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On this map of Asia, colours are used to show the colonial territories of the European powers, and to show Muslim and Buddhist regions: Sumatra is divided between the Netherlands and local rulers; the Straits Settlements underlined in red (British).

This map of Asia uses hachures—short lines/dashes that give a sense of the shape and steepness of terrain—over most of Southeast Asia. Major rivers, islands and cities are also marked.

On this map of Asia, colours are used to show the colonial territories of the European powers, and to show Muslim and Buddhist regions: Sumatra is divided between the Netherlands and local rulers; the Straits Settlements underlined in red (British).

Map of Southeast Asia highlighting the colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), Spain (Philippines), Britain (Straits Settlements, Burma, part of Borneo) and Portugal (East Timor). From the German atlas ‘Stielers Handatlas’.

Map of Southeast Asia highlighting the colonial possessions of the Netherlands (Dutch East Indies), Spain (Philippines), Britain (Straits Settlements, Burma, part of Borneo) and Portugal (East Timor). From the German atlas ‘Stielers Handatlas’.

Marine chart of the Pacific Ocean, including Southeast Asia. Small islands, shoals and reefs are marked, and often named, around the seas and straits of the region.

On this map of Asia, the South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

On this map of Asia, the South China Sea is labelled ‘Malayan Sea’. Small islands, shoals and reefs are shown. A label in Cochin China (Vietnam) reads ‘mountains inhabited by the uncivilized people called Kemoys’.

Coloured borders identify the colonial possessions of Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark and Portugal in mid-19th century Southeast Asia. Cities are marked with symbols indicating population, and military forts are marked with star symbols.

Coloured borders identify the colonial possessions of Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark and Portugal in mid-19th century Southeast Asia. Cities are marked with symbols indicating population, and military forts are marked with star symbols.

Map of Southeast Asia highlighting European colonial possessions. Unusually, the south coast of the Philippine island of Mindanao is shown twice, reflecting uncertainty about its true location. Names of indigenous peoples are listed on Borneo.

Map from Johannes Olivier’s book ‘Land- en Zeetogten in Nederland's Indie [Land and Sea Journeys in the Dutch Indies]’, showing European colonial possessions and indigenous kingdoms in Asia.