Tales of India written for my grandchildren

This is a photocopy of a typescript memoir written by Ross in 1952 for his four grandchildren. As its title suggests, the memoir is anecdotal in nature, largely describing leisure activities and memorable incidents from his life in India, including tours of inspection by horse and elephant in remote places and camping scenes. The final sections, however, shed light upon his official duties, beginning with an account of his extreme isolation when appointed to Hamirpur just after the First World War. Ross then lists his duties as District Officer, Collector and Magistrate, in which 'almost every phase of human activity was touched upon' including revenue, agriculture, public health, education, social services, law and order, and the administration of justice. There is also an account of how he dealt with violent Nationalist protests in August 1942 following the imprisonment of the Congress leaders and the internment of Mohandas Gandhi. Ross concludes by describing his final three years as Member of the Board of Revenue and Director of Land Records.

Herbert Stewart Ross was born in England and educated at Christ College, Brecon, and Jesus College, Oxford. He was appointed to the Indian Civil Service in 1909, arriving in November 1910. Ross served for 35 years in the United Provinces as a District Officer, Collector, District Magistrate, Divisional Commissioner, Member of the Board of Revenue and Director of Land Records until his retirement in November 1945.

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Donated by Herbert Ross's grandson, Brian Ross, in 2019.

Includes index.

A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.

good condition

This archival description was entered by MJC.

Ross, Herbert Stewart, 1885-1963, colonial administrator