Question

Critically examine the Fifth Report of 1813.

Answer 1

The Fifth Report of 1813, compiled by the British East India Company, was an important document that provided a detailed account of India’s resources, economy, and conditions under British rule. The report is often seen as a product of colonial administration designed to justify British governance.

• Significance: The report outlined the agricultural, industrial, and social conditions of India. It provided statistical data on the production of goods, the population, and revenue from land taxes.
• Criticism: The report was criticized for being biased in favor of the British. It overlooked the exploitation of Indian labor and resources and portrayed India as backward, needing British intervention for improvement. The report, while extensive, often ignored the role of indigenous knowledge and systems in India’s historical development.