"Delhi and Environs," a masterful creation by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1893, offers a captivating glimpse into the urban and geographical landscape of Delhi during the late 19th century. This meticulously crafted city street map is a testament to Bartholomew's precision and attention to detail, showcasing the vibrant and historically rich city of Delhi. The map is not just a representation of streets and buildings; it is a window into the past, highlighting the intricate layout and significant landmarks that defined Delhi over a century ago.
The map vividly delineates notable neighborhoods such as Shahjahanabad and Modern Delhi, reflecting the city's architectural and cultural evolution. Shahjahanabad, known for its historical significance, is prominently featured, allowing viewers to trace the ancient streets and significant sites that once formed the heart of the Mughal Empire. Modern Delhi, on the other hand, showcases the burgeoning development and urban planning that was taking place during the British colonial period, offering a fascinating contrast between the old and the new.
Landmarks such as the majestic Jumma Musjid, the imposing Delhi Gate, and the iconic Cashmere Gate are clearly marked, each telling its own story of Delhi's rich heritage. The inclusion of the Mutiny Memorial and Ludlow Castle provides a poignant reminder of the city's tumultuous history, particularly during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. These landmarks are not just points on a map; they are symbols of the city's resilience and its enduring legacy.
The map also highlights the extensive network of roads and railways that connected Delhi to its surroundings, emphasizing the city's role as a major hub of transportation and commerce. Roads like Chandni Chowk and Grand Trunk Road are meticulously labeled, showcasing the arteries that facilitated trade and movement within and beyond the city. The depiction of the River Yamuna, winding its way through the map, adds a natural element to the urban landscape, underscoring the river's importance to the city's geography and history.
Bartholomew's use of color and hachures to indicate relief brings the map to life, offering a three-dimensional perspective of Delhi's terrain. The yellow-colored cantonments stand out, highlighting the military presence that was a significant aspect of the city's landscape during the colonial era. This map is not just a cartographic achievement; it is a historical document that encapsulates the essence of Delhi, making it a valuable addition to any collection of antique maps and a perfect piece for those who appreciate the rich tapestry of history and geography.
Streets and roads on this map
- Ajmere Road
- Alipore Road
- Bank Road
- Barakhamba Road
- Beli Road
- Chandni Chowk
- Circular Road
- Daryaganj Road
- Esplanade Road
- Grand Trunk Road
- Hardinge Road
- Hospital Road
- Jail Road
- Katra Neel Road
- Lothian Road
- Mall Road
- Mathura Road
- Military Road
- Nicholson Road
- Paharganj Road
- Parliament Street
- Queen's Road
- Rajpur Road
- Ridge Road
- Rohtak Road
- Roshanara Road
- Sadar Bazar Road
- Sadr Road
- Shamnath Marg
- Subzi Mandi Road
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Jumma Musjid
- Mutiny Memorial
- Delhi Gate
- Cashmere Gate
- Ludlow Castle
- St. James' Church
- Observatory
- Shahjahanabad
- Modern Delhi
- Firozabad
- Cantonments (colored yellow)
- Railway stations and lines
- River Yamuna
- Old Fort
- Race Course
Historical and design context
- Color map of Delhi and surroundings.
- Shows towns, roads, railroads, ports, landmarks, public buildings, parks, rivers, bridges, and canals.
- Cantonments are colored yellow.
- Relief is shown by hachures.
- Some roads are labelled, but not all.
- Most major landmarks are labelled.
- Date of creation: 1893
- Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
- Urban layout and infrastructure of Delhi and its surroundings in the late 19th century.
- Transportation networks including roads and railroads.
- Military cantonments and their locations.
- Natural features such as rivers and canals.
- Countries and regions shown: India, specifically the region around Delhi.
- Detailed cartographic style with color differentiation for various features.
- Use of hachures to indicate relief.
- Clear labeling of major landmarks and some roads.
- Provides insight into the urban planning and infrastructure of Delhi in the late 19th century.
- Highlights the importance of military cantonments during the British colonial period.
- Reflects the transportation and communication networks of the time.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 40in (100cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.