"[…] the annexed Chinese Map of India, originally copied by M.Klaproth from the Great Japanese Encyclopedia for the illustration of the Foe koue ki. Although in some particulars it differs from the narrates of Hwan thsang and Shy fa hian, being the compilation of some unknown Chinese geographer, who probably gathered his materials from many and conflicting accounts. it will be found both useful and interesting at a time when public attention is directed to China for the most authentic particulars of the early history of this country."
~ Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Volume 17, Part 2, 1848. It was an addendum to Alexander Cunningham's detailing of Hiuen Tsang's route in India.
Maps are probably the most preserved ancient art, you can learn as much as about history as art forms from them. The artist took creative liberties in maps too at the whims of their lords and kings. A dying art in the world of google maps and every part of earth and now other universe being traced already.
ReplyDeleteVery nice one. Informative as well. Liked reading it and specially the map.
ReplyDelete