Maps of Bannu
Charting the Frontier: From Ancient Surveys to Modern Geospatial Views
Navigating Bannu's Geography Through Time
Maps have been instrumental in understanding Bannu's strategic valley, from ancient trade routes to British military surveys and contemporary urban planning. The 2022 Gazetteer of the Bannu District, compiled by the Deputy Commissioner Bannu, revives a colonial-era tradition by providing updated cartographic representations, including the "Map of Old Bannu District" and "Updated Map of Bannu District." This collection traces the evolution of cartography in the region, highlighting key historical and modern representations as detailed in the Gazetteer.
Ancient Trade Routes
Reconstructed Map of Indus Valley Routes - Circa 2000 BCE
British Trigonometrical Survey
Detailed Topographical Map of Bannu District - 1870s
Bannu Walled City
Layout and Fortifications - 19th Century
Trans-Indus Railway Network
Extension to Bannu and Frontier - 1913
Map of Old Bannu District
Historical Boundaries from 2022 Gazetteer - Circa 1883
Updated Map of Bannu District
Current Administrative Divisions - 2022 Gazetteer
Interactive Exploration
Delve deeper with this live Google Map of Bannu, showcasing current topography, rivers like the Kurram and Tochi, and key landmarks as referenced in the Gazetteer.
Evolution of Bannu Cartography
Ancient Era: Itinerant Surveys
Early maps derived from traveler accounts, depicting Bannu as a key node in the Gandharan trade network along the Kurram River.
1848: First Colonial Mapping
Post-annexation, British surveyors under Edwards produce rudimentary sketches for military positioning against tribal areas.
1870s: Trigonometrical Survey
The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India maps Bannu in detail, aiding revenue settlements and fort placements.
1900s: Infrastructure Overlays
Maps incorporate canals, roads, and railways, reflecting Bannu's role as a frontier logistics hub.
1947: Partition Redrawing
Post-independence surveys redefine boundaries, integrating Bannu into Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province.
2022: Gazetteer Revival
The updated Gazetteer includes geo-referenced maps of old and current districts, bridging historical and modern cartography.
Cartographic Legacy
Maps of Bannu not only delineate its physical contours but also narrate stories of conquest, commerce, and community. From faded parchments to interactive layers, they continue to guide our understanding of this resilient frontier, as chronicled in the 2022 Gazetteer.
Read 2022 Gazetteer