Where was the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) established by P. C. Mahalanobis ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was established in **Kolkata** by the eminent scientist and statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. ISI was founded in 1931, initially operating within the Presidency College, Kolkata, and was later registered as a non-profit scholarly society. Mahalanobis's pioneering work in statistics, particularly in large-scale sample surveys and economic planning (such as the Second Five-Year Plan which focused on heavy industry), cemented ISI's importance as India’s premier institution for statistical research and training. Kolkata served as the historic and intellectual base for Mahalanobis's activities, making it the original headquarters and primary campus. The ISI received the status of an Institution of National Importance by an Act of the Indian Parliament in 1959.

The incorrect option is 1: Delhi
While ISI has a campus in New Delhi, this campus was established much later. Delhi is the capital and a major administrative center, but it was not the original founding location for the ISI, which is historically rooted in the Bengal region.

The incorrect option is 2: Mumbai
Mumbai, being India's financial capital, is a prominent city, but it is not associated with the original establishment of the ISI. ISI does maintain a center in Mumbai, but P. C. Mahalanobis founded the institute in Kolkata.

The incorrect option is 4: Dehradun
Dehradun is not known for housing a major campus or the founding headquarters of the Indian Statistical Institute. This city is primarily recognized for institutions like the Forest Research Institute and the Survey of India.