The antique map ‘Asia noviter delineata’, created in 1665, depicts the vast continent of Asia with intricate detail. Translated as ‘Newly drawn Asia’, the map showcases the diverse landscapes, cultures and kingdoms that existed in the region during the 17th century.

India, one of the largest and most influential countries on the map, was a land of many kingdoms and empires during this time. The Mughal Empire was at its peak, ruling over much of northern India, while the southern region was divided into smaller states. The Portuguese, Dutch and British had also established their presence along the coastlines, with trading posts and colonies in places such as Kolkata, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Bordering India to the north was the mountainous region of Kyrgyzstan, while to the west lay the United Arab Emirates, a land of desert and oasis towns. Cambodia, located to the east of India, was a kingdom that had a rich history of culture and art,