Lost spaces, landscapes of Delhi come alive in historical old maps

Delhi’s lost landscapes and forgotten urban forms hidden behind layers of time stand revealed once more with a remarkable collection of historic maps bringing the ancient city alive once more.

Bringing old stories and spaces to life at the India International Centre here are historic maps dating from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century — as curated and displayed by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

Separated into three segments, it’s the first thematic section that draws common attention the most.

Titled “Mapping Delhi: A City in Transformation”, this first segment traces the cartographic history of Delhi and begins with the city’s antique map of 1807.

It then moves through the early 19th century marked by the initiation of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of the 1820s.

The Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS) started in 1802 and continued over half a century mapping the Indian sub-continent until 1854. It is often hailed as one of the most stupendous work in the history of science.

The display also features subsequent Survey of India maps which chart the city's steady expansion, recording both the emergence of new urban forms and the gradual fading of natural features that once defined the Delhi landscape.

Complementing these are guide maps, army manoeuvre maps, Cantonment plans and market maps, each offering a distinct perspective on the city's social, military and commercial life.

“These maps offer insight into spatial evolution and disappearing natural features which influenced patterns of settlement. The exhibition begins with the antique map of 1807 and moves through the early 19th century, marked by the initiation of the Great Trigonometrical Survey in the 1820s,” said Manu Bhatnagar, Principal Director, Natural Heritage Division, INTACH.

He said the manner in which these interesting maps landed up in the INTACH repository is itself an enigmatic tale, adding that some of these treasure troves were sourced from 'kabbadiwalas' (scrap collectors) of Chandni Chowk, stalls of flea markets in London and old book stalls from across the country.

The overall exhibition titled “The Romance of Old Maps: Tracing Lost Landscapes” tells layered stories of towns, landscapes, water systems and routes that have disappeared or altered in the name of development.

“These maps record both the emergence of new urban forms and gradual fading of natural features that once defined the landscape. They can be studied for the impact of rising urbanisation, evolution of drainage systems or the loss of green cover or biodiversity," the official added.

“In these historic maps, the settlement in Delhi is restricted to the ridge area. But later with urbanisation and migration, people started to settle across the city, even at the borders and outskirts. If someone wants to study urban patterns or migration of rivers, these maps can reveal many answers," he said.

Bhatnagar said it is also interesting to note how meticulously these maps were drawn sans the presence of any advanced technology.

The 'Sketch of the Environs of Delhi - 1807', 'Map of the District of Dihlee - 1824-40', and 'General Plan of Villages Surveyed in Nujufghar Jheel - 1840-41' are some of the historic maps on display at the exhibition. The exhibition will last till March 1 from 11 am 7 pm.