The Imperial Gazetteer of India contains information compiled from a number of editions. These are as follows: first edition of nine volumes 1881; second edition of 14 volumes; third edition of 24 volumes in 1909. The database is based on the original 1909 third edition. The online version was created by DSAL – Digital South Asia Library – of the University of Chicago and is a project of the Center for Research Libraries. As a digitized version of the original paper source, Imperial Gazetteer of India is a complete and stable database that will not be added to or changed. The information is valid, reliable and trustworthy. It is also an original and comprehensive work about India during the period. A description of the database is as follows. The first four volumes deal with the Indian Empire as a whole: listing descriptive, historical, economic, and administrative. Volumes 5 through 24 are the gazetteer. Volume 25 is the index.
Access to the Imperial Gazetteer of India is very simple and does not present any problems or require any special expertise. The database is text based without graphics or maps. A user can type in a search or click on a volume number. They are then taken to the page without a lengthy delay. The initial page is well designed, informative, and has a picture of the gazetteer cover. The background and text colours are appropriate for the work. It is searchable in three ways: by words, parts of words, or by volume number and page. Boolean searching is not supported and word searching is limited to one or two word capability. The database does not provide a search engine or currently offer a help screen: a “Search tips” will eventually provide help for searching. If there are questions the user can contact DSAL by clicking on the link at the top of the page.
The database access is free to users, but for linking authorization users will need to contact the DSAL. The Digital South Asia Library – University of Chicago is a well‐known institute for Asian studies. The Center for Research Libraries is respected worldwide and its digital programme is noted for collecting, preserving, and providing access to hard to find materials. There are no set fees or requirements for linking. This database is the only place to provide gazetteer information up to 1909 about India. There are no equivalent versions or similar products available on the country.
I would recommend the Imperial Gazetteer of India database for patrons needing gazetteer information about India. As you would expect, there is more detailed information in this database than in a world gazetteer. All audiences would benefit from this database which is suitable for multiple types of libraries. Boolean searching capabilities would be a benefit for searching, but users will usually be searching by name of city, river or other geographical feature so the absence of this facility is not a hardship. This database is an informative and easy to use source for information about India during British rule.
