Locations index

Rulers from more than 350 different locations in and around Asia sent diplomatic letters to Batavia Castle during the 1625-1812 period. These were selected for the current digitisation project. This page provides in a clear overview and a map showing these locations in relation to Batavia and the details of the correspondence, such as the amount of letters received and sent.

A world map showing all the locations found in the incoming and outgoing diplomatic letters from Batavia:

Download the full KML file with the geographical coordinates of all locations here:

The top ten locations from which letters were written to and received from Batavia:

Download the full overview here, sorted by their number of letters:

Download the full overview here, sorted geographically:


Browsing and searching for locations

The locations were the respective administrative and political centres, and residences of the rulers. Sometimes these centres (kratons, palaces) still exist. The location names are given by their modern name and are grouped alphabetically under that name. Locations may have different alternative names and usually they have a known geographical position on the world map. For research purposes, the location’s modern name is used throughout.


Place Number of letters Location
Anping Fort Zeelandia > Tainan > Taiwan > European Settlement 1
Arau Wukan Java > South East Asia 1
Asilulu Moluccas > Ambon > South East Asia 1
Ayer Banggi Sumatra > South East Asia 1
Bandar Khalipah Sumatra > South East Asia 1
Bangil Pendopo Bangil > Pasuruan > Java/Bali > South East Asia 1
Batu Daya Borneo > South East Asia 1
Bekasi Java/Bali > South East Asia 1
Bengal Fort William > European Settlement 1
Cairo Saladin Citadel of Cairo > Egypt > Africa 1
Chi Engling China > East Asia 1
Cigalugur Java/Bali > South East Asia 1
Cikondang Java/Bali > South East Asia 1
Cileungsi Java/Bali > South East Asia 1
Cotabato Philippines > South Asia 1
Cranganore Kodungallur > India/Ceylon > South Asia 1
Demung Besuki > Java/Bali > South East Asia 1
Edo Edo Castle > Tokyo > Japan > East Asia 1
Empat Suku Sumatra > South East Asia 1
Ende West- and East Nusa Tenggara > Flores > South East Asia 1