Todar Mal belonged to a Khatri family of Uttar Pradesh. He joined the services of Emperor Akbar as an ordinary clerk. His rise to higher echelons of administration was very fast and in 1572 he was appointed “Diwan” of the Province of Gujarat. In recognition of his efficiency and brilliance, he was promoted to the post of “Wazir” and was one of the Navratna’s of Emperor Akbar’s Court.

Raja Todar Mal is credited with systematising the land revenue system. As “Wazir” he issued comprehensive orders covering almost all phases of Land revenue assessment and collection. He got the cultivable lands measured once and for all and area under cultivation was assigned after making enquiries at the time the crop was standing. Thus during his time, surveying was given a strong footing. He rationalised the land tax rates and even introduced the concept of compensation for crop damage.

Todar Mal was not only a brilliant Administrator but also a good soldier and a General. He had the sagacity and foresight to see the unifying effect of a common language for the entire administration. With this end in view, he made all the records in Persian language and compelled everyone who held the subordinate posts in villages and towns to adopt Persian as their language. What has immortalised Todar Mal was the revenue assessment and land survey system, which he evolved. Though the Mogul dynasty vanished, the system he introduced remained and was followed by both the Marathas and to a great extent by the Britishers.

He passed away in the year 1659.

Keeping in view of Raja Todar Mal’s contribution to the cause of land revenue and land survey and the sound base, which he laid for cadastral surveys, Indian National Cartographic Association has started organising these Memorial lecture series in his memory. The first lecture in the series was delivered in the year 1994 and has continued every year. The details of lecture series are furnished below: