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Radhanath SikdarBengali Indian mathematician
Country:
 India |
Content:
- Radhanath Sikdar: Measuring the Height of Mount Everest
- Geodetic Survey of India
- Great Trigonometrical Survey
- Measuring Mount Everest
- Retirement and Legacy
- Commemoration
Radhanath Sikdar: Measuring the Height of Mount Everest
Early Life and EducationRadhanath Sikdar was born in 1813 in Bengal, India. He received his education at the Hindu College (now Presidency College) in Calcutta. Sikdar was a member of the "Young Bengal" group, which was formed around the teachings of Henry Derozio.
Geodetic Survey of India
In 1831, at the age of 19, Sikdar joined the Geodetic Survey of India (GSI). He was recommended by John Tytler, his professor at Hindu College, to George Everest, the then Surveyor General of India. Sikdar became a "computer" in the survey, earning 30 rupees per month.
Great Trigonometrical Survey
Sikdar quickly distinguished himself in the Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS), a massive project to map and measure the Indian subcontinent. He developed innovative techniques for geodetic measurements. In 1851, after 20 years of service in the north, Sikdar was transferred to Calcutta as the Principal Computor.
Measuring Mount Everest
While in Calcutta, Sikdar used data from six different measurements to calculate the height of Peak XV, located in the Darjeeling region. He concluded that Peak XV was the highest point in the world. This discovery was later confirmed by other sources. In honor of his former superior, George Everest, the peak was named Mount Everest.
Retirement and Legacy
Sikdar retired from the GSI in 1862. In recognition of his contributions, the German Philosophical Society made him a corresponding member in 1864. Sikdar passed away on May 17, 1870, in Chandannagar.
Commemoration
Sikdar's role in measuring Mount Everest has been recognized by the Indian government and the philatelic community. In 2004, India Post issued a commemorative stamp honoring the 1802 establishment of the Great Trigonometrical Survey, featuring Sikdar and another prominent figure, Nain Singh Rawat.
