Where Did Mount Everest Get Its Name

Mount Everest, the world's highest peak above sea level, stands majestically in the Himalayas, straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet, China. But beyond its imposing stature and the myriad stories of human endeavor surrounding it, lies a tale of nomenclature, a historical journey that reveals much about how the world maps its landmarks. Understanding where Mount Everest got its name involves delving into the annals of cartography, colonial history, and the intersection of local knowledge with Western scientific pursuits.

The Surveyor General: George Everest

The story of Mount Everest’s naming begins with Sir George Everest, a British surveyor and geographer who served as the Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843. His role was pivotal in continuing and expanding the Great Trigonometrical Survey, an ambitious project aimed at mapping the Indian subcontinent with unparalleled accuracy. This survey was not merely an academic exercise; it was crucial for British administrative and strategic interests in the region.

The Great Trigonometrical Survey

Initiated in 1802, the Great Trigonometrical Survey was a monumental undertaking, involving decades of painstaking measurements and calculations. The surveyors used massive theodolites—heavy instruments for measuring angles—that required teams of men to transport and operate. The survey proceeded from south to north, systematically creating a network of triangles across the country. By measuring the angles of these triangles and the length of one side (the baseline), the surveyors could calculate the positions of various points with remarkable precision.

Everest's Leadership

George Everest took over the superintendence of the survey in 1823 and became Surveyor General in 1830. He brought rigor and discipline to the project, pushing its boundaries further into the Himalayas. Everest introduced new techniques and standardized procedures to ensure consistency and accuracy. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to scientific rigor and a relentless pursuit of geographical knowledge.

Peak XV: Discovery and Initial Calculations

During the survey, a particular peak, initially known only as Peak XV, caught the attention of the surveyors. Located in the Mahalangur Himalayas, this peak was observed from distant locations in India. The remoteness and challenging terrain made direct, ground-level observations difficult, but the surveyors were determined to ascertain its height.

The Role of Radhanath Sikdar

A crucial figure in the discovery of Peak XV’s exceptional height was Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician and surveyor. Working as the Chief Computer for the Great Trigonometrical Survey, Sikdar was responsible for performing the complex calculations required to determine the heights and positions of the Himalayan peaks.

In 1852, Sikdar made a groundbreaking discovery: his calculations revealed that Peak XV was likely the highest mountain in the world, surpassing Kangchenjunga, which was previously believed to hold that distinction. This was a monumental finding, achieved through meticulous trigonometric calculations and a deep understanding of geodesy.

Why the Delay in Announcement?

Despite Sikdar’s calculations in 1852, the official announcement of Peak XV as the world's highest mountain was delayed until 1856. There were several reasons for this delay:

• Verification: The initial calculations needed to be thoroughly verified. The surveyors wanted to ensure that their findings were accurate beyond any reasonable doubt.
• Data Collection: More data was collected over the intervening years to corroborate the initial findings. This involved additional observations and calculations from different vantage points.
• Uncertainty about the Exact Peak: There was some initial uncertainty about whether Peak XV was indeed a single, distinct peak or part of a larger mountain massif. Resolving this required further investigation.

Naming the Unnamed: A Controversial Decision

In 1856, Andrew Waugh, who succeeded George Everest as the Surveyor General of India, officially announced that Peak XV was the world's highest mountain. Waugh then made the decision to name the peak "Mount Everest" in honor of his predecessor, George Everest.

Waugh's Rationale

Waugh justified his decision with the argument that there was no established local name for the peak that was widely recognized and accessible. He claimed that the local populations in the vicinity of the mountain had different names for it, and none of these names were known throughout the region. Therefore, he felt justified in bestowing the name of his distinguished predecessor on the mountain.

The Controversy

Waugh's decision to name the peak after George Everest was controversial from the outset and remains a subject of debate to this day. Critics argue that Waugh ignored the existence of local names and prioritized the recognition of a British figure over indigenous knowledge and traditions.

• Ignoring Local Names: The most significant criticism is that Waugh disregarded the local names used by the Tibetan and Nepali populations. The Tibetans had long known the mountain as Chomolungma, meaning "Goddess Mother of the World," while the Nepalis referred to it as Sagarmatha, meaning "Forehead of the Sky."
• Colonial Legacy: The naming of Mount Everest is seen by some as a symbol of the colonial legacy, where Western powers imposed their own names and classifications on geographical features without adequately acknowledging local knowledge and perspectives.
• Everest's Own Reservations: Ironically, George Everest himself was reportedly uncomfortable with the idea of having the mountain named after him. He believed that names should be easily pronounceable by the local population, and "Everest" did not meet this criterion.

Chomolungma and Sagarmatha: The Local Names

The local names for Mount Everest, Chomolungma and Sagarmatha, carry deep cultural and historical significance. Recognizing these names is essential to understanding the complex relationship between the mountain, its inhabitants, and the global community.

