On the Coal Fields and Coal Production of India. 497 
showing the minor details and subdivisions already exist, and a 
selection of these referring to the coal fields I now exhibit. 
Broadly speaking, it may be said that there are two geologies 
in India, namely : that of the Himalayas and that of the peninsula 
proper. The former conforms in character with the recognised 
classification adopted in reference to European formations, while 
the latter differs from that of any other well-known region in the 
world. 
Several of the formations occurring in peninsular India spread 
uninterruptedly over hundreds of thousands of square miles. It 
would, in fact, be possible to mark out areas within the limits of 
which two of these formations respectively prevail, which would. 
be equal to the British Islands.- 
On the present occasion it will be unnecessary to offer any 
sketch of the general geology, my object being to direct attention 
to one formation, or rather to a system of formations, and to 
them more particularly in reference to the coal which they 
contain. 
My principal reason for preparing this account is, that I find 
that a considerable degree of misconception exists as to the 
extent and value of our Indian coal fields. At the same time, 
from the frequency of the inquiries which have been made of 
me, I conclude the subject is one which many regard as rae of 
great interest and importance. 
To India, indeed, it is one of vast, imperial importance, since 
the development of her natural resources, and the increase of 
local manufactures consequent thereon, seem to offer a remedy 
the most efficient towards establishing the equalization of the 
exchange. 
The following is the classification of the subdivisions of the 
Gondwana system, which is at present recognised by the Geolo- 
gical Survey of India :— 
(Cutch and Jabalpur Thickness 
( je 
J Upper +Raimehal and Mahadeva*  § 11,000 feet. 
' MESOZOIC 
Panchet 
nae § Damuda; Ranigunj or Kamthi 
PALAOZOIC ~ Ironstone Shales and Barakar > 13,000 ,, 
(meharbav and Talchir i 
* The Kota Maleri beds alluded to below in the account of the Wardha field may be 
interpolated here. 
Scien. Proc., R.D.S. Vou, u., Pr, vi. 2, 
