International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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The Evolution of Geographical and Cartographic Knowledge in Ancient India

Author(s) Ms. Riyankit Lepcha, Ms. Evelyn Lepcha
Country India
Abstract The evolution of geographical knowledge in ancient India reflects a gradual shift from a predominantly cosmological worldview to a more pragmatic and empirical understanding of space and environment. During the Vedic period, geographical ideas were deeply intertwined with religious beliefs and symbolic interpretations, where descriptions of physical features often carried mythological significance. Natural elements such as rivers, mountains, and directions were not only observed but also revered, forming a sacred geography that shaped early perceptions of the world.
Over time, particularly during the Mauryan period, this perspective underwent a significant transformation. Geography became increasingly functional, focusing on administrative efficiency, land management, and resource utilization. This shift marked the emergence of a more systematic approach to spatial knowledge, where the needs of governance and economic organization drove the development of practical geographical concepts. Alongside this transition, the idea of cartography also evolved. Although large-scale physical maps were rare, spatial understanding was expressed through descriptive narratives, schematic diagrams, and oral traditions that conveyed detailed knowledge of regions and routes.
Cartographic practices in ancient India relied on careful observation, measurement, and mathematical reasoning. Surveying techniques employed tools such as measuring rods, ropes, and gnomons to determine distances, boundaries, and directions. Evidence of such knowledge is preserved in a wide range of ancient texts. The Vedas and Puranas provide cosmological frameworks, while treatises like the Arthashastra discuss land measurement and administrative planning. Astronomical works such as the Surya Siddhanta demonstrate sophisticated celestial mapping, and epic literature like the Ramayana and Mahabharata offers rich descriptions of regional landscapes.
The applications of cartography were diverse and far-reaching, encompassing land revenue assessment, urban planning, trade route organization, and military strategy. It also played a crucial role in shaping pilgrimage networks and religious landscapes. Thus, geographical knowledge in ancient India significantly contributed to governance, economic development, and cultural integration. This paper examines the evolution of such knowledge, tracing its development from early cosmological interpretations to more systematic and empirical approaches used in administration, mapping, and resource management.
Keywords Cosmological worldview, Spatial knowledge, Celestial mapping, Epic literature, Urban planning, Trade route organization.
Field Arts
Published In Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On 2026-06-14
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.81339
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CrossRef DOI prefix of IJFMR is 10.36948/ijfmr

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