Socio-Economic

The present work is an attempt to document the Socio- economic History of Gaya during the British Period. The main period of study ;lies between 1871-1931 beginning with the first census. The chief themes dealt with in this study are Evolution of British Administration, Demographic condition, Economic Life, Land Revenue, Industry, Trade and Society and Education. A study of these well researched and deeply analyzed topics presented in an interesting manner should be highly appealing to both the research scholars and general readers.

Having been born and brought up at Gaya, I have been persuaded to explore some aspects of its history, through the present work. Though the particular focus of the investigation is on some aspects of socio-economic history, I have considered it relevant to delve into the general history of Gaya from ancient times to the British period, to provide an appropriate canvas for the projected study. ‘Gaya through the Ages’, thus constitutes the opening chapter of the work.

I found it equally relevant to outline initially the physical features and topography, as also the system of administration in the district that evolved under British rule, before examining the socio-economic history of the region. These have been covered in the second and third chapters.

The period elected for the survey of socio-economic life is 1871 to 1911, i.e. between the first and fourth decennial Survey Reports

These census reports have been adopted as the starting and terminal points of the thesis because from the census reports we get the bulk of accurate information about important aspects of socio-economic life in the area. For comparison and analysis, the Census Report of 1931 has also been taken into account.

Chapters fourth to eight are devoted to the enumeration and analysis of some important features of the socio-economic life in the area, during the period under review. They are devoted to the examinations of system of land revenue, state of agriculture. trade, industry and commerce and society and education, etc. Some conclusions drawn after the above survey have been sketched in the concluding Chapter nine The study has been based on both primary and secondary material. Besides the Census Reports. Memoirs and observations