National School Atlas of India

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The publication of the National School Atlas is in a way a continuation of the series of smaller and handy atlases we intend to bring out specifically for school children. The first in this series was the students reference atlas published in 1997. There has been a big demand for such atlases that should have relevant text unfold the various facts of this great nation. Special attempts have been made to include the write-up for each of the themes that are carefully selected after consulting school curriculum, teachers and of course students. Some socio-economic and environmental aspects have also been covered which are becoming crucial. In addition, some new themes have been added which are meant to indicate the progress of the country, such as airways and tourism, power and electronic media.

The maps are at two scales : (a) 1: 14 million scale showing different facets of the country as a whole, and (b) 1: 2 million scales depicting in parts the administrative set up with roads and railway networks of India. In the latter case, fifteen plates are covering the country. There is also an introductory map at 1 :15 million scale showing the location of India in South Asia. This Volume also contains several tables on various aspects of this country.

The idea of bringing out a volume of this nature was suggested by professor V.S. Ramamurthy, Secretary Department of Science and Tecnology, Government of India. He took special interest in this publication and kindly agreed to write the foreword.

A publication of this nature requires cooperation from several divisions of NATMO. The progress of this project was closely monitored by my joint Director, Shri G.N. Saha and Shri A.K. Malik. The responsibility of co-ordination was shouldered by Dr. A.K. Dasgupta, Deputy Director and the project team was led by Smt Baisakhi Sarkar, research Officer. The Printing of this altas was done in our press under the supervision of Shri P.R. Mullick, Research Officer and Shri R.K. Biswas, Assistant Manager.

I am delighted to dedicate this atlas to the Nation. It will definitely indicate the status of this nation at the turn of the millennium.

Preface to the Second Edition

The first edition of this atlas was brought in 1999, i.e. in the lat millennium. It turned out to be very popular publication of the Organization. Both, the ordinary and the deluxe, copies were sold out before the estimated time. On one hand, the write-ups for each map was very much appreciated; while on the other, the carving out of the three new states, following the publication, made this publication out dated automatically. Nevertheless, considering the popularity, attempts were made to update it and to bring out the second edition as soon as possible. Hence this edition. ….

Following the publication of this atlas we realized about its potential market and accordingly we took a decision to bring this atlas in other Indian languages as well. Hence, steps have been taken to prepare the Bengali and Hindi version of this atlas as well.

The edition includes the three new states, i.e. Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and the fresh data as well. Further, based on our experience of the first edition of this atlas, we have also taken initiatives to produce the Primary School atlas and the Secondary School Atlas and Atlas of India and the world. This clearly indicates our commitments for providing the updated atlases for school children and others users as well. I am delighted to being out the second edition of the national school Atlas that too in the year when we are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of our Organization.

Preface to the Third Edition

National School Atlas has proved to be one of the most popular publications of the national Atlas and Thematic mapping organization. It was basically meant for school education as there was a genuine requirement for an authentic atlas. Nevertheless, recently there is demand from unexpected corners. This atlas has become extremely popular with the aspirants of civil services as well as trainees of the Indian Foreign Services. Several booksellers have put this atlas on their web as well.

Owing to such demand, we are delighted to being out the third edition within three years. We are sure that this updated edition will meet expectations of the old and new users alike.

Preface to the fourth edition

We are surprise and delighted to know that the third edition of the National School Atlas was exhausted within a month. Hence we have been compelled to bring out the fourth edition in such a short span. In fact, after the National Atlas of India, this publication has proved to be the biggest revenue earner. Needless to say, the officers and the staff of National Atlas and Thematic Mapping Organization have tirelessly worked on the project over the years.

Considering the importance of the publication and encouraged by its sales, we have already initiated the work on the fifth edition of the atlas as well. Obviously, we would like to retain out leadership role in atlas cartography not only in India but in the whole world. I am sure that the fourth and fifth edition following this will be welcomed by all.

This atlas also has proved that a government agency can successfully compete in the market with its experience, expertise and dedication.