Maps and atlases: National atlas of the Republic of India

This article reviews the planning, organization, and thematic structure of the new National Atlas of India, conceived as a substantially expanded English-language successor to the preliminary Hindi edition of 1957. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive physical, economic, demographic, social, and historical representation of India, with particular attention to regions relevant to long-term national development plans. Preparation is led by the National Atlas Organisation through research and mapping units in Calcutta and Dehradun, supported by advisory and coordinating bodies, universities, and the Survey of India. Major difficulties include inadequate industrial, agricultural, and land-use statistics, as well as weak coordination among government agencies; district information centers are therefore being established to collect reliable local data. The atlas comprises 300 sheets at scales ranging from 1:1,000,000 to 1:20,000,000 and is divided into three sections. The first covers general, physical, geological, climatic, hydrological, soil, and biogeographical themes. The second, and largest, presents population, transport, land use, agriculture, industry, and economic regions, incorporating census data and specialized surveys. The third addresses cultural, social, political, settlement, and historical patterns, including education, language, health, labor, elections, and urban and rural functions. By integrating detailed thematic mapping with national planning priorities, the atlas represents a major institutional and scientific advance in Indian cartography and promises to deepen international understanding of India’s territory, population, resources, and development.