'File 8/82 MUSCAT STATE AFFAIRS: GWADUR IMPROVEMENTS.'

Content

This file relates to the Muscat territory of Gwadur [Gwadar, Pakistan; it is written as Gwadar in some of the correspondence].

The file begins with discussion of a proposal from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd] to devote the whole of his Gwadur revenue to the improvement of the administration and provision of public services in the territory. The correspondence goes on to cover the appointment of an Indian administrator to carry out reforms in Gwadur, under the authorisation of the Sultan.

Related matters covered in the file include the following: the views of the British Agent, Gwadur, on the most urgently required reforms at Gwadur; travel and accommodation arrangements for the newly appointed administrator and his family; details of proposed reforms in various areas, such as health and education, and plans for the founding of a municipal department at Gwadur; the administrator's resignation, following a period of ill health, and the recruitment of his successor; attempts by the British to recruit more personnel (e.g. teachers, medical officers and sanitary inspectors) from India to work in Gwadur. Included in the file is a small amount of received correspondence from various candidates applying for the aforementioned positions.

The file's principal correspondents are the following: the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. and Consul, Muscat; the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. ; the British Agent, Gwadur; the Administrator, Gwadur; the Sultan of Muscat and Oman [Sa‘īd bin Taymūr Āl Bū Sa‘īd]; officials of the British Government of India's External Affairs Department.

The Arabic language material consists of received correspondence from the Sultan of Muscat and Oman (English translations are included). The material written in Urdu consists of one item of correspondence.

Extent and format

1 file (276 folios)

Arrangement

The papers are arranged in chronological order from the front to the rear of the file. Circled serial numbers (red for received correspondence; blue/black for issued correspondence) refer to entries in the notes at the rear of the file.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the main foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 278; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. An additional foliation sequence is present in parallel between ff 2-255; these numbers are also written in pencil, but are not circled. A previous foliation sequence, which is also circled, has been superseded and therefore crossed out.

Written in

English, Arabic and Urdu in Latin and Arabic script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/R/15/6/274

Former external reference(s)

Subject files: File 8/82

History of this record

Date(s)

14 Feb 1945-27 Apr 1947 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Recruitment of staff for work overseasPublic services reformAdministration

Places

Gwadur

People & organisations

Government of Muscat and Oman, AdministratorBritish AgentPolitical Resident, Persian GulfIndian Political Service, External Affairs DepartmentSultan of Muscat and Oman, Āl Bū Sa'īd Dynasty

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'File 8/82 MUSCAT STATE AFFAIRS: GWADUR IMPROVEMENTS.', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/R/15/6/274, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000881.0x000031> [accessed 16 April 2024]

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