Old Map of Bengaluru, 1910: Bangalore City, Cantonment, Bannerghatta, Ulsoor Lake, Sankey Tank

The “Map of Country 10 Miles Around Bangalore,” created in 1910 by an anonymous cartographer, offers a captivating glimpse into the historical landscape of Bangalore and its surrounding regions. This meticulously detailed city street map, printed by the Litho. School 2nd Q.V.O.S. & M in Bangalore, reflects the cartographic precision and aesthetic sensibilities of the early 20th century. As you explore this map, you will uncover the intricate network of roads, the varied topography marked by contour lines, and the numerous settlements that paint a vivid picture of Bangalore’s past.

Bangalore, known for its rich history and cultural significance, is prominently featured at the heart of this map. Key landmarks such as Bangalore City and Bangalore Cantonment are clearly marked, offering insights into the city’s administrative and military importance during the British colonial period. The map also highlights significant neighborhoods and thoroughfares, including Bannerghatta Road and Mysore Road, which have been central to the city’s development and connectivity.

The map’s depiction of natural features adds another layer of intrigue. Water bodies like Ulsoor Lake, Sankey Tank, and Hebbal Tank are prominently shown, reflecting the importance of these lakes in the city’s ecosystem and daily life. The detailed contour lines not only provide a sense of the region’s topography but also indicate the careful attention given to capturing the area’s physical landscape. These features make the map an invaluable resource for understanding the geographical context of early 20th-century Bangalore.

One of the most compelling aspects of this map is its portrayal of the various villages and settlements surrounding Bangalore. These smaller communities, each with its own unique history and character, are meticulously labeled, offering a window into the rural life that coexisted with the burgeoning urban center. The map serves as a testament to the region’s diverse and dynamic nature, showcasing the interplay between urban and rural environments.

The historical significance of this map extends beyond its cartographic details. It represents a period of transition and growth for Bangalore, capturing a moment in time when the city was evolving into a major administrative and commercial hub. For collectors and history enthusiasts, this map is not just a navigational tool but a piece of history that tells the story of Bangalore’s journey through the ages. Its detailed depiction of the city’s streets, landmarks, and natural features makes it a fascinating and valuable addition to any collection.

Streets and roads on this map

• Bannerghatta Road
• Bellary Road
• Bull Temple Road
• Cubbon Road
• Hosur Road
• Infantry Road
• Kolar Road
• Magadi Road
• Mysore Road
• Richmond Road
• Residency Road
• St. John’s Road
• St. Mark’s Road
• Tumkur Road
• Ulsoor Road

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Landmarks:
• Bangalore City
• Bangalore Cantonment
• Bannerghatta
• Lakes:
• Ulsoor Lake
• Sankey Tank
• Hebbal Tank
• Other notable features:
• Various villages and settlements around Bangalore
• Detailed contour lines indicating terrain and elevation

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Map of Country 10 Miles Around Bangalore
• Extra notes:
• Detailed map of the area around Bangalore.
• Printed by the Litho. School 2nd Q.V.O.S. & M in Bangalore.
• The Litho. School 2nd Q.V.O.S. & M likely refers to a military or governmental lithographic printing school, indicating the map may have been used for administrative or military purposes.
• Date of creation: 1910
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Anonymous
• The map was created by an anonymous cartographer, which was not uncommon for maps produced by governmental or military institutions during this period.
• Themes and topics:
• The map shows detailed topographical and geographical features around Bangalore.
• Themes include terrain contours, water bodies, and settlements.
• Countries and regions shown:
• The map focuses on the region around Bangalore, India.
• Design and style:
• The map uses a grid system for reference.
• Contour lines are used to show elevation and terrain.
• The map includes detailed labels for various geographical features.
• Historical significance:
• The map provides a historical snapshot of the Bangalore region in the early 20th century.
• It reflects the cartographic techniques and styles used in 1910.
• The map may have been used for administrative, planning, or military purposes during the British colonial period in India.

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 90in (230cm). 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 16x16in (40x40cm) 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.