Admiralty Nautical Chart of Bombay Harbour, 1971 Edition

A 1971 admiralty nautical chart of Bombay Harbour. Admiralty charts are nautical charts or maps to guide ships to navigate safely and efficiently. The chart shows the features of a marine area and its coastal regions. It includes information about the water depth, navigational obstacles, dangers, and so on.

Commercial shipping companies, defense vessels, cruise ships, etc generally use the chart. Shown are Bombay (Mumbai) and its immediate coast on the mainland. In 1612, the British East India Company opened a settlement in Surat. The King of England Charles II was gifted the seven islands of Bombay as dowry for marrying the Portuguese Princess in 1661.

Seeing a great opportunity because of its natural harbour the East India Company took on lease the group of seven islands from the king. After much deliberation, the Company proceeded to unify the seven islands into a single landmass through reclamation. Consequently, after 2½ centuries and more of reclamation and development, the islands were transformed into what the city is today.

Did you know – that the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has been producing Admiralty charts for over 200 years.

Past posts – Glimpses of India Unique Art Collection Book, By S G Thakur Singh., George Town & Parry’s British Era Madras, 1885 Photo., Dhondy Road In Cantonment Deolali, 1900 Postcard., The Elephants of The Rajah of Travancore, 1858 Print.