1.     Meaning of Surveys

o    Surveys are systematic collections of information about land, people, resources, and customs.

o    From the 19th century, the British carried out many surveys in India.

2.     Types of Surveys

o    Revenue Surveys: To assess land, crops, and taxes.

o    Census Surveys: Counting people and classifying them by caste, religion, language, occupation, etc.

o    Geographical and Botanical Surveys: Mapping land, forests, and resources.

o    Archaeological Surveys: Studying ancient monuments and sites.

3.     Importance for the British

o    Helped the British collect taxes efficiently.

o    Gave them knowledge about India’s resources, which they could exploit.

o    Allowed them to control people better by classifying them into groups.

o    Provided useful data for administration, law, and policing.

4.     Limitations

o    Often inaccurate or biased.

o    Reflected the British view of India, not the reality of Indian society.

o    Used more for control than for welfare of people.