History
The district system in British India evolved from earlier administrative structures under the Mughal Empire, where regions were divided into sarkars and parganas. [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 into divisions, which were overseen by commissioners, and these divisions were part of larger provinces. [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 the Indian 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 the partition 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.
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