Colonial Era Record Keeping and Introduction of Modern Bureaucratic Systems

Under British rule, record-keeping and bureaucracy became centralized, systematic, and revenue-driven, unlike the decentralized Mauryan and Mughal systems. Designed to consolidate control and classify the population, this exploitative model left a lasting imprint on India’s administrative and social structures.

Shift in Record-Keeping Practices

• Archival Institutions: The British set up dedicated archival institutions to preserve important government documents. The National Archives of India, for example, was established in 1891.
• Systematic Documentation: Official documents, including correspondence, reports, and administrative orders, were meticulously categorized and indexed for future reference and study. This standardized process replaced more ad-hoc methods.
• Technological Improvements: The introduction of durable paper ....