Der Nationalatlas von Indien

Summary

This article reviews the National Atlas of India (preliminary edition, 1957). The atlas, measuring 68×44 cm, uses Hindi legends, which inconveniences European readers. Although the printing technology does not always meet the highest cartographic standards and some color choices are unfortunate, it holds significant value as the first comprehensive national atlas published ten years after India's independence, clearly revealing the great complexity and extent of regional differentiation in the largest country of the subcontinent. The atlas covers topics including relief, climate, vegetation, economy, and the distribution of major language groups. The geological map and agricultural maps (sheets 12–15) are particularly well-executed. The irrigation-type distribution map highlights the extensive inland irrigation, while the grain distribution dot map suffers from overlapping colored dots. Overall, the atlas is of considerable worth.