Why did the British preserve official documents?

Reasons for Preserving Documents:
1. Administrative Utility: Records aided in governance, containing crucial information for land surveys, revenue collection, and administrative orders.

2. Historical Documentation: Documents chronicled historical events, treaties, and interactions, providing a record of colonial endeavors and engagements with local rulers.

3. Legal Necessity: Essential for legal proceedings, serving as evidence in disputes, landownership claims, and judicial matters.

4. Financial Documentation: Recorded financial transactions, tax details, and revenue records maintained economic control and stability in the colonies.

5. Colonial Control: Preserving documents reinforced British authority, aiding in the governance and control of the colonized territories.

The preservation of official documents served administrative, legal, historical, and strategic purposes, facilitating effective colonial rule and management of the colonies.