Deflected – The Man Who Discovered Everest

Historical records suggest that around the mid-nineteenth century, Radhanath Sikdar had likely calculated the height of Mount Everest for the first time, thereby discovering the highest mountain peak on Earth. Sir George Everest, after whom the peak is named, had retired, and returned to England almost ten years before Sikdar arrived at his groundbreaking result. At the time of Sikdar’s discovery, India was nearing the completion of one hundred years of British rule.

A volatile socio-political environment had built up, with both the nobility and the masses grappling to come to terms with their rapidly changing worlds. This soon culminated in a violent, widespread rebellion. Deflected – a historical fiction inspired by the life of Sikdar, unfolds in this tumultuous backdrop, over the years 1856, when the news on Mount Everest goes public, and 1857, when the mutiny breaks.

The novel opens in Mussoorie in the North of India where Radhanath and his childhood friend are on vacation. And Radhanath is reading the news on Mount Everest in the papers which does not mention him at all. How does the hitherto Raj loyalist deal with the lack of recognition for the most important work of his life? Shortly after, the two friends go to a royal hunting party where Radhanath meets young Sara Langley and feels immediately drawn to her. Over the next year, Radhanath is not able to forget Sara. When the mutiny breaks, Sara escapes to Calcutta where she meets Radhanath again. Despite the terrible uncertainty of the time, genuine emotions blossom between the two. Unknowingly though, they are inching toward a reckoning, where their destinies will collide with that of a Christian pastor, a pro-native British policeman, a cult assassin, a wronged sepoy, a khemta dancer, and Sikdar’s nationalist-leaning childhood friend. What was to be a period of celebration for science becomes riddled with betrayal, intrigue, and a heart-wrenching test of loyalties.

Why did we write this novel now?

In an increasingly connected world, understanding and acceptance between people from different cultures and backgrounds have amplified in importance. Deflected presents a case study where early experiments in diversity and inclusion had happened and as such, contains lessons that remain important today. And, while our vivid, atmospheric period drama aims to entertain, it also prides itself for highlighting a forgotten hero’s outstanding contribution. Sikdar’s official title was Chief Computer (chief mathematician). Why would the Chief Mathematician, in charge of generating insights from physical measurements by mathematical modeling, not play a key role in the calculation of the height of Mount Everest? Especially, as mathematical modeling was critical to make this grand new claim? Sikdar’s story is a compelling one to tell. Besides researching publicly available records, we used our decades of cross-cultural work and life experience, our appreciation of a scientist’s temperament, and our intimate understanding of Bengal where Sikdar is from, to write the novel.

Deflected is available both on kindle and in paperback format on Amazon. Also, on amazon.in. Here’s what our readers are saying:

“I read this entire book in one sitting…”

— Hashi, Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2022

“History and Fiction Blended Together for a Fast-Paced Engaging Story”

— Phillip Harris, Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2022

“Fantastic read!”

— Arpita, Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2023

“Not your typical period drama – a gripping historical perspective!”

— Rajib Bhattacharya, Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2023

“Gets better with every page!”

— Aaron Duta, Reviewed in Canada on February 26, 2023

“Personal & cultural interests vibrantly clash in this twisted, escalating tale!”

— Jeezmatab, Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2022