Beyond just what’s on the map, it’s crucial to look at what’s rather missing: the map is a bit convoluted and “overcrowded,” omitting major places that might speak more to Indians. Bombay, as the heart of the country, is hidden and is easy to miss upon a cursory look. Therefore, the only real purpose that it serves is to present to its viewer the different areas of India that the British have under different kinds of rules. Although painstakingly detailed, it really does not serve as a geographical guide at all. 

Ultimately, looking closely at the various pieces of the puzzle of this map, one thing remains clear: it was a map made for the British, by the British, as revealed by Arrowsmith’s long career as well as the various nuances explored here. India on this map is heavily “colonized,” as it is split into literal spheres of who conquered them. Furthermore, the spellings of places in and around Bombay do not reflect the “proper” spellings of these cities used more widely at this time, both in India and outside. There also seems to be an absence of much of real Indian culture and georgraphical significance; had this map been designed in India, many of the aspects—such as many of spellings, the key, amongst others—would not have remained at all.

This, then, is merely a map of British victories.