I always feel a little conflicted viewing this sort of map. On the one hand, it’s definitely good to document what existed before colonization.
On other hand, this is also empire, and I wonder how many villages got rolled over by Ranjit Singh’s troops as he claimed so much territory. How many people just trying to live their lives were killed, families destroyed, livelihoods lost, when wealthy folks grabbed for power.
It makes me tired.
I’d really like us to evolve beyond this as a species.
If I ever write a fantasy novel featuring someone who turns out to be the One True King, please slap me upside the head.
Lahore Museum, Pakistan.