Map of India and Ceylon with Inset of Calcutta and the Ganges by Bonne, 1780

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The map on offer is an antique copperplate engraving of India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), created by Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794), … Read more The map on offer is an antique copperplate engraving of India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka), created by Rigobert Bonne (1727-1794), a prominent French cartographer. Here is a breakdown of the map and its features: 1. Geographical Scope: - The map covers the Indian subcontinent, including India, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Tibet, Nepal, and the Maldives. It provides a detailed view of the regions as they were understood in the 18th century. - The map also includes the Maldives and a portion of Southeast Asia, which reflects Bonne's attempts to capture the broader region surrounding the Indian Ocean. 2. Inset of Calcutta and the Ganges: - In the upper right corner, there is an inset map focusing on Calcutta (modern-day Kolkata) and the Ganges River. This area was particularly important due to its role in British colonial trade and influence in India during the 18th century. 3. Map Title: - The main title of the map in the cartouche (upper right) translates as "Map of the Upper Part of India beyond the Ganges." It refers to Northern India and its surrounding regions, covering significant historical areas such as Bengal and Tibet. - The lower cartouche on the map provides a "Map of the Lower Part of India beyond the Ganges", including Ceylon and other coastal regions. 4. Cartographic Detail: - The map showcases hand-applied color boundaries, which delineate regions and political entities, a common practice in high-quality maps of this era. - Bonne’s maps are known for their clear depiction of geographical features, including mountain ranges, rivers, and islands. This map appears to label significant passes, cities, mountains, and bodies of water. 5. Condition and Production: - Being a copperplate engraving, this map would have been meticulously engraved on a copper sheet before being inked and pressed onto paper, which often results in fine, precise lines and the possibility of a visible platemark. - The map is well-preserved with a centerfold, typical for maps that were part of larger atlases or collections. 6. Historical and Cartographic Significance: - Rigobert Bonne was one of the leading French cartographers during the late 18th century. He worked as the Hydrographer at the Dépôt de la Marine, and his maps were known for their accuracy and clarity, focusing more on geographical precision than on ornamental design, which was common in earlier maps. - Maps like this one were crucial for European understanding of colonial territories and trade routes in the 18th century, especially for navigation and expansion during the age of European imperialism. See less