James Tod

Lieutenant-Colonel James Tod (20 March 1782 – 18 November 1835) was an English-born officer of the British East India Company and an Oriental scholar. He combined his official role and his amateur interests to create a series of works about the history and geography of India, and in particular the area then known as Rajputana that corresponds to the present day state of Rajasthan, and which Tod referred to as Rajas'han.

Tod was born in London and educated in Scotland. He joined the East India Company as a military officer and travelled to India in 1799 as a cadet in the Bengal Army. He rose quickly in rank, eventually becoming captain of an escort for an envoy in a Sindian royal court. After the Third Anglo-Maratha War, during which Tod was involved in the intelligence department, he was appointed Political Agent for some areas of Rajputana. His task was to help unify the region under the control of the East India Company. During this period Tod conducted most of the research that he would later publish. Tod was initially successful in his official role, but his methods were questioned by other members of the East India Company. Over time, his work was restricted and his areas of oversight were significantly curtailed. In 1823, owing to declining health and reputation, Tod resigned his post as Political Agent and returned to England.

James Tod (seigneur)

James Tod (c 1742 – October 16, 1816) was a seigneur, businessman and political figure in Lower Canada.

Career

He is thought to have been born in Scotland around 1742 and settled at Quebec City around 1774. Tod was involved in the importing and exporting of goods; he established a general store and also sold goods wholesale to other merchants. He purchased furs for export and was involved with the fisheries in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the grain trade. He acquired additional property in the town and built a wharf and warehouse. In 1792, he purchased the seigneury of Rivière-de-la-Madeleine, which was known for its salmon fishing. In the same year, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly for Devon. Although he generally voted with the British party, he supported a measure to maintain a register where legislative matters introduced in English would be translated into French. He won the contract in 1794 to supply the Royal Navy at Quebec. In 1796, with others, he acquired the seigneuries of Grosse-Île and Grandville. Tod also managed the seigneury of Saint-Gilles on behalf of a Montreal lawyer. He also owned a schooner. Tod was a member of the local militia, becoming captain in 1804. Because he was obliged on occasion to extend credit his customers, he was affected by the financial difficulties of others and often found himself owed money when they became insolvent. In 1807, Tod was forced into bankruptcy himself and had to sell most of his property. He was able to continue on in business on a smaller scale but moved into rented quarters.

James Todd

James Todd may refer to:

See also