Question

Who was appointed as the first Surveyor General of India in 1815?

• A. George Michell
• B. John Marshall
• C. R.E.M. Wheeler
• D. Colin Mackenzie

Hint:

Colin Mackenzie is a key figure in the early British documentation of India. Associate his name with three things: the first Surveyor General, the survey of Mysore after Tipu Sultan's defeat, and the initial documentation of the ruins of Hampi (Vijayanagara).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the individual who became the first Surveyor General of India in 1815. This is a foundational position in the history of mapping and surveying in British India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

(1) George Michell: A modern-day art historian and archaeologist known for his extensive work on the architecture of the Deccan, including Vijayanagara.
(2) John Marshall and (3) R.E.M. Wheeler: Both were Director-Generals of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 20th century.
(4) Colin Mackenzie: A Scottish army officer in the East India Company, Mackenzie was an antiquarian, surveyor, and cartographer. He conducted extensive surveys of southern India. In recognition of his monumental work, he was appointed the first Surveyor General of India in 1815. His collections of maps, manuscripts, and historical records are an invaluable source for the history of the period.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Colin Mackenzie was appointed as the first Surveyor General of India in 1815.