Frederik de Wit (1629 – 1706)

Southern Asia is depicted on the map, stretching from southeastern Persia to northern Australia. However, the emphasis is on India and Maritime Southeast Asia, where European joint-stock corporations have been busily developing entrêpots, forging economic partnerships, and forming political alliances.

The various islands in the vicinity are vividly shown, with ports prominently displayed. Mountain interiors are also highlighted, as are lakes such as the legendary Lake Chiamay.

The East Indies and the Philippines are well formed for the time. The Moluccas, or Spice Islands, are located to the east of Celebes and were widely sought after by Europeans looking for nutmeg, cloves, and mace.

One eastern island that is unfinished is called, “Terra d’os Papous a Jacobo le Maire dicta Nova Guinea.” This enormous island, located in what is now Papua New Guinea, was first discovered by Europeans in 1616, when circumnavigators commanded by Willem Schouten (and Jacques LeMaire, who perished on the final stage of the trip back to Holland) sailed along the northern shore.

The map depicts various governmental entities that are no longer well-known to modern eyes, including the Mughal Empire, Arakan (here Aracam), and Tonkin (here Tonquin). Babur (r. 1526-1530), originating from Central Asia, established himself in Kabul, Afghanistan, then marched south into India over the Khyber Pass to create the Mughal Empire. His heirs consolidated control and defeated opponents. The Mughal Empire evolved an imperial framework distinguished by religious tolerance and a skilled administrative elite, particularly under the leadership of Akbar (r. 1556-1605).

Tabula Indiae Orientalis