Key Takeaways
- The 1922 Map of India by Bartholomew in the Imperial Gazetteer of India provides valuable insights into the historical and geographical representation of India during that time.
- This map showcases the administrative boundaries, major cities, transportation routes, and other important features of India in 1922.
- It offers a glimpse into the colonial period and the vastness and diversity of the Indian subcontinent.
History
The 1922 Map of India by Bartholomew was published as part of the Imperial Gazetteer of India, a comprehensive encyclopedia of British India. It was created during the peak of the British colonial rule, when India was divided into numerous provinces and territories.
The map reflects the political and administrative boundaries of the Indian subcontinent during that period. It provides valuable insights into India’s rich history and the complexities of governance during the British Raj.
Unique Insights
- The map highlights the princely states, which were semi-autonomous regions ruled by native Indian princes under British suzerainty.
- It showcases the vastness of the British Indian Empire, including regions that are now part of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal.
- The transportation routes depicted on the map reveal the importance of railways during that era, as railways played a crucial role in the British colonization and administration of India.
- The map also highlights major cities, rivers, and mountain ranges, offering insights into the geographical diversity of the Indian subcontinent.
- It provides a perspective on how the British Empire visualized and represented India, both politically and geographically.
Relevant Facts (1922)
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| British Indian Empire | The map showcases the vast territories under British control in the Indian subcontinent, spanning from present-day Pakistan to Myanmar. |
| Princely States | It depicts the semi-autonomous princely states that existed within the British Indian Empire, ruled by native Indian princes. |
| Railway Network | The map illustrates the extensive railway network, which played a crucial role in connecting different regions of India and facilitating transportation and trade. |
| Major Cities | Various major cities, such as Bombay (now Mumbai), Calcutta (now Kolkata), and Madras (now Chennai), are marked on the map, representing important urban centers of British India. |
| Rivers | The map showcases the significant rivers flowing through the Indian subcontinent, including the Ganges, Indus, Brahmaputra, and Yamuna rivers. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What was the purpose of the Imperial Gazetteer of India?
The Imperial Gazetteer of India was a publication by the British government that aimed to provide comprehensive knowledge about British India, including its history, geography, culture, and administration.
2. What do the princely states on the map represent?
The princely states depicted on the map were semi-autonomous regions within the British Indian Empire. They were governed by Indian princes who had varying degrees of authority under British suzerainty.
3. What role did railways play in British India?
Railways played a significant role in British India. They facilitated transportation, trade, and quick movement of troops, enabling the British to administer and control diverse regions of India more effectively.
4. How accurate is this 1922 map of India?
As with any historical map, there may be some inaccuracies or limitations due to the mapping techniques available at the time. However, the map provides a valuable representation of the administrative boundaries, major cities, and transportation infrastructure during that period.
5. Can I find this map in physical form today?
While physical copies of the 1922 Map of India by Bartholomew may be rare, there are archives, libraries, and antique map dealers who might possess original or reproduced versions of the map. Online resources, such as digital library collections, may also have digitized versions available for study.
6. How does this map contribute to our understanding of India’s colonial past?
By visualizing the political and administrative divisions of the Indian subcontinent during the British Raj, this map offers insights into the complexities and impact of British colonization in India. It helps us comprehend the vastness of the British Indian Empire and its influence on the regions depicted.
7. What other maps were included in the Imperial Gazetteer of India?
The Imperial Gazetteer of India included numerous maps covering different aspects of British India, such as topography, climate, agriculture, and transportation. These maps aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subcontinent.
External Links
LSI Keywords
- 1922 Map of India
- Bartholomew
- Imperial Gazetteer of India
- British Indian Empire
- Colonial India
- Railway network in British India
- Princely states in India
- British Raj
