Original engraved map by William Faden (1749-1836)
This large two-sheet ‘Map of the Peninsula of India from the 19th Degree North Latitude to Cape Comorin’ is a remarkable cartographic work, offering one of the most detailed depictions of southern India in the late 18th century. It extends from Bombay (Mumbai) in the north to Cape Comorin (Kanyakumari) in the south, reaching east to Eluru and the Bay of Bengal and west to the Laccadive Islands (Lakshadweep). Hand-coloured territorial divisions highlight British possessions, the Nizam’s dominions, the Maratha territories, the Nawabs of Carnatic, and Travancore.
A detailed cartouche in the lower left includes annotations and scale bars, while British influence is evident in Anglicized place names and colour-coded military routes, notably Cornwallis’s campaign. The map not only documents British expansion but also reflects shifting alliances with the Marathas and the Nizam, offering insight into India’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
William Faden (1749–1836) was a leading London mapmaker and publisher, serving as Geographer to George III and George IV. After apprenticing as an engraver, he took over the firm of Thomas Jefferys in 1776, producing critical maps during the American Revolutionary War, securing his reputation. He collaborated with the Admiralty and Ordnance Survey, publishing the first Ordnance Survey map in 1801. Awarded a gold medal by the Society of Arts in 1796, he also co-created the first extant lunar globe. With over 350 maps, atlases, and military plans to his name, he retired in 1823, passing his business to James Wyld. His legacy endures in the precision and innovation of his maps.
Framed Size (cms): 117(H) x 99(W) x 3(D)
Framed Size (inches): 46(H) x 39(W) x 1(D)
