Highlight the system of district administration during British period.

District Administration during British Period:

The British colonial administration in India introduced a systematic district administration structure that aimed at consolidating control, ensuring revenue collection, and maintaining law and order. The district became a crucial administrative unit during this period, and the British implemented several key features in the district administration system:

1. Collector as the Central Figure:
The Collector emerged as the central figure in the district administration. The Collector was a key administrative officer responsible for multiple functions, including revenue collection, law and order maintenance, and general administration. The concept of a centralized authority in the form of a Collector was borrowed from the revenue administration system of Warren Hastings.

2. Revenue Administration:
One of the primary objectives of the British colonial administration was revenue collection. The district administration was intricately linked with the revenue system, and the Collector played a pivotal role in overseeing land revenue assessments, settlements, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the revenue machinery. The Permanent Settlement of 1793 and subsequent land revenue systems were implemented at the district level.

3. Judicial Functions:
The district administration was also entrusted with judicial functions during the British period. The Collector functioned as a Magistrate, overseeing the maintenance of law and order, dispensing justice, and ensuring compliance with British laws. The introduction of the Cornwallis Code in 1793 laid the foundation for the separation of executive and judicial functions, leading to the establishment of a more formalized legal system.

4. Police Administration:
The British established a structured police system within the district administration to maintain law and order. The district police force, under the control of the Collector or District Magistrate, was responsible for preventing and addressing criminal activities. This marked the beginning of the organized policing system in India.

5. Local Self-Government:
The British also introduced local self-government institutions at the district level. District Boards and Municipalities were established to involve local communities in governance and administration. However, their powers were limited, and the overall control remained with the colonial administration.

6. Administrative Sub-Divisions:
Districts were further subdivided into administrative sub-divisions, each headed by a Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or Assistant Collector. These sub-divisions aimed at decentralizing administrative functions and facilitating more efficient governance.

7. Bureaucratic Hierarchy:
The British district administration system followed a hierarchical structure. The Collector was supported by various administrative officers, including Deputy Collectors, Tahsildars, and other revenue officials. This bureaucratic hierarchy facilitated the smooth functioning of the administration at different levels.

8. Impact on Local Governance:
While the British district administration system brought about certain administrative efficiency, it was criticized for being authoritarian, centralized, and primarily serving British interests. The system often disregarded local customs and traditions, leading to discontent among the Indian population.

In conclusion, the district administration during the British period in India was characterized by a centralized and hierarchical structure. The Collector played a central role in revenue collection, law enforcement, and general administration. While the system aimed at consolidating British control, it had a profound impact on the administrative and legal structures that continued to influence post-colonial governance in India.