British India

Edinburgh: John Thomson, 1816. unbound. Map. Engraving with original hand coloring. Image measures 20" x 23 3/4", sheet measures 20 7/8" x 27 3/4"<br/> <br/> This beautiful map of southern India, covering the region from Bombay to Chilika Lake, and southward to Cape Comorin and the Gulf of Manara, including part of Ceylon. The hand coloring indicates regions designated as 'British India' and Indian Rajah territories. Includes place names, rivers, and topograpical features. Topography is rendered by hachure. The map is dated 1816, and was published Thomson's "New General Atlas". The Kingdom of Kandy is still depicted on this map as occupying the interior of Ceylon, before losing autonomy in 1817 and falling subject to British colonial rule the following year. <br> <br> The map is in very good condition, with minor offsetting. Light crease parallel to centerfold from being misfolded. <br> <br> John Thomson (1777 - 1837) was a Scottish bookseller and publisher active in the early 19th century, who was one of the leaders in Europe who favored detailed and accurate mapping over the decorative and elaborate cartouches that appeared in earlier maps. His most important work was "Thomson's New General Atlas" and his "Atlas of Scotland". Although he went into bankruptcy twice during his career, his maps are today highly desirable for their scale and detail. This is beautiful example of his work.<br/> <br/>