The Great Trigonometrical Survey

A scientific quest, a vast subcontinent and an imperial impulse.

The Great Trigonometrical Survey combined all these, resulting in one of the most astounding projects in the history of science. This talk by writer, Meera Iyer takes you through the GTS story, beginning with its origins in Bangalore and going all the way to the Himalayas. The intrepid surveyors handled devilishly delicate instruments, braved the monsoons, fell prey to disease, all in their quest for inch-perfect maps. Besides some of the most famous people in the GTS including William Lambton and George Everest, the talk will also speak about some of the forgotten Indians who were a part of this extraordinary work, and the relevance of the GTS today.

A Q&A with the audience will follow.