New Directions: Counter-mapping In India

Abstract (English)

This presentation offers a timely contribution to the ongoing discussions around counter-mapping practice and provides a glimpse into pressing and ongoing projects across India.

This focus has been surprisingly underrepresented, considering the significant attention counter-mapping has received in other regions, such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. The presentation not only aims to fill this gap but also to assert why focusing on counter-mapping in India provides new answers and raises new questions about the practice's effects on challenging mainstream dogmas and socio-economic realities. As Martin Dodge, Rob Kitchin, and Chris Perkins suggest, "Rethinking maps involves questioning the assumptions, methods, and goals of traditional cartography and exploring new possibilities for representing and understanding spatial information".

The presentation consists of a collection of texts, images, and sounds that I have been able to collect, respond to, and engage with over the last two years. These ‘counter-maps’ are embedded in the practice of reflection, social engagement, ecological engagement, and speculation. They arrive at multi-modal forms through academic, artistic, participatory and technological methodologies. These works add layers of meaning and complexity to counter-mapping as a practice.

We aim to expand the possibilities and horizons of counter-mapping as a form of representation and a methodology that can generate alternate narratives and perspectives towards our land and environment.