1943 or Showa 18 World War II Era Japanese Map of India and Pakistan

This is a beautiful 1943 or Showa 18 large format map of India, issued by the Japanese during World War II. It covers all of India and Pakistan in great detail, and includes Sri Lanka. The map offers superb detail regarding topographic and political features and notes cities, roads, and trade routes on air, sea and land. Shading is used to display oceanic depths. Includes two insets in the lower quadrants.

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere

The Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (大東亜共栄圏) was an imperial concept created and promulgated for occupied Asian populations during 1930-45 by the Empire of Japan. The concept was announced by Hachirō Arita on June 29, 1940. The Co-Prosperity Sphere was intended as a self-sufficient 'bloc of Asian nations led by the Japanese and free of Western powers.' It covered Southeast Asia, Eastern China, Manchuria, Japan, the East India Islands, and parts of Oceania. The idea promoted the cultural and economic unity East Asians, Southeast Asians, and Oceanians.

India During World War II

At the time of this map's publication, India was still part of the British Empire. As such, the British Raj was still in control of the country, which led to India's participation in World War II. A strong independence movement existed in India, led by Mohandas Gandhi and the Indian National Congress. The Congress denounced Nazi Germany but would not fight until India was independent. The Congress launched the Quit India Movement in August 1942, refusing to cooperate with the Raj's government until India had been granted its independence. The government did not agree and immediately arrested over 60,000 national and local party leaders, including Gandhi. It is important to remember that Indian served with distinction in Europe, North Africa, Italy, and in Asia. But, perhaps even more importantly, India was brought into the war by an announcement by the British Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, without consulting recently-elected Indian leaders.

Publication History

This map was created by the Japanese during World War II and issued as part of a 20 map Series of Great East Asia Maps. The Co-Prosperity Sphere map series was published by the Japan Publishing and Distribution Company, Ltd. (日本出版配給株式會社).