This map of the Indian Ocean was issued in the Parliamentary Papers and illustrates the steamer routes between Africa and Hong Kong with side routes to Mauritius and the Cape of Good Hope.

Parliamentary Papers maps were issued for administrative purposes and the work of the Civil Service. They are usually thematic, focusing on one particular geographical aspect. They are also extremely rare, as they were printed in very small numbers for administrative use only.

This example was issued in 1853, and illustrates India's position as the central mercantile hub between British outposts in Africa, mainly Anglo Egypt and the Cape of Good Hope and Asia, focusing on Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. 

Original colour. [IC3066]