General Index to the Bombay Gazetteer Serie

Key themes

Information Organization and Accessibility

This index embodies the theme of information organization by providing a structured, alphabetical gateway to a multi-volume historical resource. Its very existence highlights the critical need for systematic arrangement to make vast amounts of data accessible and usable for research. It transforms raw, dispersed information into a navigable knowledge base.

Colonial Documentation and Knowledge Production

The index serves as a key to the immense project of colonial documentation undertaken by the British administration in India. It points to the detailed collection of data on geography, demographics, economy, and culture, which was integral to understanding and governing the Bombay Presidency. This reflects a broader colonial effort to categorize and control its territories through comprehensive knowledge.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Historical Record

By providing access to the Bombay Gazetteer Series, the index directly contributes to the preservation and accessibility of a significant historical record. The reprint itself, as stated in the description, aims to make these works available 'in good condition in order to preserve their cultural heritage.' It ensures that generations of scholars can engage with the primary sources documenting a crucial period of Indian history.

Worth discussing

What is the role of an index in historical research, and how does it shape our access to and interpretation of primary sources?