas, which were prone to tribal conflicts and external threats.

Conclusion:

In 1916, Muzaffarabad was a key town on the north-western frontier of British India and Jammu and Kashmir. Strategically located, it served as an important link between Kashmir and Punjab, facilitating trade and acting as a vital point for military oversight. While under the Dogra Maharajas, the region was influenced by British political and military interests, particularly in relation to frontier defence. The local economy was largely agricultural, with trade routes playing a significant role in the movement of goods, while the town itself reflected the Islamic culture and traditions of its predominantly Muslim population.

Abbottabad Cantonment: A Brief Description

In 1916, Abbottabad Cantonment was a prominent British military garrison located in the Hazara District of the North-West Frontier Province (now in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan). The cantonment, established by the British in 1853, was named after Major James Abbott, a British officer who played a significant role in the administration and pacification of the Hazara region. By 1916, the cantonment had developed into a key military and administrative centre for British operations in the frontier regions, playing an important role in overseeing the volatile tribal areas and supporting the British control of the northwestern frontier.

1. Strategic Importance:

• Abbottabad Cantonment was strategically situated in the Orash Valley at an elevation of about 1,256 metres (4,120 feet) above sea level, providing a temperate climate that was well-suited for a British garrison. Its location between Rawalpindi and the Khyber Pass made it a vital hub for the British military, especially in maintaining control over the North-West Frontier.
• The cantonment served as a base for British forces who were tasked with overseeing the frontier areas, particularly in ensuring the security of the region against tribal uprisings, insurgencies, and incursions from Afghanistan. The Afghan border, just to the northwest, was of significant concern to the British, especially given the geopolitical tensions of the time, including the Great Game between Britain and Russia.
• The cantonment’s position allowed British forces to monitor and manage access to the mountainous regions and passes, such as the Karakoram and Himalayas, which were important for trade and military movements.

2. Military Role:

• In 1916, Abbottabad was home to a substantial British garrison that included both British and Indian troops. The cantonment was the headquarters for a number of British infantry and cavalry regiments, as well as local levies and frontier forces. The Punjab Regiments were frequently stationed here, along with other units responsible for safeguarding British interests on the North-West Frontier.
• Abbottabad Cantonment served as a staging post for military expeditions into the tribal areas and for maintaining the stability of British control over the region. The garrison was involved in frontier policing, protecting trade routes, and responding to threats posed by local tribes who resisted British rule.
• The North-West Frontier was often a site of conflict, with Pashtun tribal revolts being a common occurrence. The troops stationed in Abbottabad were often deployed to deal with these skirmishes, as well as larger conflicts that arose from the region’s complex tribal dynamics.

3. Infrastructure and Layout:

• Abbottabad Cantonment was well-developed by 1916, featuring the typical infrastructure of a British military station, including barracks, officers’ messes, and administrative buildings. The layout of the cantonment followed the standard British design, with bungalows for officers, separate living quarters for soldiers, and other facilities such as hospitals, schools, and churches.
• The cantonment was also home to a military parade ground, drill halls, and stables for the cavalry regiments stationed there. Military drills and parades were a regular feature of life in the cantonment, reflecting the disciplined structure of British military life in the region.
• The Abbottabad Bazaar was an essential part of the cantonment, where local traders sold goods to British soldiers and officers. The bazaar was a lively commercial centre, providing both the British and the local population with necessary supplies.

4. Climate and Recreational Use:

• The relatively mild climate of Abbottabad, with cooler summers compared to the plains of Punjab, made the cantonment an attractive location for British officers and their families, especially during the hot summer months. Many British officials stationed in the region preferred Abbottabad to other, hotter garrisons due to its more temperate weather.
• The cantonment served as a hill station for British officials and their families, who often retreated to the region to escape the heat of the Indian plains. Abbottabad’s scenic location in the Himalayan foothills provided opportunities for hiking, hunting, and recreational sports, which were popular among British officers.
• Polo and cricket were frequently played in Abbottabad, and social gatherings were held in the officers’ messes, where British officials and their families engaged in the same leisure activities as they would in other cantonments across India.

5. Role During World War I:

• By 1916, World War I was in full swing, and Abbottabad Cantonment played a supporting role in the broader British war effort. Troops stationed at Abbottabad were either sent to the Western Front or deployed to other theatres of war within British India, particularly for defence duties along the frontier with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Many of the Indian regiments based in Abbottabad, including those from the Punjab, were mobilised to fight in Europe, Mesopotamia, and East Africa during the war. The cantonment would have been involved in the training and preparation of troops for these deployments, and Abbottabad’s strategic location made it a key logistical base for moving men and supplies.

