Mapping the Great Game

Explorers, Spies and Maps in 19th-Century Asia

Riaz Dean

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Hardback

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English

Casemate
01 November 2019

History; Asian history; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900; Historical maps & atlases; Military history

The fascinating story of the pioneers who explored vast regions of Central Asia, India and Tibet to create maps, and spy out the country for military and geographical reasons. Although the ultimate prize of the Great Game played out between Great Britain and Imperial Russia in the 19th century was India, most of the intrigue and action took place along its northern frontier in Afghanistan, Turkestan and Tibet. Maps, and knowledge of the enemy were crucial elements in Britain's struggle to defend the 'jewel in the crown'.

The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India had been founded in the 18th century, with the aim of creating a detailed map of the country. While most people today are readily able to identify the world's highest mountain few know of the man, George Everest, whom it was named after, or the accomplishment that earned him this singular honour. Under his leadership, the Survey of India mapped the Great Arc, which was then lauded as 'one of the greatest works in the whole history of science', though it cost more in monetary terms and human lives than many contemporary Indian wars?

Much of the work of the Survey was undertaken by native Indians, known as Pundits, who were trained to explore, spy out and map Central Asia and Tibet. They did this at great personal risk and with meagre resources, while travelling entirely on foot. They would be the first to reveal the mysteries of the forbidden city of Lhasa; and discover the true course of Tibet's mighty Tsangpo River. They were the greatest group of explorers the world has seen in recent history yet they remain the classic unsung heroes of the British Raj. The story of these extraordinary pioneers who explored much of Asia during the 19th century to fill in large portions of its map, and spy out the region for military reasons is often forgotten, but Riaz Dean's vivid account of their exploits, their adventurous spirit and their tenacity in the face of great adversity, all set within the context of the Great Game and the Survey of India, will finally bring them the attention they deserve.

AUTHOR: Riaz Dean works as a Business Improvement Consultant. He is an engineer by profession, and also holds an MBA degree. He lives in Wellington, New Zealand now, after living and working (for a multinational) in Australia, Germany and USA in the last decade. Riaz is a current member of the NZ Society of Authors and the NZ Cartographical Society. As well as being an avid reader of historical exploration.

By: Riaz Dean
Imprint: Casemate
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 228mm, Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781612008141
ISBN 10: 1612008143
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 01 November 2019
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

List of Maps and Illustrations Introduction Part One: The Great Game Begins 1. The Early Years 2. Britain Attacks to Defend India Part Two: The GTS of India 3. Lambton Starts the GTS 4. Everest Completes the Great Arc Part Three: The Pundits 5. Montgomerie's Native Explorers 6. Northwest Frontier and Chinese Turkestan 7. Tibet and the River Part Four: The Great Game Ends 8. Russia Advances into Central Asia 9. The Final Years Timeline of Key Events Glossary Bibliography Index

Riaz works as a Business Improvement Consultant. He is an engineer by profession, and also holds an MBA degree. He lives in Wellington, New Zealand now, after living and working (for a multinational) in Australia, Germany and USA in the last decade. Riaz is a current member of the NZ Society of Authors and the NZ Cartographical Society. As well as being an avid reader of historical exploration.

Reviews for Mapping the Great Game: Explorers, Spies and Maps in 19th-Century Asia

The book is well researched and a fascinating read. I highly recommend this book to general readers as well as anyone with a passing interest in mapping in general or in the Great Game. * ANZMaps (Australian & New Zealand Map Society) * There are compelling elements to this book and it certainly provides a solid introduction to the history of ‘The Great Game’ and the Great Trigonometric Survey of India. The narrative thread remains clear throughout and keeps up a steady pace. * The Cartographic Journal *