New Delhi: Historians in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, have made an extraordinary discovery—the worlds oldest natural-coloured map. According to historian Amit Rai Jain, this map, known as the Aḍhai Dvīp, holds a special connection to Jainism and is an unparalleled artifact of ancient cartography.Only two such maps exist: ExpertsMaps have long been used to depict the worlds geography, but the one found in Baghpat is truly unique. Historians assert that only two such maps exist in the world: one in India and the other housed in the United Kingdom. What sets these maps apart is their use of natural colours, sourced from plants, fruits, and vegetables of that era. These organic pigments bring to life rivers, mountains, and other natural features with remarkable clarity.Aḍhai Dvīp maps ancient originsAmit Rai Jain explained that the Aḍhai Dvīp map dates back to the 12th or 13th century. Meticulously hand-drawn on cloth, it is embellished with pigments derived from the natural resources available at the time, marking it as a rare example of Indias traditional artistic heritage. Beyond its intricate geography, the map also provides a detailed portrayal of astronomical events, depicting celestial bodies alongside natural landmarks like rivers, mountains, and seas.Comparitive study with Indian mapScholars and historians specializing in Indian history continue to analyze this ancient map in hopes of unlocking its secrets. International researchers are also intrigued by the maps potential to reveal ancient knowledge. According to Jain, a professor from London University is currently conducting a comparative study between this Indian map and a similar one preserved in the British Museum. This study aims to unravel the hidden wisdom encoded in these ancient cartographic masterpieces.Global showcase of Indias ancient wisdomExperts from around the world agree that the Aḍhai Dvīp map presents a rare opportunity to showcase Indias rich ancient knowledge and cultural heritage. Although other maps from this era exist, the Aḍhai Dvīp is older and possesses a unique historical significance. The ongoing comparative study of these maps has the potential to further elevate Indias contributions to the ancient world, shedding new light on cartographic techniques and the vast knowledge of the time.
