German Map of Kashmir and Surrounding Regions by Weimar, 1802

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This rare and finely detailed antique map, titled Charte von Kaschemir, was published in 1802 in Weimar and is based … Read more This rare and finely detailed antique map, titled Charte von Kaschemir, was published in 1802 in Weimar and is based on s from the French officer and geographer Jean-Baptiste-Joseph Gentil. It provides an early European representation of the Kashmir Valley and surrounding territories, including parts of modern-day Pakistan, Tibet, and northern India. This map reflects the growing European interest in the Indian subcontinent during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly as colonial ambitions expanded and geographic knowledge improved. Jean-Baptiste-Joseph Gentil was a French officer who served at the court of the Nawabs of Awadh, where he conducted diplomatic and geographical studies of India. His accounts significantly influenced European cartographers, and this map is one of the products of those efforts. The German-language title and text suggest that it was intended for a scholarly European audience, likely included in a larger work on Hindustan or Asian geography. The map meticulously details the mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, and settlements of Kashmir. Notable features include Dal Lake, marked as Dall See, the city of Srinagar, labeled as Kaschemir, and the surrounding Himalayan mountain ranges, labeled as Gross Thibet, meaning Greater Tibet, and Klein Thibet, meaning Little Tibet. The terrain is illustrated with hachure lines, a cartographic technique used to depict elevation and rugged landscapes. Political and regional boundaries are marked, including those of Lahore, Pader, and Sind, reflecting the shifting territorial claims of the period.

This map is an excellent example of early nineteenth-century European cartography, reflecting an era when European powers sought to expand their knowledge of South Asia for both scholarly and colonial purposes. The Weimar publishing house, known for its high-quality engravings, produced this map with precision, ensuring a balance between scientific accuracy and artistic elegance.

Cartographer and Source: This map was published by the Weimar publishing house in 1802, based on earlier s recorded by Jean-Baptiste-Joseph Gentil. Gentil was a French military officer and geographer who compiled detailed accounts of Hindustan while serving under the Nawabs of Awadh. His geographical studies helped expand European knowledge of India, Tibet, and Central Asia.

Condition Report: The paper is well-preserved, showing the characteristic laid texture and chain lines of early nineteenth-century European printing. The engraving remains sharp and detailed, with clear labels and finely executed hachure lines that emphasize the mountainous terrain. There is minor foxing and light age-toning, especially along the edges, which is typical for antique maps of this period. The central fold is original, with a slight crease along the fold line. The margins remain intact with only minor edge wear. There are no major tears, repairs, or stains, making this map a very fine example of its type and age. See less