Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century struggle for dominance in Central Asia, the narrative explores the rivalry between Imperial Russia and Great Britain. It highlights the crucial role of accurate mapping in military strategy, showcasing two key groups: army officers engaged in espionage and the native Pundits from the Survey of India, who ventured into uncharted territories. The story also follows William Lambton's groundbreaking work on the Great Arc, which significantly advanced scientific understanding of the Indian subcontinent, intertwining themes of adventure, exploration, and cartography.
