Major James Rennell (1742–1830) was a British geographer and oceanographer, known as the "Father of Indian Geography." He was appointed the first Surveyor General of Bengal under the East India Company and published his famous map collection, 'The Bengal Atlas,' in 1779. This was the first scientific and accurate map detailing the topography and rivers of Bengal. Rennell's work was essential for the administrative and military needs of the time, and it remains an invaluable historical document for understanding the courses of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, as well as the geographical evolution of Bengal. In addition to cartography, his research on ocean currents and ancient geography established him as one of Europe's greatest scientists.