6. Social and Cultural Life:

• Life in Abbottabad Cantonment was marked by the typical social hierarchy and structure of British colonial life. The officer class and their families enjoyed a relatively comfortable existence, with access to clubs, sports facilities, and social events, while the Indian soldiers and local population were largely segregated into different quarters.
• The presence of schools for British children, Christian churches, and social clubs for British officers ensured that the cultural life of the cantonment mirrored that of other British stations across India. Officers’ wives were often involved in organising charity events and community gatherings.
• The local population, including the Gujjars and Pashtuns, lived in nearby villages and interacted with the cantonment primarily through trade and employment. Many locals worked as servants, labourers, or provided goods and services to the British community.

7. Legacy:

• Abbottabad Cantonment continued to play a significant role in the British administration of the North-West Frontier Province throughout the early 20th century. Its military importance persisted until the end of British rule in India, after which Abbottabad remained a key military station for Pakistan after independence in 1947.
• Today, Abbottabad retains much of its colonial-era charm and continues to serve as a military base for the Pakistan Army, maintaining its historical significance as a military hub in the region.

Conclusion:

In 1916, Abbottabad Cantonment was a vital British military garrison and administrative centre in the North-West Frontier Province. Its strategic importance, scenic location, and temperate climate made it a key base for overseeing British operations along the frontier. The cantonment played a critical role in maintaining British control over the volatile tribal regions and served as a support base for World War I efforts, all while offering British officers and their families a semblance of English life amidst the challenges of colonial service in the north-western reaches of the British Empire.

Colonel F B Longe: A Short Biography

Colonel F. B. Longe was a British Army officer and a member of the Royal Engineers, known for his involvement with the Survey of India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He made notable contributions to the field of surveying and mapping, especially in relation to the strategic regions of British India, including frontier areas like Kashmir and parts of the North-West Frontier Province (now part of Pakistan).

Although there is limited detailed biographical information readily available about Colonel Longe, he is frequently mentioned in historical accounts and reports related to the Survey of India, particularly for his role in conducting surveys and producing accurate maps in challenging terrains.

Key Contributions:

1. Surveying Expertise:
   • Colonel F. B. Longe was known for his expertise in geodetic surveying and topographical mapping, which was critical in the context of British India’s complex and often rugged geography.
   • His work involved overseeing the creation of detailed maps of frontier regions, which were of immense importance to the British Empire for military, administrative, and strategic purposes.
2. Involvement in the Survey of India:
   • During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Survey of India was engaged in a number of important projects aimed at mapping remote and strategically sensitive areas, particularly those bordering Afghanistan, Tibet, and Central Asia. Colonel Longe’s role in these efforts would have been significant, as accurate mapping was essential for both military planning and governance.
   • His work likely contributed to the surveying and mapping of regions such as Kashmir, Ladakh, and the North-West Frontier, areas that were key in the geopolitical contest known as the Great Game between the British Empire and Russia.
3. Collaboration with Notable Surveyors:
   • Colonel F. B. Longe worked alongside other prominent figures in the Survey of India, such as Colonel S. G. Burrard and Colonel C. H. D. Ryder, who were involved in significant surveying projects in Tibet, Ladakh, and the Himalayan region.
   • His expertise would have been invaluable in executing complex surveys involving triangulation and geodetic measurement, often in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
4. Role in Military Strategy:
   • As an officer of the Royal Engineers, Colonel Longe’s work in surveying was not limited to civilian or scientific pursuits. The British military heavily relied on accurate maps for the planning of troop movements, fortifications, and the defence of frontiers, particularly in regions prone to tribal uprisings or foreign incursions.
   • The North-West Frontier, where he was likely active, was an area of constant military engagement, with British forces needing detailed maps to navigate the challenging terrain and maintain control over the volatile region.

Legacy:

Colonel F. B. Longe’s contributions to the Survey of India helped solidify British control over some of the most difficult and strategically important regions of the Indian subcontinent. His work in mapping, surveying, and geodetic triangulation played a key role in the British Empire’s ability to govern and defend its frontiers during a time of geopolitical tension.

Whilst detailed records of his specific projects are not widely known, his involvement in these significant surveys reflect his importance as a military surveyor in one of the most challenging and complex colonial environments of his time.

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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