The National Atlas of India

Summary

This review examines the new National Atlas of India (63 × 44 cm), published ten years after independence. Despite an unusual format, legends provided only in Hindi (necessitating a separate reference sheet), and occasional shortcomings in printing quality and color choice, the atlas is exceptionally rich in content. The thematic scope covers physical geography (geology, vegetation) and human geography (agriculture, irrigation, language groups, scheduled tribes). Geological and vegetation maps are noted for their clear color schemes, whereas some agricultural dot maps are criticized for visual confusion. The irrigation map effectively highlights regional differences, showing that over 60% of irrigated land is concentrated in eastern deltas and Punjab; the expansion of well irrigation reflects government programs. Maps of fiber crops and plantations use symbols and hachures to differentiate products, providing valuable economic information. The tribal population map, although small, reveals the distribution of non-Hindu groups. Certain data, such as fisheries, are of questionable reliability due to insufficient source material. Overall, this atlas presents India’s immense regional complexity comprehensively for the first time, serving as a treasure trove for researchers and marking a milestone in Indian cartography, despite minor inaccuracies.