Colonial administration refers to the system of governance established by a colonial power over its territories and the local populations. This often involved appointing officials from the colonizing country to manage the political, economic, and social aspects of the colony. The primary goal was to extract resources and maintain control over the territory. Colonial administrations varied in structure and approach, with some implementing direct rule, where the colonizers exerted full control, while others used indirect rule, allowing local leaders to maintain some authority. Notable examples include the British Empire in India and the French colonial system in Africa.