INDIA AND ADJACENT COUNTRIES – OOTACAMUND – PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF COLONEL C H D RYDER SURVEYOR GENERAL OF INDIA 1922

Surveyor General: Colonel C. H. D. Ryder
Publisher: The Survey Of India, Calcutta
Price: £500
Publication Date: 1925
Edition: Second edition with changes
Format: Heliozincograph
Condition: In near fine condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 55.5cm x 47.6cm
Scale: 1:1000000 or 1 inch to 16 miles

Condition:

Sheet No. 58. A detailed map of the region on a good scale. Includes Palk Bay and the Gulf of Manaar and settlements including Salem, Tanjore, Tinnevelly and Madura. Covers very slightly dusty and marked. Dissected onto linen. Original fold lines into 8 sections. Very minor age toning and marks. Reverse is blank with very minor age toning and marks. In near fine, original and unrestored condition. Very scarce.

Location: Map Drawer C: FS: Folder 1220 002477

Ootacamund: A Brief Description

Ootacamund, commonly known as Ooty, is a picturesque hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. Its history is a fascinating blend of indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and the natural allure of the region.

Early History and Indigenous Inhabitants

Before the arrival of European settlers, the Nilgiri Hills were home to indigenous communities, including the Todas, Badagas, Kotas, and Kurumbas. The Todas, in particular, are known for their distinctive culture, traditional attire, and unique thatched huts made of bamboo and grass. They practised pastoralism and revered the land, maintaining a spiritual connection with the hills. The Badagas, another prominent group, were agrarian people who cultivated crops such as millets and vegetables.

British Discovery and Early Settlement

The modern history of Ooty began with the arrival of the British in the early 19th century. After the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the British East India Company took control of the region. The discovery of Ooty is credited to John Sullivan, then Collector of Coimbatore, who first visited the Nilgiri Hills in 1819. Sullivan was captivated by the cool climate and natural beauty of the area, which reminded him of the English countryside. He built a bungalow at Kannerimukku and is often regarded as the founding figure of Ooty. In a letter to a friend, he described the place as “the finest country ever,” marking the beginning of its transformation into a hill station.

Development as a Hill Station

Ooty’s development accelerated in the 1820s as it became a popular retreat for the British seeking relief from the oppressive heat of the Indian plains. The colonial administration established it as a summer capital and a sanatorium. The British built charming bungalows, churches, and clubs, many of which still stand and contribute to the town’s architectural heritage. The establishment of the Ootacamund Club, where the game of snooker was invented, made the town a social hub for the British elite. St. Stephen’s Church, completed in 1829, remains one of the oldest and most significant churches in the region.

The construction of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, completed in 1908, was a major milestone. This engineering marvel connected Ooty to the plains, making it more accessible and further boosting its appeal. The railway, with its steep gradients and scenic views, is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to attract tourists from all over the world.

Economic Impact: Tea and Agriculture

The introduction of tea plantations in the 19th century had a lasting impact on Ooty and the surrounding Nilgiri region. The British established vast tea estates, and tea became the backbone of the local economy. Even today, the Nilgiri hills are renowned for their high-quality tea, which is exported internationally. The region also saw the cultivation of other crops such as cinchona, which was used to produce quinine, a treatment for malaria.

Cultural and Social Influence

During the colonial era, Ooty became a cultural and recreational centre for the British. The town’s clubs hosted events and activities, such as horse racing, cricket, and hunting, reflecting the social life of the colonial elite. The Ooty Botanical Gardens, established in 1847 under the guidance of William Graham McIvor, showcased the rich flora of the region and became a major attraction. These gardens, with their vibrant collection of exotic and native plants, still draw thousands of visitors every year.

Post-Independence Era

Following India’s independence in 1947, Ooty continued to thrive as a popular hill station. Many of the British-era buildings were preserved and repurposed, adding to the town’s historical charm. The Indian government promoted tourism, and Ooty became a favourite destination for both domestic and international travellers. The town’s economy remained dependent on tourism, agriculture, and horticulture, with annual events like the Ooty Flower Show becoming highlights of the social calendar.

Modern Ooty

Today, Ooty is known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and colonial heritage. Key attractions include Ooty Lake, the Rose Garden, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. The town serves as a base for trekking and exploring the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated area rich in biodiversity. While modern development has brought changes, Ooty still retains much of its old-world charm, making it a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Madura: A Brief Description

The Madura (or Madurai) region, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India, is a historically and culturally rich area, centred around the ancient city of Madurai. Known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, Madurai has been an important centre of Tamil culture, learning, and trade for over two millennia. The region is characterised by its rich heritage, architectural marvels, religious significance, and agricultural prosperity.

Ancient and Medieval History

The history of the Madura region dates back to the Sangam period (circa 300 BCE to 300 CE), a golden age of Tamil literature and culture. Madurai was the capital of the Pandya dynasty, one of the three major Tamil dynasties alongside the Cholas and Cheras. The city served as a hub for poets, scholars, and traders. The Tamil Sangam, a literary and cultural academy, is said to have flourished in Madurai during this time.

Over the centuries, the region witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Kalabhras, Cholas, and Pandyas. The Cholas and Pandyas frequently vied for control over Madurai, with the Pandyas eventually re-establishing their dominance in the 13th century. The region later came under the rule of the Vijayanagar Empire, followed by the Madurai Nayaks in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Nayak rulers, particularly King Thirumalai Nayak, contributed significantly to the architectural splendour of Madurai, commissioning iconic structures such as the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Madurai is renowned for the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). The temple, with its towering gopurams (gateway towers) adorned with intricate carvings, attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. The Meenakshi Temple is not just a religious site but also a cultural symbol, hosting grand festivals like the Chithirai Festival, which celebrates the celestial marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar.

The Madura region is also known for its association with Tamil literature and classical arts. The Sangam poets composed timeless works that are still celebrated today, and the city has remained a hub for traditional music, dance, and art forms, such as Bharatanatyam.

Colonial Era

During the colonial period, the Madura region came under the control of the British East India Company following the decline of the Madurai Nayak Kingdom. The British established administrative and military centres in the region and developed infrastructure like roads and railways. Madurai emerged as a commercial centre, particularly known for its cotton and textile industries, a legacy that continues to this day.

Modern Madurai

In contemporary times, the Madura region remains a vibrant and economically significant area. Agriculture is a major occupation, with the fertile plains supporting the cultivation of crops like rice, sugarcane, and cotton. The Vaigai River, which flows through the region, plays a crucial role in irrigation, although water management remains a challenge.

Madurai city is also a centre for education, commerce, and tourism. It is known for its bustling markets, where traditional crafts and textiles, especially the famous Madurai cotton sarees, are sold. The region has also developed as an industrial hub, with sectors like automobile manufacturing, information technology, and renewable energy contributing to its economy.

Despite modernisation, the Madura region has retained its cultural essence, with traditional festivals, religious practices, and a deep respect for its heritage continuing to define its identity.

Colonel Charles Ryder: A Short Biography

Colonel Charles Henry Dudley Ryder (1868–1945) was a distinguished British Army officer and an eminent surveyor in British India. He is best known for his work as an officer in the Royal Engineers and for his involvement in several important surveying and mapping expeditions, particularly in the Himalayan region and Tibet. Ryder played a significant role in the expansion and development of the Survey of India, contributing to a deeper understanding of some of the most challenging and remote parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Key Achievements and Career Highlights:

1. Military and Surveying Career:
   • Colonel Ryder joined the Royal Engineers, where his expertise in surveying and cartography led to his long association with the Survey of India. His work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries helped map some of the most unexplored regions of India and its frontiers.
   • Ryder’s career was marked by his dedication to topographical work, particularly in the difficult terrain of the Himalayas. His role as a surveyor made significant contributions to British military and colonial efforts to chart the northern frontier of India.
2. Exploration and Survey of Tibet (1904):
   • One of Colonel Ryder’s most notable accomplishments was his participation in the British expedition to Tibet in 1904, led by Sir Francis Younghusband. This expedition, which had both diplomatic and military objectives, was significant for the British Empire’s efforts to establish influence over Tibet and secure the northern borders of British India.
   • During the expedition, Ryder was responsible for mapping and surveying the Tibetan plateau and its key routes, providing crucial geographic data on a region that was largely unexplored by Western powers at the time. His surveys were instrumental in improving the understanding of the topography of Tibet, including passes, rivers, and mountain ranges.
   • His work resulted in the production of some of the earliest accurate maps of Tibet, which were of immense strategic value to the British government.
3. Contributions to the Survey of India:
   • As a senior officer of the Survey of India, Ryder played a key role in geodetic surveys and the mapping of frontier regions. His contributions to the expansion of knowledge about India’s northern and western borders, particularly in regions like Ladakh, Sikkim, and Tibet, were significant.
   • Ryder’s work in these regions helped solidify the British Empire’s understanding of the geography, which was crucial not only for administrative control but also for military planning.
4. Recognition and Legacy:
   • For his contributions to the survey and exploration of Tibet and other frontier regions, Ryder earned recognition both within the British Army and among geographical societies. He was respected for his meticulous surveying and cartographic work, which enhanced Britain’s strategic position in Asia.
   • His detailed maps and geographical records were used by both the military and civilian administrations of British India, and his work in Tibet remains one of the most notable efforts in the history of Himalayan exploration.
5. Post-Tibet Career:
   • After his involvement in the Tibet expedition, Ryder continued to serve in the British Army and the Survey of India. His experience and leadership in difficult terrains remained valuable assets for the British administration.
   • Ryder eventually rose to the rank of Colonel, and his surveying and mapping work had a lasting impact on the cartographic knowledge of British India’s frontiers, particularly in the Himalayas and Tibet.

Conclusion:

Colonel C. H. D. Ryder was a pivotal figure in the history of British exploration and surveying in Asia, particularly during the early 20th century. His work with the Survey of India, especially during the 1904 British expedition to Tibet, established him as one of the foremost military surveyors of his time. Ryder’s contributions significantly enhanced the British Empire’s geographic knowledge of Tibet and the Himalayan region, securing his legacy as a key player in the exploration and mapping of some of the world’s most challenging terrains.

Heliozincography: A Short Description

Heliozincography is a printing process that was developed in the 19th century to reproduce maps, plans, and other illustrations with great detail. The term is derived from heliography (a photographic process using sunlight) and zincography (a method of printing using zinc plates).

Key Features of Heliozincography:

1. Combination of Photography and Printing:
   • Heliozincography involved transferring photographic images onto zinc plates, which could then be used to reproduce maps or drawings. The process started with a photograph of the original map or illustration, which was then used to prepare a printing plate.
2. Zinc Plates:
   • The process utilized zinc plates as the medium for printing, replacing traditional stone or copper plates that had been used earlier in lithography and engraving. Zinc offered a cheaper and faster alternative for producing detailed prints.
3. Application in Cartography:
   • Heliozincography was widely used for map reproduction, especially by government survey departments, including the Survey of India and the Ordnance Survey in Britain. It allowed the mass production of accurate and detailed maps.
   • For example, the Survey of India under Colonel Sidney Gerald Burrard would have used heliozincography or similar methods to reproduce maps from surveys like the 1911 Baramulla and Anantnag survey.
4. Advantages:
   • Cost-effectiveness: Zinc plates were cheaper to produce than copper or stone plates.
   • Speed: It allowed for quicker production of multiple copies, which was especially useful for distributing maps and technical drawings.
   • Precision: The photographic component of the process ensured a high degree of accuracy in reproducing details.
5. Process:
   • The original image (such as a map or drawing) was photographed, and the photographic image was chemically transferred onto the surface of the zinc plate.
   • The plate was then treated with chemicals so that only the lines or details to be printed remained on the surface, while the rest was etched away.
   • Ink would adhere to the raised parts of the plate, and the image would be transferred onto paper through a printing press.

Historical Use:

• Survey of India: The heliozincograph was widely used by the Survey of India for producing accurate and reproducible maps of regions such as Kashmir. Given the difficulty in producing detailed maps of mountainous terrain, the precision of this process was essential for both administrative and military purposes.
• Ordnance Survey: In the UK, heliozincography was used by the Ordnance Survey to reproduce topographical maps with the necessary detail for military and civilian use.

Conclusion:

Heliozincography played a crucial role in the mass production of accurate, detailed maps and technical drawings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It combined the emerging technology of photography with traditional zinc plate printing, providing a fast, cost-effective method for disseminating important geographical and technical information, particularly in fields like cartography.

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