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Mapping The Danish Trading Post In India

These two maps and the accompanying text sheet provide a comprehensive depiction of the Danish colonial settlement of Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) on the Coromandel Coast of India. Engraved and published by Matthäus Seutter, a renowned Augsburg-based cartographer in the 18th century, these documents illustrate both the geographical landscape and administrative structure of the Danish-controlled territory. Tranquebar served as Denmark’s primary trading post and missionary center in India from 1620 to 1845, and these maps provide valuable insight into its infrastructure, governance, and religious activities.

 The first map is a topographical representation of Tranquebar and its surrounding lands, capturing both natural and man-made features. It employs color-coded divisions to distinguish different agricultural fields, cultivated lands, and settlements, indicating Danish-controlled areas and neighboring territories of the Kingdom of Tanjore (Tanjavur). Major rivers, roads, and canals are prominently marked, illustrating the region’s infrastructure and irrigation systems.

A significant feature of this map is Fort Dansborg, which appears in red, reflecting its strategic importance in the Danish colonial administration. The Golfo di Bengala (Bay of Bengal) is labeled at the bottom, emphasizing Tranquebar’s position as a crucial maritime trade hub. The left side of the map contains extensive annotations and explanatory notes, detailing local temples (pagodas), settlements, roads, and trade routes. These notes also describe Danish missionary efforts, underscoring their role in Protestant evangelism and cultural exchange with the local population. 

The second map provides both a detailed city plan (Grundriss) and a perspective view (Prospect) of Tranquebar and its key fortifications. The city plan outlines the street layout, defensive walls, and public buildings, offering a precise geometric representation of the settlement. Specific structures, such as churches, trading posts, and military barracks, are carefully mapped and identified through a legend.

The perspective view presents an illustrated panorama of Tranquebar and Fort Dansborg as seen from the sea. This portion of the map offers a visual impression of the city’s fortifications, coastal defenses, and surrounding landscape. The decorative cartouche at the top serves as both a title panel and a dedication, a hallmark of Seutter’s elaborate cartographic style. Together, these visual elements provide a comprehensive depiction of the settlement’s physical and administrative layout. 

The text sheets accompanying the maps offer a historical, geographical, and economic account of Tranquebar. These texts provide a chronological history of the Danish colony, detailing its founding, governance, and interactions with local rulers. They also describe religious and cultural sites, including Hindu temples (referred to as pagodas), and offer observations on local customs and traditions.

A key focus of the text is the role of the Danish-Halle Mission, established in 1706, which was among the earliest Protestant missionary efforts in India. The text describes the introduction of printing presses, religious conversions, and educational initiatives led by the missionaries. Additionally, there are detailed explanations of the map’s symbols, highlighting important landmarks, trade routes, and economic centers. 

Tranquebar was Denmark’s most significant colonial possession in India, serving as a crucial center for trade, military defense, and missionary work. The Danish-Halle Mission played a pivotal role in introducing Protestant Christianity to India, setting up one of the earliest printing presses in the region. These maps capture the economic and religious activities of the colony, showing how European powers managed their overseas settlements.