Maps

A charming map of India published in India in the 16th century.

Based on one of the new maps added to Gastaldi's edition of Ptolemy in 1548. Ruscelli published a larger version of this map in 1561.Rosaccio published the final 1598 edition which is re-engraved and revised to include a Sea Monster and Sailing Ship.

The present example is the third state of the map, which was first published in 1561 and revised in 1574. Originally issued in Ruscelli's 'La Geographi di Claudio Tolomeo' 1561. A further issue of the second state of the plate, with Italian text on the reverse. In this state a ship and sea monsters have been added to the plate.  While the earlier editions appear on the market with some frequency, this final edition is much scarcer than its predecessors.  

Reference:

Gole, Susan   India within the Ganges.