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 Map of colonialIndia, distributed by theBritish Information Services (1942) | ||||||||||||||
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Thedistricts of British India were key administrative units of theBritish Raj and theIndian Empire, serving as subdivisions of theprovinces anddivisions of British India.[1] These districts, often referred to aszillas in vernacular languages, played a crucial role in the governance and administration of British India, managing local affairs such as revenue collection, law enforcement, and public works. Most districts established during the British period became the foundation for moderndistricts of India anddistricts of Pakistan after thepartition of India in 1947.
The district system in British India evolved from earlier administrative structures under theMughal Empire, where regions were divided intosarkars andparganas.[2] The British East India Company, after gaining control over Bengal in the mid-18th century, began formalizing districts as administrative units to streamline governance and revenue collection.[3] By the early 19th century, districts were firmly established across British India, each headed by a district collector or magistrate responsible for local administration.
Districts were further grouped intodivisions, which were overseen by commissioners, and these divisions were part of largerprovinces.[4] This hierarchical structure allowed the British to maintain control over vast territories with diverse populations. The districts' boundaries and administrative functions evolved over time, reflecting changes in British policies and local needs.
Following theIndian Rebellion of 1857, the British Crown assumed direct control over India, and the district system was further standardized.[5] By the early 20th century, districts were the primary units for local governance, with responsibilities including judicial administration, public health, education, and infrastructure development.[6]
At the time of thepartition of India in 1947, most districts were reorganized into the newly independent nations of India and Pakistan, with some districts split along religious lines.[7] Today, the legacy of these districts continues in the administrative frameworks of both countries.
Below is a list of districts in British India as of 1947, organized by province and division. This list includes only those districts that were active at the time of the partition of India.
The Bengal Presidency had 28 districts across five divisions at the time of partition.
The following districts were active at various points during British rule but were dissolved or reorganized before 1947: