Search British In India, Directories 1792-1959

Explore an extensive collection of over 150 directories, almanacks, and registers from British India, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives and administration of the time. This collection not only documents the bureaucratic and military history of British India but also offers a poignant look at its social fabric and the transition from colonial rule to independence.

In these directories, you will find detailed military and civil personnel records, including officers from East India Company regiments, civil servants, and government officials. They document appointments, casualties, and roles within the judiciary and administration. Vital records of births, marriages, and deaths provide essential information for family historians. Additionally, the directories list merchants and businesspeople and offer practical advice for daily life, such as gardening calendars and postal guidelines.

This collection includes:

East India Register and Directory, published annually, listing officers of all East India Company (EIC) regiments, members of the judiciary, and various government and administrative positions. The directories provide comprehensive details on the company’s servants, appointments, casualties, and European personnel, along with vital records of births, marriages, and deaths in India.

The East India Kalendar or Asiatic Register, with its earliest volume dating back to 1792, showcases civil, military, and tax establishments and information on Greek, Armenian, Mogul, and Portuguese merchants.

The Asylum Press Almanac, previously known as the Madras Register, is another highlight, offering unique insights into the societal structure and daily life during the East India Company. It was sold to support the Lawrence Asylum in Ootacamund, a school for the children of British soldiers. This almanack includes poignant accounts of efforts to alleviate the famine of 1878. Founded by Sir Henry Lawrence, these schools provided a refuge from the tropical climate and aimed to instil discipline, obedience, and respectability in their pupils.