What led the British to record every aspect of their administration?
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British administrators were answerable to their superiors, the District Magistrates, the Collectors, the Viceroy, the Secretary of State for India, the British parliament, the Indian Legislative Assembly, the provincial assemblies - and the tax payers (both British and Indian).
Expenditure was alotted to projects, it had to be accounted for. Needs had to be assessed so censuses were done. Corruption could not occur so finances needed to be checked.
Of course administrators were answerable. I think your question implies - were they answerable to the right people? ie. the majority of the common people of India. To which; democratically - no. There was a democratic deficit. But a failed project, a badly made bridge, inappropriate expenditure would still be criticised by the free press.
Expenditure was alotted to projects, it had to be accounted for. Needs had to be assessed so censuses were done. Corruption could not occur so finances needed to be checked.
Of course administrators were answerable. I think your question implies - were they answerable to the right people? ie. the majority of the common people of India. To which; democratically - no. There was a democratic deficit. But a failed project, a badly made bridge, inappropriate expenditure would still be criticised by the free press.
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