The impressive house of famous mathematician Kalipada Basu (well-known as KP Basu), who made considerable contribution to the development of algebra in the late 1800s, is heading towards virtual ruination due to lack of proper maintenance.

During a recent visit to the palatial house built by KP Basu at Harishankarpur village under Jhenidah Sadar upazila in 1907, this correspondent found that there are four buildings at the complex on one acre of land, including a two-storey residential building comprising ten rooms, and a prayer house with four rooms.

But the buildings with traditional artistic design are losing beauty and their structures getting weak as bushes have grown on the walls and chunks of plaster are falling off.

Besides, many pieces of artistic old furniture at the house are in an awful condition.

Son of Mohima Charan Basu, KP Basu was born in 1860 at Krishnanagar village in Nadia district of West Bengal, India. 

KP Basu's interest in mathematics aroused as he received lessons from Nosim Uddin Mondol, a primary teacher of his village.

After passing MA in mathematics from Kolkata University in 1882, he joined Dhaka College in 1882 as a faculty and continued teaching career till his death.

He died of malaria in Dhaka in 1914.

KP Basu

He investigated modern European algebra and made it easier and more lucid in terms of scientific expression.

His work was recommended by Hunter Commission in the then British India in late 1880s.

He invented new mathematical proofs and elevated the standard of the locally available algebra books at the time.

He also had an interest in geometry. He published 'Algebra Made Easy', 'Modern Geometry' and 'Intermediate Solid Geometry'. He established KP Basu Publishing in Kolkata.

KP Basu's relative Borun Ghosh, his wife Doly Ghosh, son and daughter-in-law now live in the building.

They lamented that the historic buildings are decaying as they cannot afford its proper maintenance and repair due to financial constraints.

Many people come to have a look of the aristocratic house.

This house should be renovated and preserved so that the next generation can know about KP Basu and his achievements, said Abdul Aziz, an elderly man of Harishankarpur village.

“I have come to see the famous mathematician's house. The government should take necessary steps to bring back its beauty,” said visitor Bachchu Mia, who has recently completed MA in English from Kushtia Islamic University.

Harishankarpur Union Parishad Chairman Abdullah AL-Mamun said he has written to the authorities concerned, urging them to take immediate steps for renovation of the heritage building.

“I have informed Jhenidah Deputy Commissioner Saraj Kumar Biswas about the dilapidated condition of KP Basu's house. Hopefully steps will be taken to renovate the buildings,” said Jhenidah Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Shammi Islam.