Question 1

Who wrote the book 'A History of British India' in three volumes?

Accepted Answer

James Mill, a Scottish economist and political philosopher, wrote the massive three-volume work 'A History of British India' in 1817, dividing Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods.

Question 2

According to James Mill's periodization, Indian history was divided into which three periods?

Accepted Answer

James Mill divided Indian history into Hindu, Muslim, and British periods, reflecting the religious identity of the rulers at those times.

Question 3

What was the main practice associated with the British administration regarding official records?

Accepted Answer

The British believed that the act of writing was important; every instruction, plan, policy decision, agreement, and investigation had to be clearly written up and preserved in record rooms.

Question 4

Where was the National Archives of India located when it came up in the 1920s?

Accepted Answer

When the National Archives of India came up in the 1920s, it was located close to the Viceroy's Palace in New Delhi, reflecting the importance of these archives.

Question 5

Why did the British conduct surveys during the colonial period?

Accepted Answer

The British believed that a country had to be properly known before it could be effectively administered, leading them to carry out extensive surveys.

How, When and Where