Map of India with Nepal (Set of 2 maps)

Rare two-sheet mounted map of India
British India, Northern Part: 20.2 x 24.2 in (51.5 x 61.5 cm)
British India, Southern Part: 20.2 x 24.2 in (51.5 x 61.5 cm)

It will form a huge map of 20.2 x 48.4 in (51.5 x 123 cm) approximately when both sheets are joined together.

a) John Thomson
British India, Northern Part
1817
Later hand-coloured steel engraving on paper
Print Size: 20.25 x 24.25 in (51.5 x 61.5 cm)
Sheet Size: 20.5 x 25 in (52 x 63.2 cm)
With Mount: 26.75 x 31.25 in (68 x 79.5 cm)

This lot features two maps from 1817, depicting India and Nepal, crafted by the esteemed Edinburgh cartographer John Thomson. The maps collectively depict India during the period of expansion by the British East India Company, represented in pink, extending its dominion from one coast to the other. The implementation of colour coding, accompanied by a key on the lower sheet, delineates spheres of influence, encompassing both British allies and adversaries.

This intriguing hand-coloured map from 1817, created by the Edinburgh cartographer John Thomson, illustrates the regions of northern India and Nepal. Encircled to the east by Persia and the Indus valley, to the north by Tibet, to the south by Berar, and to the east by Assam and Bhutan. The upper section of this map features an intricate inset depicting the Kingdom of Nepal or Nepaul. This region is illustrated with remarkable precision, especially given that, at the time of this map's printing, only a handful of Western explorers had ventured into Nepal. The map also covers the Tibetan plateau, encompassing Te Shoo Loomboo and the route to Lhasa (Lassa), and includes thoroughfares, alpine routes, and the abodes of significant Lama. The upper left quadrant of this map features an inset depicting Kabul, also known as Cabul.

b) John Thomson
British India, Southern Part
1816
Later hand-coloured steel engraving on paper
Print Size: 20.25 x 24.25 in (51.5 x 61.5 cm)
Sheet Size: 20.5 x 25 in (52 x 63.2 cm)
With Mount: 26.75 x 31.25 in (68 x 79.5 cm)

This intriguing hand-coloured map from 1816, created by the Edinburgh cartographer John Thomson, illustrates the region of southern India. It encompasses the region from Bombay in the north to the northern expanse of Ceylon, also known as Sri Lanka. The map is delineated with a colour scheme that corresponds to the predominant figures in each region. The areas under British control are denoted in red, the territory of the Nawab of Oude is represented in orange, the Berar Raja's domain is marked in green, the area of Nizam in yellow, Mysore Raja in green, Maharathas in blue, and Travancore in purple, while the regions governed by the King of Candy are illustrated in brown. Overall, an exceptionally intricate map of this captivating region and a remarkable cartographic representation of India from the 19th century.

This map was produced by John Thomson for the 1816 and 1817 edition of John Thomson's New General Atlas, published by Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy. The maps were meticulously engraved by Samuel John Neele.

A remarkable cartographic representation of India from the 19th century.

John Thomson (1777-1840)
John Thomson was a Scottish cartographer, publisher, and bookbinder who operated in Edinburgh during the early 19th century. Thomson undertook an apprenticeship with the esteemed Edinburgh bookbinder Robert Alison. Thomson emerged as a prominent figure among the distinguished publishers of the Edinburgh school of cartography, a movement that thrived during the early decades of the 19th century. Thomson and his contemporaries Pinkerton and Cary transformed European cartography by eschewing the conventional decorative features of the 18th century, including ornate title cartouches and mythical creatures, in pursuit of precision and detail.

(Set of two)

This lot will be shipped unframed.

NON-EXPORTABLE

This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition.