The Great Arc by John Keay

Description

“The Great Arc: The Dramatic Tale of How India was Mapped and Everest was Named” is a non-fiction book written by John Keay. Published in 2000, the book explores the fascinating history of the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, a massive and ambitious undertaking during the British colonial era.

The story revolves around the efforts of British surveyors and explorers, particularly Sir George Everest, who was the Surveyor General of India, and Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician and surveyor. Their work involved measuring the Indian subcontinent with remarkable precision through a series of triangulations, or “the great arc” of India, which extended from the southern tip of India to the Himalayan mountains in the north. This monumental survey laid the foundation for modern mapmaking and geodesy, contributing significantly to our understanding of the shape and size of the Earth.

The book not only delves into the scientific and technical aspects of the survey but also explores the personal and professional challenges faced by the surveyors, the cultural encounters between British officials and the Indian population, and the broader context of British colonialism in India.

In addition to its focus on the survey, the book addresses the naming of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, which was previously known as Peak XV. Sir George Everest, despite his significant contributions to the survey, was against naming the mountain after himself, and it was ultimately named “Mount Everest” in his honor by later generations of geographers.

“The Great Arc” is a captivating blend of history, science, exploration, and adventure, offering readers a vivid portrayal of an extraordinary undertaking that helped shape our understanding of geography and the world. John Keay’s narrative skillfully weaves together the scientific and human aspects of this monumental project, making it an engaging and informative read for those interested in the history of exploration and mapmaking.