What position was Colin Mackenzie appointed to in 1815?

Surveyor General of India

Colin Mackenzie, born in 1754, achieved renown for his roles as an engineer, surveyor, and cartographer. In 1815, he assumed the position of the first Surveyor General of India, a role he occupied until his demise in 1821. Mackenzie's mission involved the collection of local histories and the meticulous surveying of historic sites, driven by the desire to deepen his comprehension of India's history and to facilitate the governance of the colony. He asserted that the region endured a prolonged period of mismanagement prior to the positive influence of British governance in the South. By delving into the study of Vijayanagara, Mackenzie believed that the East India Company could glean invaluable insights into the institutions, laws, and customs that continue to shape the lives of the diverse native tribes, constituting a significant portion of the population even today.