Question

The British thought surveys were important for effective administration.
a. True
b. False

Answer 1

Hint: A survey is a method of gathering information from a large group of people to generalize the result, they provide very important data and insights about a certain population, they have been a popular source of information in the past also.

Complete answer:
- It is true that the British thought surveys were important for effective administration.
- The British conducted many surveys to know the country better, this helped them in understanding the laws and policies to implement in order to make maximum profits.
- It was done for research purposes and also for a better administration, they used surveys to research the occupations and taxes of a certain area or villages, this way they could decide the tax laws to be implemented.
- To combine their control and establish their authority and power, by understanding the people of the country they were able to gain control over them.
- To know the country's topography and its local history, it was important for the British to study the history of the country to better govern the people, and by understanding the topography they could decide the crop to be produced.
- To know the country's social demographics, this way they could use the information to divide and rule as they did in the country.

Thus, the correct option is (a).

Note: The Survey authority of India was established in 1767 to help the British government in carrying out survey work and mapping for the purposes of administration, commerce and military. By the end of the 19th century, the body had successfully surveyed and mapped all of British India.