What was the former name of Mount Everest?

What is Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is the highest peak on Earth, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet. It stands at a towering height of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) and is a popular destination for mountaineers and adventurers around the world. The first successful ascent of Mount Everest was made by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, on May 29, 1953.

Geography of Mount Everest

Mount Everest is situated in the Mahalangur Range of the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and Tibet. It is part of the larger Himalayan mountain system, which stretches for over 1,500 miles (2,400 km) across Asia. The region around Mount Everest is characterized by steep valleys, glaciers, and alpine meadows. The mountain itself is surrounded by other peaks, including Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Why is Mount Everest significant?

Mount Everest holds a special place in human history and culture as the highest point on Earth. It has long been an object of fascination and challenge for explorers, mountaineers, and adventurers. The mountain is also a sacred site for the Sherpa people, who live in the region around Everest, and is worshipped as a deity by many Tibetans. Today, Mount Everest is a popular destination for climbers and trekkers from around the world, but it is also a site of increasing environmental concern due to the impact of tourism and climate change.

The history of Mount Everest’s name

Mount Everest was not always called by its current name. In fact, for centuries, the mountain was known by a variety of names in different languages and cultures. The first recorded name for the mountain was "Peak XV," given by the British Survey of India in 1856. However, this name was not widely used outside of the British surveying community.

The naming of Mount Everest by the British

In 1865, the British Royal Geographical Society decided to name the mountain in honor of Sir George Everest, the Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843. However, Everest himself was not in favor of having the mountain named after him and never referred to it by that name. In fact, he suggested that the peak be given a local name instead.

The Nepalese naming of Mount Everest

The Nepalese people have several names for Mount Everest, depending on the region and language. In Nepali, the official language of Nepal, the mountain is known as Sagarmatha, which means "forehead of the sky." In Sherpa, the indigenous language of the region around Everest, the mountain is called Chomolungma, which means "goddess mother of the world."

Tibetan names for Mount Everest

In Tibetan, the mountain is known as Qomolangma, which means "goddess of the valley." Tibetans also have a number of other names for the mountain, depending on the region and dialect. Some of these names include Jomolhari, Jomo Langma, and Chomolungma Feng.

The controversy surrounding the name of Mount Everest

Despite the many local names for the mountain, the British name of Mount Everest has remained the most widely recognized and used. However, in recent years, there has been growing concern about the colonial legacy of the name and the need to recognize the indigenous names and cultures of the region.

The petition to change the name of Mount Everest

In 2015, a group of Nepalese climbers launched a petition calling for Mount Everest to be renamed Sagarmatha in all official documents, maps, and publications. The petition argued that using the Nepalese name would help to recognize the cultural significance of the mountain and give greater visibility to the Nepalese people.

Current status of the name of Mount Everest

As of now, the name of Mount Everest remains unchanged, and it is still officially recognized by its British name. However, there is growing awareness and debate about the need to recognize the indigenous names and cultures of the region, and it is possible that the name of the mountain may change in the future.

Conclusion: What’s in a name?

The name of Mount Everest is just one example of the complex history and cultural significance of place names around the world. The naming of places is often tied to the legacies of colonialism, power, and identity, and can have important implications for how we understand and relate to different cultures and histories. As we continue to navigate the complex terrain of global naming practices, it is important to recognize and respect the diversity of languages, cultures, and perspectives that make up our world.