John Briggs (East India Company officer)

John Briggs (1785 – 1875) was an officer in the British East India Company, a notable Orientalist, and a prolific writer on Indian history, politics, and culture.

Briggs entered the East India Company's military service in 1801 as a cadet in the Madras Infantry. He saw active service in various campaigns, including the Second Anglo-Maratha War. His military service provided him with opportunities to study Indian languages and customs. He quickly developed proficiency in Marathi, Persian, and Hindustani, which proved invaluable in his subsequent career.

Briggs held various administrative and political positions throughout his career, including Resident at Satara and Commissioner in Nagpur. These roles involved him in the administration of territories brought under British control. He was known for his efforts to understand and implement policies that considered local customs and traditions, although always within the framework of British imperial interests.

Briggs is best known for his literary works, especially his translation of Ferishta's "History of the Rise of the Mahomedan Power in India," a monumental work that provided a comprehensive account of Muslim rule in India. Published in 1829, this translation became a standard reference work for scholars and officials interested in Indian history.

He also authored "The Land Tax of India," a significant contribution to the understanding of land revenue systems in India. In this work, he criticized certain aspects of the British land revenue policies, arguing that they often disregarded the traditional rights of the local population. Other writings include works on the Nizam of Hyderabad and various articles published in journals of the time.

John Briggs retired from the East India Company's service in 1835 and returned to England, where he continued to write and engage in discussions on Indian affairs. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a member of several other learned societies. His writings and translations remain valuable resources for understanding the history and society of India during the East India Company's rule.