Chomolungma

In Tibetan, Chomolungma (ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ) translates to "Goddess Mother of the World" or "Holy Mother." This name reflects the deep spiritual reverence that the Tibetan people have for the mountain. Chomolungma is considered a sacred place, a deity in its own right, embodying the power and nurturing essence of the natural world.

For centuries, Tibetan Buddhists have made pilgrimages to the region surrounding Chomolungma, seeking spiritual enlightenment and paying homage to the mountain goddess. The mountain is often depicted in Tibetan art and literature, symbolizing purity, strength, and divine presence.

Sagarmatha

In Nepali, Sagarmatha (सगरमाथा) means "Forehead of the Sky" or "Head Reaching to the Sky." This name captures the mountain's towering height and its position as the highest point on Earth. Sagarmatha is a symbol of national pride for the Nepalese people, representing their country's natural beauty and its unique place in the world.

The Sagarmatha National Park, established in 1976, protects the region surrounding Mount Everest and preserves its natural and cultural heritage. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as the Sherpa people, who have a long history of guiding climbers and preserving the mountain's traditions.

The Enduring Legacy of a Name

The naming of Mount Everest remains a contentious issue, highlighting the tensions between Western scientific achievements and indigenous knowledge. While the name "Mount Everest" has become globally recognized, the local names of Chomolungma and Sagarmatha continue to hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for the people who live in the mountain's shadow.

Modern Perspectives

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to recognize and promote the use of local names for geographical features around the world. This movement aims to redress historical injustices and promote cultural sensitivity in cartography and geographical education.

• Dual Naming: One approach is to use dual naming, where both the Western name and the local name are used together. This acknowledges the historical context while also respecting indigenous traditions.
• Promoting Local Names: Another approach is to actively promote the use of local names in education, media, and official publications. This helps to raise awareness and appreciation of the cultural significance of these names.

George Everest's Perspective

It is also important to consider George Everest's own perspective on the naming of geographical features. Everest was a strong advocate for using local names whenever possible. He believed that names should be easily pronounceable and recognizable by the local population. His own reservations about having the mountain named after him suggest that he would have preferred a local name to be used.

The Height of Mount Everest: A Continuing Quest for Accuracy

While the name of Mount Everest has sparked debate and controversy, the quest to accurately measure its height has been a continuous endeavor, driven by scientific curiosity and technological advancements.

Initial Measurements

The initial calculations made by Radhanath Sikdar in 1852 estimated the height of Peak XV to be 29,002 feet (8,840 meters). This measurement was remarkably accurate, considering the limited technology available at the time.

Subsequent Surveys

Over the years, numerous surveys have been conducted to refine the measurement of Mount Everest's height. These surveys have employed a variety of techniques, including:

• Trigonometry: Traditional trigonometric methods, similar to those used in the Great Trigonometrical Survey, have been used to measure the mountain's height from distant vantage points.
• Gravimetry: Gravimetric surveys measure the Earth's gravitational field to determine the geoid, which is used as a reference surface for measuring elevation.
• GPS Technology: Modern GPS (Global Positioning System) technology has enabled highly accurate measurements of the mountain's coordinates and elevation.

Conflicting Measurements

Different surveys have yielded slightly different measurements of Mount Everest's height. These discrepancies can be attributed to various factors, including:

• Snow Cap Variations: The height of the snow cap on top of Mount Everest can vary depending on weather conditions and seasonal changes.
• Geological Activity: The Himalayas are a tectonically active region, and the height of Mount Everest can change slightly over time due to earthquakes and other geological events.
• Measurement Techniques: Different measurement techniques have inherent limitations and can produce slightly different results.

The Official Height

For many years, the officially recognized height of Mount Everest was 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), based on a 1954 survey conducted by the Survey of India. However, this measurement only accounted for the height of the rock summit and did not include the snow cap.

Recent Measurements

In recent years, both China and Nepal have conducted independent surveys to determine the height of Mount Everest. In 2020, the two countries jointly announced a new official height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). This measurement includes the height of the snow cap and is considered the most accurate to date.

Conclusion

The story of how Mount Everest got its name is a complex and multifaceted one, involving scientific discovery, colonial history, and the enduring power of local knowledge. While the name "Mount Everest" has become globally recognized, it is important to remember the mountain's local names, Chomolungma and Sagarmatha, and to respect the cultural and spiritual significance they hold for the people who live in its shadow.

The ongoing quest to accurately measure the height of Mount Everest reflects humanity's enduring fascination with this majestic peak and our relentless pursuit of scientific knowledge. As we continue to explore and understand the world around us, it is essential to acknowledge the diverse perspectives and traditions that shape our understanding of geographical features and their place in human history.