Rare Old Map of Delhi by Weller, 1860: Jama Musjid, The Palace, Bridge of Boats, Cantonments, River Jumna

The "Plan of Delhi and its Environs," crafted by Edward Weller in 1860, offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban fabric of Delhi during the British colonial period. This meticulously engraved city street map is a rare piece from the 'Weekly Dispatch Atlas,' a series renowned for its detailed cartographic representations. The map vividly captures the layout of Delhi, highlighting significant landmarks and neighborhoods that defined the city in the mid-19th century. It serves as both a historical document and a work of art, reflecting the intricate urban planning and architectural grandeur of the time.

One of the most striking features of this map is its detailed depiction of Delhi's prominent landmarks. The Jama Musjid, a monumental mosque, stands out as a focal point, along with the majestic Palace and the iconic Bridge of Boats. These landmarks are not just points of interest but are imbued with historical and cultural significance, offering insights into the architectural and societal priorities of the era. The inclusion of educational institutions like the Oriental College further underscores the city's role as a center of learning and culture.

The map also delineates various neighborhoods, each with its unique character and historical context. The Cantonments, highlighted in pink, reflect the British military presence, while areas like Rajpore and Subzee Mundee offer a glimpse into the local residential and commercial zones. These neighborhoods, with their distinct layouts and functions, paint a vivid picture of the diverse and vibrant life in Delhi. The careful representation of these areas makes the map an invaluable resource for understanding the city's historical geography.

The River Jumna, flowing gracefully across the map, adds a natural element to the urban landscape. This river has been a lifeline for Delhi, shaping its development and serving as a critical resource for its inhabitants. The map also features large parks such as Kudsia Bagh, which provided green spaces for recreation and respite amidst the bustling city. These natural features are not merely decorative but are integral to the city's history and development, reflecting the interplay between urbanization and nature.

Edward Weller's craftsmanship is evident in the map's precise engraving and the inclusion of numerous details that bring the city to life. His work, along with that of other engravers like John Dower, contributed to the 'Weekly Dispatch Atlas,' a significant cartographic project of the 19th century. This map is not just a representation of Delhi but a testament to Weller's skill and the broader historical context of British cartography. It stands as a remarkable artifact, offering a window into the past and a deeper appreciation of Delhi's rich heritage.

Streets and roads on this map

• None of the streets or roads on this map are labelled.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Landmarks:
• Jama Musjid
• The Palace
• Bridge of Boats
• Oriental College
• Fortifications
• Old Rajput Palace
• Sabz Burj
• Kotwalee
• Jumma Musjid
• Roshun-ud-Dowlah's Kotee
• Observatory
• Tomb of Humayoon
• Old Fort
• Lall Diggee
• The Observatory
• Metcalfe House
• Kudsia Bagh
• Magazine
• Flag Staff Tower
• Ridge
• Neighbourhoods:
• Cantonments (highlighted in pink)
• Rajpore
• Subzee Mundee
• Pahar Gunje
• Jutwarra Bazar
• Kishengunge
• Kishen Gunge
• Darya Gunge
• Large Parks:
• Kudsia Bagh
• Other notable features:
• River Jumna
• Railway lines and stations

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Plan of Delhi and its Environs
• Date created: 1860
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Edward Weller
• Context about the mapmaker: Edward Weller was one of the engravers for the maps included in the 'Weekly Dispatch Atlas'. The 'Weekly Dispatch' newspaper included maps in each edition from 1856 to 1862. These maps were later compiled into 'The Dispatch Atlas' in 1863 and combined with English county maps in 1865 as 'Cassell's Complete Atlas'.
• Topics and themes:
• City Street Map: The map focuses on the layout and major landmarks of Delhi.
• Historical Context: This map was created during the British colonial period in India, providing a glimpse into the urban planning and significant landmarks of Delhi at that time.
• Countries and regions shown: The map focuses on Delhi, India.
• Design/Style:
• Engraving: The map is an engraved piece, a common technique in the 19th century.
• Distinctive Sign: The map bears the distinctive sign of a half globe with the figure of Mercury above, marking its inclusion in the 'Weekly Dispatch Atlas'.
• Historical significance:
• Urban Layout: The map provides valuable historical insight into the urban layout and significant structures of Delhi during the mid-19th century.
• Colonial Era: Reflects the British colonial influence on the cartographic representation of Indian cities.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.