On the occasion of Independence Day, a unique exhibition is taking visitors on a captivating journey through time, exploring the historical geography of the Indian subcontinent. Featuring an impressive collection of 100 meticulously crafted maps by some of the world’s most prominent cartographers, the exhibition highlights the dynamic borders and shifting landscapes that defined the region over centuries prior to 1947. It offers a timely reminder of the complex history that has shaped present-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Displayed at the Ojas Art gallery, the collection showcases the works of illustrious cartographers such as Seutter, Rennell, Mortier, Lapie, Bonne, and Tallis. These maps, painstakingly created in England, France, Italy, and the USA, provide distinct perspectives on the subcontinent’s rich and multifaceted history, charting the evolution of its geographical boundaries from a time when India encompassed what are now Pakistan and Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan). Spanning an extraordinary 350 years of cartographic history, these maps blend art and history, capturing the imagination and curiosity of all who view them.
The exhibition is curated by Anubhav Nath, the curatorial director of Ojas Art. He elucidates the significance of the period from the 17th to the 19th centuries, highlighting that it was during this time that the art of cartography achieved its zenith. Explorers ventured into uncharted territories, mapping the world with increasing accuracy. This era witnessed a surge in map-making, driven by the ambitions of Western powers to understand and control new lands. The maps on display were not merely tools for navigation and exploration but also potent symbols of authority and knowledge.
Beyond their immediate practical applications, the exhibition’s maps serve as powerful educational tools. They offer insights into the causes and consequences of shifting geographical boundaries, providing many with a tangible connection to history. The maps allow for a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the Indian subcontinent. They are not just historical artifacts but living documents that continue to reveal new layers of meaning each time they are studied.
. “Every time, one tends to discover something new in the same map,” says Anubhav Nath, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these historical charts.
Each map, with its detailed renderings of towns, rivers, and borders, tells a story of its own — a story of exploration, conquest, and the ever-evolving nature of the world. Visitors are encouraged to view these maps with a contemplative eye, considering them not just as static representations of the past but as dynamic illustrations of history in motion. These maps evoke personal connections, as viewers may recall family histories and personal geographies intertwined with the places depicted.
Anubhav further articulates the multifaceted narratives that maps carry. “The exhibition is about geography, history, and multiple narratives. When we look at maps, we remember connections like our grandfather is from this region or my mother is from here, I live here and I’m currently staying here. We relate the maps to our lives,” he explains. This personalized approach to the exhibition makes it particularly resonant for visitors, allowing them to relate their own stories and experiences to the broader historical context.
This exhibition, located at Ojas Art gallery near Qutub Minar in Mehrauli, is open to the public until September 22, with the gallery closed on Mondays. It welcomes visitors from 11 am to 7 pm, inviting them to immerse themselves in the intricate history of the Indian subcontinent as seen through the eyes of esteemed cartographers. The showcase presents a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the artistry and historical significance embedded in these maps.
In conclusion, the exhibition serves as a profound reminder of the changing borders and shifting landscapes that have shaped the Indian subcontinent. Through the lens of these historical maps, viewers gain a comprehensive understanding of the region’s past, appreciating the intricate interplay of geography, politics, and culture that has defined it over centuries. This journey through time is not only an educational experience but also a celebration of the rich, complex history that continues to influence the subcontinent in myriad ways.
