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Description

Charting the eastern coastline of the Indian subcontinent, The Coast of India, from Point Gordeware to the Ganges, Comprehending part of the Coast of Golconda, the Coasts of Orissa and Bengal, with the Mouth of Hoogly River delineates the maritime geography of the late 18th century. Published by the eminent firm of Laurie & Whittle in London, in 1794, this significant chart presents an unparalleled, accurate depiction of the regions from Golconda to Bengal, including the estuarine complex of the revered Ganges River.

During the late 18th century, an era marked by burgeoning imperial interests and expanding maritime commerce, accurate navigation charts were in high demand. British maritime enterprises, most notably the East India Company, had cemented a strong presence in the Indian subcontinent, making the region a hub of trade and cultural exchange. In this historical context, the work of Laurie & Whittle – well-known for their precise, detailed cartographic productions – gained notable importance.

This chart, with its distinctive features, stands as an emblem of the era's navigational practices. The inclusion of six coastal profiles and hundreds of soundings reflects the meticulous marine surveys undertaken at the time. The chart also highlights the significant hydrographic detail of the Hoogly River – a key tributary of the Ganges River and a critical navigational route during this period, demonstrating its strategic importance for maritime activities.

The depiction of the vast Ganges delta, where numerous branches of the river meet the Bay of Bengal, exemplifies the chart's geographical accuracy and level of detail. Furthermore, the representation of the diverse coastal regions – spanning from the historic region of Golconda in the south to Bengal in the north – provides an intricate portrayal of the coastline, its landmarks, and salient features.

In essence, The Coast of India, from Point Gordeware to the Ganges, Comprehending part of the Coast of Golconda, the Coasts of Orissa and Bengal, with the Mouth of Hoogly River provides a comprehensive maritime geography of the eastern Indian coast during the zenith of British presence. Beyond its practical navigational utility, it serves as an insightful artifact, shedding light on the geographical knowledge and maritime practices of the late 18th century.

Condition Description
Minor soiling and offsetting.
Laurie & Whittle Biography

Robert Laurie (ca. 1755-1836) and James Whittle (1757-1818) formed their Fleet Street, London-based firm upon the 1794 death of their employer Robert Sayer, himself one of the dominant print and mapmakers of the last half of the 18th century.

Laurie & Whittle started managing Sayer's business as early as 1787. They took over all managerial duties when Sayer's health flagged in 1792, and they changed the imprint in 1794 upon his death. Sayer left the two a 21-year lease on the shop (at £100 a year) and on Sayer's Bolt Court premises, as well as an option to acquire stock and equipment at a preferential price of £5,000 payable over three years.

Robert Laurie retired from the firm in 1812, and his role was assumed by his son, Richard Holmes Laurie (1777-1858). The younger Laurie worked with James Whittle until the latter died in 1818. After R. H. Laurie died in 1858, Alexander George Findlay, FRGS (1812-1875) purchased the firm from his daughters. The firm continues today under another name, specializing in yachting charts.

Laurie & Whittle were prolific print and map publishers, and throughout their careers, they produced numerous very important and rare works. They carried on Robert Sayer's atlas business and were responsible for editions of The Complete East-India Pilot and The American Atlas.