RENNELL, JAMES
A NEW MAP OF HINDOOSTAN
Year: 1804
Size: 49.2 x 57.6 inches (When Joined Together)
Size of Each Sheet: 24.9 x 28 inches
Second Edition
IN FOUR PARTS
Year: 1804
Map Size (When Joined Together: 125 x 146.5 cm (49.2 x 57.6 inches)
Size of Each Sheet: 63.4 x 71.5 cm (24.9 x 28 inches)
Published by: Laurie & Whittle/ Rennell
Superb large format map of India and Sri Lanka, second only to the Arrowsmith map. It is based on the surveys of James Rennell, and published by Laurie & Whittle. The map is exceptionally detailed and includes roads, towns, mountains, rivers and a host of other details. It was one of the most important maps of India from the period, before Arrowsmith mammoth mapping was complete.
The map illustrates the political and geographical landscape of Hindoostan (an archaic term for the Indian subcontinent) in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It highlights military roads and passes, reflecting the strategic interests of the British East India Company in controlling trade and military logistics.
The map uses color to delineate various regions and territories, a typical method for distinguishing political boundaries in historical maps. The colors are applied manually, enhancing the visual differentiation between areas. Numerous inscriptions label geographic features, cities, and regions. Important cities and rivers are prominently marked, reflecting their significance in trade and governance during that period.
Notable Aspects:
- Accuracy and Detail: For its time, the map is noted for its accuracy and detail, thanks to Rennell?s extensive surveys. It provides insights into the geography and political divisions of the era, which were crucial for colonial administration.
- Hand Coloring: The use of hand coloring not only adds aesthetic value but also serves a functional purpose in distinguishing territories, a common practice before the advent of modern printing techniques.
- Cultural Representation: While the map is a British production, it provides a glimpse into the regional divisions and place names of South Asia, some of which have persisted or evolved into modern times.
This map serves as an important historical document, offering insights into the colonial perspective, cartographic practices, and geopolitical landscape of South Asia in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Laurie & Whittle Robert Laurie (ca. 1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) formed their Fleet Street, London-based firm, upon the 1794 death of their employer Robert Sayer, himself one of the dominant print and mapmakers of the last half of the 18th century.
Laurie & Whittle started managing Sayer's business as early as 1787. They took over all managerial duties when Sayer's health flagged in 1792, and they changed the imprint in 1794 upon his death. Robert Laurie retired from the firm in 1812, and his role was assumed by his son, Richard Holmes Laurie (1777-1858). The younger Laurie worked with James Whittle until the latter died in 1818.
Laurie & Whittle were prolific print and map publishers, and throughout their careers, they produced numerous very important and rare works. They carried on Robert Sayer's atlas business and were responsible for editions of The Complete East-India Pilot and The American Atlas.
James Rennell (1742-1830) was a pioneering English geographer, historian, and oceanographer. He was responsible for the first approximately accurate map of India and published the Bengal Atlas (1779). Both works were important for British colonial interests in the Subcontinent.
Rennell is best known for his survey of India, the first scientific survey of the Subcontinent ever conducted. While serving in the Royal Navy from 1756 to '63, Rennell learned the skills of an expert colonial surveyor. He accompanied Alexander Dalrymple to the Philippines in 1762. Rennell joined the East India Company in India. He served as surveyor general of Bengal (1764-77) and of Bihar and Orissa (1767-77). He left India in 1777, returning to London where he continued to work on geographical research and publishing until his death in 1830.
Provenance : Collection of a Gentleman
This is an auction of pre-owned and old items. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and you should expect general wear and tear commensurate with age and use.
We strongly advise you to examine items before you bid.
We welcome enquiries from collectors, galleries, art enthusiasts, and institutions.
High-resolution images and multiple perspectives of artworks are available in each lot, further images and videos and condition report can be provided upon request.
Personal viewings can be arranged at your convenience. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to see these works in person — photographs, however fine, cannot fully convey the scale, colour, texture and presence of original oil paintings and works on paper.
Contact:
Phone: Neelam - 9810292314 | Ritu - 7503461940 | Aditya - 9810302675
This is an auction of pre-owned and old items. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and you should expect general wear and tear commensurate with age and use.
We strongly advise you to examine items before you bid.
| Nickname | Amount(Rs) | Type | Date & Time(IST) | |
| 1 | anon0290 | 198000.00 | Regular | 27-11-2025 08:11:11 PM IST |