The "Delhi Durbar, 1911" map, created by the esteemed military painter and illustrator Reginald Augustus Wymer, is a captivating piece that commemorates a pivotal event in the history of British India. This map, originally crafted to mark the grand Delhi Durbar of 1911, offers a detailed and evocative glimpse into the heart of colonial Delhi during the height of the British Empire. The Durbar, attended by Emperor George V and Empress Queen Mary, was a grand assembly at Coronation Park, celebrating the sovereign's succession. Wymer's map is not just a geographical representation but a historical tapestry that intertwines the city's layout with rich illustrations of the era's vibrant colonial life.
This city map is notable for its intricate depiction of significant neighborhoods and landmarks that were central to the Delhi Durbar. The Coronation Pavilion, a key feature of the Durbar, stands prominently, symbolizing the imperial grandeur of the event. Surrounding the map are detailed illustrations of various regiments, including the Queen's own Cameron Highlanders and the 1st King George's own Gurkha Rifles, showcasing the military might and ceremonial splendor of the British Empire. These visual elements not only enhance the map's aesthetic appeal but also provide a deeper understanding of the historical context and the cultural dynamics of early 20th-century Delhi.
Wymer's artistry extends beyond mere cartography; it captures the essence of colonial Indian life through vivid scenes of village life, elephant processions, and packhorse trails. These illustrations offer a window into the daily activities and ceremonial practices that defined the period. The map's depiction of various battle scenes and military activities further underscores the strategic importance of Delhi as a colonial stronghold. Each element is meticulously rendered, reflecting Wymer's renowned accuracy and his ability to bring historical narratives to life through his artwork.
The map also highlights the city's intricate network of streets and roads, with notable thoroughfares such as Kingsway, Queen's Road, and Victoria Road prominently labeled. These streets, steeped in history, connect various parts of the city and lead to significant sites like the Coronation Park and other military and administrative centers. The detailed representation of these roadways provides valuable insights into the urban planning and infrastructure of Delhi during the British Raj, making it an essential resource for historians and enthusiasts of colonial history.
In addition to its historical significance, the "Delhi Durbar, 1911" map is a testament to Wymer's artistic prowess and his contribution to the field of military illustration. His works, collected by Queen Victoria herself, are celebrated for their precision and historical accuracy. This map, with its rich visual and historical content, stands as a remarkable example of Wymer's legacy, offering a unique blend of cartographic detail and artistic expression. It is not just a map but a historical document that encapsulates the grandeur and complexity of the Delhi Durbar, making it a prized possession for collectors and history aficionados alike.
Streets and roads on this map
- Alexandra Road
- Alipore Road
- Barrack Road
- Cavalry Road
- Edward Road
- Flagstaff Road
- Hospital Road
- Jail Road
- King George's Avenue
- Kingsway
- Lothian Road
- Magazine Road
- Mall Road
- Military Road
- Nicholson Road
- North Road
- Parade Road
- Queen's Road
- Rajpura Road
- Ridge Road
- Roshanara Road
- Shalimar Road
- Smith Road
- Subzi Mandi Road
- Victoria Road
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Illustrations:
- Elephant procession
- Various regiments, including the Queen's own Cameron Highlanders and 1st King George's own Gurkha Rifles
- Village scene
- Packhorse trail
- Scenes of battle
- Coronation Pavilion
- Horse riders and soldiers in various activities
- Landmarks:
- Coronation Pavilion
- Large parks:
- Coronation Park
Historical and design context
- Fascinating map of a portion of the city of Delhi, commemorating the Delhi Durbar.
- Originally printed on Linen, giving it an interesting texture.
- The map shows a small part of Delhi, surrounded by beautiful illustrations of the Durbar.
- The Delhi Durbar was a mass assembly at Coronation Park, Delhi, India, to mark the succession of an Emperor.
- Also known as the Imperial Durbar, it was held three times: in 1877, 1903, and 1911, at the height of the British Empire.
- The 1911 Durbar was the only one attended by the sovereign, George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India.
- This map was originally a handkerchief printed with a detailed map of the park, in brown ink, with its own railway station, and fascinating scenes from colonial Indian life.
- Created by Reginald Augustus Wymer, a military painter and illustrator.
- Wymer's works were renowned for their accuracy and were collected by Queen Victoria.
- The map includes scenes from colonial Indian life, such as the Queen's own Cameron Highlanders, 1st King George's own Gurkha Rifles, and many other regiments.
- Illustrations of a village scene, an elephant procession, a packhorse trail, and scenes of battle.
- A small part of Delhi, India, is depicted.
- The map is a City Thematic and Pictorial map.
- Surrounding illustrations depict various scenes related to the Delhi Durbar and colonial Indian life.
- The map commemorates the 1911 Delhi Durbar, a significant event marking the succession of an Emperor.
- It provides a historical snapshot of colonial India during the British Empire.
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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.