Home > Indian History > History of India > James Thompson
James Thompson
James Thompson served as one of the members of the British Indian Civil Service. He served as one of the members of the British Indian Civil Service.

Share this Article:

James Thompson, officially addressed as Sir James Thompson KCSI, served as the Acting Governor of Madras Presidency in the year 1904, in the erstwhile undivided India under the rule of the British Empire. He was also a British colonial administrator. Thompson also served as one of the members of the British Indian Civil Service, which was the civil service of the Government of India during the era of the rule of British Empire in India. The members of the civil service were appointed under Section XXXII of the Government of India Act, 1858 of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. After the year 1886, the Indian Civil Service was officially known as Imperial Civil Service. James Thompson was knighted with Knight Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (KCSI) in the year 1904.

Early Life of James Thompson
James Thompson was born on 6 July 1848 to father John Thomson in Cults, Aberdeenshire. He successfully completed his education from Grammar school. He later did his graduation from the University of Aberdeen. Thompson completed his Masters` Degree in the year 1868. In the next year he passed the entrance examination and qualified for the British Indian Civil Service.

Career of James Thompson
Sir James Thompson KCSI went to British India in the year 1871. There he was appointed as Assistant Collector in the Madras Presidency and served in the designation from the year 1872 to 1882. Later he became Head Assistant Collector in 1882 and served till 1885. He also acted as Sub Collector from the year 1885 to 1889 and as Collector from 1889 till 1895. James Thompson served as the Political Agent or British Resident for the princely states of Travancore and Cochin states from 1895 to 1897. He was later appointed to the Board of Revenue for the Madras Presidency. Sir James Thompson KCSI was nominated to the Madras Legislative Council in the year 1898 and also acted as a member of the Executive Council of the Governor of Madras from the year 1901 to 1906.

James Thompson was appointed as the Governor of Madras on 30 April 1904 and was preceded by Oliver Russell, officially known as Arthur Oliver Villiers Russell, 2nd Baron Ampthill, GCSI, GCIE, DL, JP. Oliver Russell was selected to officiate temporarily as the Viceroy of India and thus Thompson acted as the Governor for the period. The Madras Presidency, also known as the Presidency of Fort St. George and Madras Province, was an administrative sub division of British dominated India. The territory included most of southern India, such as the modern states of Tamil Nadu, the Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions of Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep Islands, the Malabar region of North Kerala, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangapur and Gajapati districts of southern Orissa and the Bellary, Ganjam, Dakshina Kannada, Rayagada and Udupi districts of Karnataka. Sir James Thompson KCSI served in office until 13 December 1904. He was later nominated to the council of the Secretary of State for India in the year 1908.

Personal Life of James Thompson
Sir James Thompson KCSI was married with Charlotte Georgina Grant in the year 1873. His wife was the eldest daughter of William White Grant. Thompson died in the year 1929.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.