INDIA-L Archives

From: "Norman D. Ashton" <>
Subject: Looking for Advice re Preventivce Service
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 15:16:34 -0400

Hello,

I've spent a few hours reviewing the LDS microfilm #2046098 which
contains the East-India Registers for the years 1852,53,54. The
Registers were loaded with military and civil lists covering virtually
every aspect of the Company presence in India. However, I was unable
to find what I was specifically looking for.

There appeared to be no mention of a Preventive Service, which I
understand was the precursor of the Inland Customs service. Nor were
there any mention in the civil lists of the members of my family tree
who were members of that Service.

It has occurred to me that perhaps the establishment of the Preventive
Service in India was a consequence of the "handover" of
responsibilities from the Company to the British Civil Service after
the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 and as a result was not deployed in India
until after that date. (The first documentation of my target member of
the Service was a baptism of children born in 1852, 1854, 1854, 1856,
and 1858 all baptized on the same day on 1 May 1859) I further
speculate that perhaps complete establishments of customs officials
were dispatched to India en masse in order to fulfill these new
responsibilities across the sub-continent. If this is so, my focus
should then change to the UK.

I'd appreciate hearing any thoughts on the creation of the Preventive
Service, and in particular the timing of this initiative.

Cheers,
Norm


Norm Ashton
(logging in from Toronto and going through life
like a porcupine in a room full of balloons!)
Check out our home page at:
http://members.home.net/nashton/index.html
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• Looking for Advice re Preventivce Service by "Norman D. Ashton" <>