GERARD, Alexander. Aberdeen 17.2.1792 — Aberdeen 15.12.1839. British (Scottish) Colonial Officer and Explorer in India. Son of Gilbert G. (1760–1815), D.D., and Helen Duncan, brother of —> James G. Gerard and —> Patrick Gerard. Graduated from King’s College, Aberdeen, in 1808 and joined the Bengal Native Infantry. In 1812-17 and later he was employed in survey work, 1812-14 from Delhi to Lahore, 1814-19 in Saharanpur district. In 1817-18 explored Sutlej valley and Spiti, in 1821 again in the Himalayas: from Sabathu he went to Shipki in Chinese Central Asia and from there attempted to reach Manasarowar. In 1825 surveyor of Narmada valley, 1826-27 of Malwa and Rajasthan. Retired early, in 1836, because of ill-health. Made important geological observations in the Himalayas.
Publications: “Journal of a Journey from Shipké to the frontier of Chinese Thibet”, Edinburgh Journal of Science 1824, 41-52, 215-225.
– With P. Gerard: “Account of a Journey through the Himalaya Mountains”, Edinburgh Philos. Journal 1824, 295-305.
– Narrative of a Journey from Caunpoor to the Borendo Pass in the Himalaya Mountains. Ed. by W. Lloyd. L. 1840 (also material by his brother).
– An Account of Koonawur, in the Himalaya, etc. Ed. by G. Lloyd. 308+25 p. L. 1841.
– “Narrative of a Journey from Subathoo to Shipké in Chinese Tartary”, JASB 11, 1842, 363-391.
– “A Vocabulary of the Koonawur Language”, JASB 11:1, 1842, 478-551.
Sources: Buckland, Dictionary; H.M.C[hichester], D.N.B. 21, 1890, 211f.; *Oxford D.N.B.; Wikipedia.
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