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'Tales of India written for my grandchildren'

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/RCMS 400

Scope and Contents

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.

Dates

  • Creation: 1952

Conditions Governing Access

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Biographical / Historical

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.

Extent

87 page(s) : paper

Language of Materials

English

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

good condition

Immediate Source of Acquisition

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

General

This archival description was entered by MJC.

Originator(s)

Ross, Herbert Stewart, 1885-1963, colonial administrator

Includes index.
Date
2019-05-10 09:43:56+00:00
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

Contact:
Cambridge University Library
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Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom