In which year was the Survey of India, the national organisation responsible for mapping and surveying the country, first established under British rule?

Introduction / Context:
The Survey of India is the oldest scientific department of the Government of India and is responsible for topographical mapping and geospatial data. Its origins go back to the colonial period, when accurate surveys were needed for administration, taxation and defence. Many general knowledge questions ask about the year in which the Survey of India was established, because this gives a sense of how early scientific mapping began in the subcontinent. This question focuses on that founding year.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The institution mentioned is the Survey of India. span style="display:block;">- It is described as the national organisation for mapping and surveying. - The question asks for the year in which it was first established under British rule. - Options are 1851, 1767, 1857 and 1771.

Concept / Approach:
The Survey of India traces its origins to the establishment of a survey organisation in 1767 by the East India Company, often associated with the appointment of a Surveyor General. Over time, its activities expanded into what became the modern Survey of India. Although the structure evolved, 1767 is widely cited in exam oriented references as the official starting year of the Survey of India. The approach is to recall this date rather than later years, which may correspond to specific survey projects or reorganisations.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, look at the official history sections on the Survey of India's website or authoritative geography references. They commonly note that the Survey of India originated in 1767 with the creation of the post of Surveyor General and associated surveying activities. Competitive exam books on Indian geography and administrative history also list 1767 as the answer for the question "When was the Survey of India established?" This consistency confirms the correctness of selecting 1767.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The year 1851 may relate to specific survey expansions or other institutions but is not commonly cited as the founding year of the Survey of India. The year 1857 is mainly remembered for the First War of Independence and predates later reorganisations of the survey but not its original establishment. The year 1771 falls within the same broad period but is not the canonical date used in standard general knowledge. None of the above would be applicable only if no option matched the accepted founding year, but 1767 clearly does.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may misremember the date because 1767 and 1771 are close together, or they may assume that a prominent year like 1857 marks many events including the founding of scientific institutions. Others might overthink and choose a later year, thinking that large-scale surveys started only after more territory came under British control. To avoid such mistakes, focus on memorising a few key dates: 1767 for the Survey of India and other specific years for comparable institutions like the Geological Survey of India and the Archaeological Survey of India.

Final Answer:
The Survey of India was first established under British rule in the year 1767.