Bengaluru, often celebrated for its technological prowess, may have a hidden gem that marks the beginning of one of the most audacious scientific journeys in history. Recently, the Science Gallery Bengaluru and the Department of Electronics, IT, and Biotechnology of Karnataka revealed a fascinating tidbit of history that traces its roots to the city. Did you know that an important scientific mission, which would ultimately measure the height of Mount Everest, began right here, near Mekhri Circle? It’s a discovery that intertwines the city’s past with one of the most significant achievements in global science.
A Hidden Marker in the Heart of Bengaluru
In the heart of Bengaluru, not far from the bustling streets of Mekhri Circle, lies a simple yet crucial marker. It’s not as grand as the iconic Kempegowda Tower, but this unassuming spot holds a legacy that would change the world of cartography forever. Arun Pai, the founder of Bangalore Walks and the narrator behind the intriguing Instagram post, takes us back to 1800 when this seemingly insignificant marker became the starting point for a colossal project to map the vast subcontinent of India.
The Groundbreaking Project: Mapping India
What began as a small marker on the highest point of Bengaluru, 952 meters above sea level, turned into one of the boldest scientific missions of its time. The Great Trigonometric Survey of India, an initiative that started in the early 19th century, sought to measure the entire country with precision. The scientific team employed groundbreaking methods, including measuring a straight 11-kilometer line from Ram Murthy Nagar to Agara using chains, and later determining the altitude and azimuth with specialized instruments.
The Foundation of Modern Mapping
The meticulous work that followed over the next seventy years resulted in an inch-perfect map of India, something we often take for granted today. This was the foundation for modern GPS-based mapping systems, an innovation that still serves as the backbone of the mapping technology we rely on today. The journey stretched from Bengaluru to Delhi, finally reaching the foothills of the Himalayas, where an Indian mathematician named Radhanath Sikdar would make a groundbreaking discovery.
The Discovery of Mount Everest
Radhanath Sikdar’s role in the project was pivotal. After a series of calculations and observations, he identified a towering peak in the Himalayas as the tallest in the world. This peak would later be named Mount Everest, in honor of George Everest, the British surveyor general who led the project for two decades.
From the heart of Bengaluru to the remote Himalayas, the city played an unexpected yet crucial role in the history of measuring Mount Everest’s height. Arun Pai, through his walks and stories, helps bring to light this forgotten chapter, showing that science and history are deeply woven into the fabric of the city.
A Journey Through Time
In his immersive storytelling style, Arun Pai offers a glimpse into Bengaluru’s scientific legacy, reminding us that history is not only found in books but in the streets we walk every day. As part of the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ongoing exploration of the city’s past, the Altitude and Azimuth Instrument—courtesy of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics—is now on display, offering visitors a tangible link to this extraordinary journey.
So, the next time you walk near Mekhri Circle, remember that the journey to measure the tallest peak in the world might have started at your feet. It’s a fascinating reminder of how Bengaluru, a city known for its innovation today, played a role in one of history's greatest scientific undertakings.
A Hidden Marker in the Heart of Bengaluru
In the heart of Bengaluru, not far from the bustling streets of Mekhri Circle, lies a simple yet crucial marker. It’s not as grand as the iconic Kempegowda Tower, but this unassuming spot holds a legacy that would change the world of cartography forever. Arun Pai, the founder of Bangalore Walks and the narrator behind the intriguing Instagram post, takes us back to 1800 when this seemingly insignificant marker became the starting point for a colossal project to map the vast subcontinent of India.
The Groundbreaking Project: Mapping India
What began as a small marker on the highest point of Bengaluru, 952 meters above sea level, turned into one of the boldest scientific missions of its time. The Great Trigonometric Survey of India, an initiative that started in the early 19th century, sought to measure the entire country with precision. The scientific team employed groundbreaking methods, including measuring a straight 11-kilometer line from Ram Murthy Nagar to Agara using chains, and later determining the altitude and azimuth with specialized instruments.
The Foundation of Modern Mapping
The meticulous work that followed over the next seventy years resulted in an inch-perfect map of India, something we often take for granted today. This was the foundation for modern GPS-based mapping systems, an innovation that still serves as the backbone of the mapping technology we rely on today. The journey stretched from Bengaluru to Delhi, finally reaching the foothills of the Himalayas, where an Indian mathematician named Radhanath Sikdar would make a groundbreaking discovery.
The Discovery of Mount Everest
Radhanath Sikdar’s role in the project was pivotal. After a series of calculations and observations, he identified a towering peak in the Himalayas as the tallest in the world. This peak would later be named Mount Everest, in honor of George Everest, the British surveyor general who led the project for two decades.
From the heart of Bengaluru to the remote Himalayas, the city played an unexpected yet crucial role in the history of measuring Mount Everest’s height. Arun Pai, through his walks and stories, helps bring to light this forgotten chapter, showing that science and history are deeply woven into the fabric of the city.
A Journey Through Time
In his immersive storytelling style, Arun Pai offers a glimpse into Bengaluru’s scientific legacy, reminding us that history is not only found in books but in the streets we walk every day. As part of the Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ongoing exploration of the city’s past, the Altitude and Azimuth Instrument—courtesy of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics—is now on display, offering visitors a tangible link to this extraordinary journey.
So, the next time you walk near Mekhri Circle, remember that the journey to measure the tallest peak in the world might have started at your feet. It’s a fascinating reminder of how Bengaluru, a city known for its innovation today, played a role in one of history's greatest scientific undertakings.
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