JOHN AND CHARLES WALKER
ALLEN’S MAP OF INDIA
Year: 1849
Size: 33 x 37.7 inches (Map Size When Opened)
Size: 6 x 9.7 inches (When Folded)
Map Size: 83.9 x 95.9 cm (33 x 37.7 inches) (When Opened)
Size: 15.5 x 24.8 cm (6 x 9.7 inches) (When Folded)
Publisher by: William Houghton Allen, London.
It was drawn and engraved by the brother John and Charles Walker whose firm helped to produce some of the grandest English maps of the 1830s and 1840.
The map’s publisher, William Houghton Allen & Co., was a specialist merchant and bookseller who largely produced materials related to the British colonies, India in particular. This magnificent map of India shows the complex political borders of the subcontinent a decade before the end of East India Company rule in India.
The 1840s were a period of conflict and unrest for Company rule in India. Six wars were fought during this period between the Company and various Indian rulers seeking independence from the burdensome taxes and political interference of the British. These include the First Anglo-Afghan War, the Sindh War, and two Anglo-Sikh Wars. Though the Company emerged victorious (or at least stalemated) from each of these conflicts, their power and influence was clearly waning as resistance to their rule strengthened. The Indian Rebellion of 1857 (also known as the Indian Mutiny) was the final nail in the coffin of Company Rule, resulting in the British Crown assuming direct control over all of the Company’s territory in India.
This map was compiled from surveys conducted by the East India Company, which would have been the most accurate information available to the British at the time of publication.
This particular copy of the Map of India is in remarkably sound condition. The map has been dissected and mounted on linen, a process that has effectively prevented tearing along the folds and ensured its durability. Hand-applied colour tinting highlights the territorial divisions, enhancing both clarity and visual appeal. It remains preserved within its original gilt-tooled cloth boards, fashioned in book form, with the spine now protected by a later tape reinforcement. Together, these features contribute to the exceptional survival and presentation quality of this rare and historically important cartographic artifact.
Provenance : Collection of a Gentleman
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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 | 148500.00 | Regular | 27-11-2025 08:11:53 PM IST |