Sir William O'Shaughnessy, Lord Dalhousie, and the Establishment of the Telegraph System in India

One of the important aspects of the history of technology is the transmission of European practice to colonial areas. Unfortunately, there has been no extensive exploration of this subject. However, the present industrialization of former dependencies had its origin at definite periods, under prescribed environments, and under the initiative of certain entrepreneurs. An understanding of the present stages of technological accomplishments cannot be complete without an investigation of their foundations and development. Robert Ezra Park has pointed out the obviously fundamental and vital connection between communication and the growth of a rational social process.1 In similar vein, speaking of ancient times, Innis has developed in a masterly way the theme that communication occupied a crucial position in the organization and effective administration of governments and empires.2 As the most spectacular innovation in communication in its era, the electric telegraph fulfilled these roles perfectly. The literature on the history of telegraphy is extensive. Telegraphic communication in ancient times, as well as in late 17thand 18th-century visual signaling, are treated adequately by Appleyard,3