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About one in five Londoners today are of South Asian heritage, and the diaspora have already bequeathed quite the legacy.
The South Asian History London Map from Blue Crow Media features over 50 landmarks of South Asian history scattered across London — from the bust of sabotage and espionage hero Noor Inayat Khan, to the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, which forms part of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
The map is the work of urban designer and writer, Krish Nathaniel and British-Kenyan architect, Bushra Mohamed — who have singled out specific objects (such as Tippoo's Tiger — the comically dark life-sized wooden semi-automaton of a European soldier being mauled by a tiger, once owned by Tipu Sultan and now on display in the V&A in South Kensington), as well as institutions (like the East London Mosque, which members of the public can tour for free), and wider areas such as Brick Lane, famous for its Bangladeshi community and cuisine.
It's a neatly put together map, which should inspire you to visit landmarks you weren't familiar with — as well as to literally immerse yourself in the flavours of South Asia, in spots like Tooting's Ambala confectionery store, which has been serving up halwas, ladoos and rasmalai since the mid 1960s.
The map adds to the burgeoning collection of Blue Crow Media's cartographic efforts, which include the Black History London Map, and one of Brutalist London.
South Asian History London Map, £9.95+ postage, or available from independent bookstores and museum shops across London, including Brick Lane Bookshop, British Library, Daunt Books, Migration Museum, Museum of London, Stanfords and Tate Modern.
