Rare Old Map of India, 1875: Great Trigonometrical Survey, Bay of Bengal, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata

The "Index Chart of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India" is a captivating historical artifact that captures the essence of one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors of the 19th century. Created in 1875 by the Office of the Trigonometrical Survey of India, this map meticulously details the extensive network of trigonometrical stations established across the Indian sub-continent. The Great Trigonometrical Survey, initiated by the East India Company, was a monumental project aimed at mapping the vast and diverse landscapes of India with unparalleled precision. This map stands as a testament to the scientific rigor and dedication of the surveyors who undertook this colossal task over seven decades.

The mapmaker, the Office of the Trigonometrical Survey of India, played a pivotal role in advancing the field of cartography and geodesy. Their work not only involved recording topographical information and land ownership but also included measuring the depths of navigable waters and calculating the heights of the majestic Himalayan summits. The survey's scientific contributions were profound, leading to significant advancements in understanding the Earth's curvature and the heights of some of the world's tallest peaks. This map, therefore, is not just a geographical representation but also a symbol of scientific progress and exploration.

As you explore the map, you'll find a detailed depiction of the Indian sub-continent, including modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of surrounding regions. The intricate network of trigonometrical stations is prominently displayed, showcasing the meticulous planning and execution of the survey. The map also highlights significant bodies of water, such as the Bay of Bengal, and the formidable Himalayan mountain range, marked by triangulation points and network lines. These features provide a glimpse into the diverse and complex geography that the surveyors had to navigate and document.

The map also serves as a historical record of the numerous cities and towns that dotted the landscape during the survey period. From bustling metropolises like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata to smaller yet significant towns such as Mysore, Jodhpur, and Ranchi, the map offers a snapshot of the urban centers that played crucial roles in the region's history. Additionally, it includes cities from present-day Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the extensive reach of the survey and the interconnectedness of the sub-continent.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographical details. It represents a period when the British colonial administration sought to exert control and understanding over its vast territories through scientific means. The Great Trigonometrical Survey was not only a tool for governance but also a catalyst for scientific inquiry and discovery. Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of history that encapsulates the spirit of exploration, the pursuit of knowledge, and the intricate beauty of the Indian sub-continent's geography.

Cities and towns on this map

India:

• Mumbai (Bombay)
• Delhi
• Bangalore (Bengaluru)
• Hyderabad
• Ahmedabad
• Chennai (Madras)
• Kolkata (Calcutta)
• Pune
• Jaipur
• Surat
• Kanpur
• Lucknow
• Nagpur
• Patna
• Indore
• Bhopal
• Ludhiana
• Agra
• Vadodara (Baroda)
• Coimbatore
• Kochi (Cochin)
• Visakhapatnam
• Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
• Madurai
• Jodhpur
• Guwahati
• Chandigarh
• Mysore
• Ranchi
• Raipur

Bangladesh:

• Dhaka

Pakistan:

• Karachi
• Lahore
• Faisalabad
• Rawalpindi
• Multan

Sri Lanka:

• Colombo

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Bodies of water:
• Bay of Bengal
• Borders:
• Outlines of the Indian sub-continent and surrounding regions.
• Mountains:
• Himalayan range (indicated by triangulation points and network lines).

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Index chart of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India.
• Creation date: 1875.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Office of the Trigonometrical Survey of India.
• Context about the mapmaker: The Office of the Trigonometrical Survey of India was responsible for conducting the Great Trigonometrical Survey, a monumental effort to map the Indian sub-continent with scientific precision.
• Themes and topics shown on the map:
• Trigonometrical measures: The map shows a complex network of stations used to conduct measurements.
• Topographical information: The survey recorded topographical details, including the heights of the Himalayan summits.
• Land ownership: The survey recorded land-ownership across the region.
• Sounded depths: The survey measured the depths of navigable waters.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• Indian sub-continent: Including modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of surrounding countries.
• Design or style of the map:
• Scientific precision: The map is designed with a focus on accuracy and detail, reflecting the scientific methods used in the survey.
• Network visualization: The map prominently features the network of trigonometrical stations.
• Historical significance:
• Scientific advances: The survey contributed to scientific advancements, such as calculating the height of the Himalayan summits and improving the measurement of the Earth's curvature.
• Colonial context: The survey was initiated by the East India Company during its rule over India, reflecting the colonial interests in mapping and controlling the territory.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.