220 - Cartography and the Shaping of India's Sacred Geography (S13E22)

A History of India

Unfold the maps of pre-modern India and discover a worldview where the sacred and geography are intricately intertwined. Explore temple-centric maps, where temples are placed at the very center, often with the surrounding landscape radiating outwards, showcasing the centrality of the divine in their understanding of the world. Examine how this approach extended beyond Hindu maps to Jain and Buddhist traditions, reflecting a shared concept of sacred geography. Delve into the Mughal influence on cartography, transforming maps into beautiful works of art filled with symbolism and power, often incorporating elements of Timurid art and architecture, like the Charbagh layout. Join us as we explore how maps themselves became tools for expressing beliefs, shaping perceptions, and even exerting control over the land.

This episode examines the shift in cartographic approach with the arrival of the British, their focus on scientific objectivity and the practical needs of administration, and how that impacted the way India was mapped. We'll uncover the traces of earlier worldviews hidden beneath the surface of British maps, revealing the subtle influences of local knowledge and tradition. Explore the concept of mental maps, our internalized landscapes of meaning and belief, and how they too are shaped by history, culture, and power. Finally, we'll consider the challenges of navigating a world awash in information, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and questioning the maps, both literal and metaphorical, that guide our decisions and shape our understanding of the world. This deep dive offers a unique perspective on the power of maps to shape not just our understanding of geography, but also our beliefs, values, and our very sense of place in the world.