Map Stories

Maps tell many stories; the most obvious are told in the lines that mark territories and name rivers or roads, reflecting the perspective of the mapmaker. Sometimes they tell stories by accident. To uncover these stories, you must investigate the margins of the map and the edges of their history.

The MAHSA (Mapping Archaeology and Heritage in South Asia) project has been documenting and mapping archaeological sites and heritage in India and Pakistan. One of the greatest sources for this information is on historic maps which were snapshots of the land before many sites were damaged, destroyed or forgotten. Digging up the history behind the maps they also came across the stories and adventures of the Indian mapmakers who traversed deserts, scaled mountains and recorded sites before even the archaeologists.

What does this matter if these histories and sites are forgotten again? To highlight this amazing heritage and encourage conversation, the project is running a free, family friendly open day. There will be map based activities for kids, an AR sand box and small exhibits on maps and archaeology. Please join us at The Women’s Museum in Barking, a new museum embedded in the community and celebrating the stories and heritage of women.

The MAHSA Project is based in the University of Cambridge and works in partnership with universities and institutions in Pakistan, India and Barcelona. They are funded by the Arcadia Fund, a charitable trust.