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

A History of India by Jim Mitchell

Episode notes

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  ... 

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