History of the Calcutta School of Physical Sciences


Book Description

This book highlights the role of Sir Asutosh Mookerjee, founder of the Calcutta school of physics and the Calcutta Mathematical Society, and his talented scholars – Sir C.V. Raman, D.M. Bose, S.N. Bose, M.N. Saha, Sir K.S. Krishnan and S.K. Mitra – all of whom played a significant role in fulfilling their goal of creating an outstanding school of physical sciences in the city of Calcutta. The main objective of the book is to bring to the fore the combined contributions of the greatest physicists of India, who in the colonial period worked with practically no modern amenities and limited financial resources, but nonetheless with total dedication and self-confidence, which is unmatched in today’s world. The book presents the golden age of the physical sciences in India in compact form; in addition, small anecdotes, mostly unknown to many, have been brought the forefront. The book consists of 10 chapters, which include papers by these distinguished scientists along with detailed accounts of their academic lives and main research contributions, particularly during their time in Calcutta. A synopsis of the contents is provided in the introductory chapter. In the following chapters, detailed discussions are presented in straightforward language. The complete bibliographies of the great scientists have been added at the end. This book will be of interest to historians, philosophers of science, linguists, anthropologists, students, research scholars and general readers with a love for the history of science.




Notable Modern Indian Mathematicians and Statisticians


Book Description

This book provides a comprehensive portrayal of the history of Indian mathematicians and statisticians and uncovers many missing parts of the scientific representation of mathematical and statistical research during the 19th and 20th centuries of Bengal (now West Bengal), India. This book gives a brief historical account about the establishment of the first-two departments in an Indian university, where graduate teaching and research were initiated. This was a unique distinction for the University of Calcutta which was established in 1857. The creation of the world famous Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Calcutta (now Kolkata) is also briefly described. The lives and works of the 16 pioneer mathematical scientists who adorned the above mentioned institutions and the first Indian Institute Technology (IIT) of India have been elaborated in lucid language. Some outstanding scholars who were trained at the ISI but left India permanently have also been discussed briefly in a separate chapter. This book fulfils a long-standing gap in the history of modern Indian mathematics, which will make the book very useful to researchers in the history of science and mathematics. Written in very lucid English with little mathematical or statistical jargon makes the book immensely readable even to general readers with interest in scientific history even from non-mathematical, non-statistical background. This book is a clear portrayal of the struggle and success of researchers in mathematical sciences in Bengal (an important part of the colonial India), unveils before the international community of mathematical scientists. The real connoisseurs will appreciate the value of the book, as it will clear up many prevailing misconceptions.




Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c.1784-1947: Project of History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Volume XV, Part 4


Book Description

Science and Modern India: An Institutional History, c.1784-1947: Project of History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Volume XV, Part 4 comprises chapters contributed by eminent scholars. It discusses the historical background of the establishment of science institutes that were established in pre-Independence India, and still exist, their functions and their present status. This volume discusses Indian science institutes that specialize in a particular field. It also delves into the area of engineering sciences.




Research Schools on Number Theory in India


Book Description

This book is an attempt to describe the gradual development of the major schools of research on number theory in South India, Punjab, Mumbai, Bengal, and Bihar—including the establishment of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, a landmark event in the history of research of number theory in India. Research on number theory in India during modern times started with the advent of the iconic genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, inspiring mathematicians around the world. This book discusses the national and international impact of the research made by Indian number theorists. It also includes a carefully compiled, comprehensive bibliography of major 20th century Indian number theorists making this book important from the standpoint of historic documentation and a valuable resource for researchers of the field for their literature survey. This book also briefly discusses the importance of number theory in the modern world of mathematics, including applications of the results developed by indigenous number theorists in practical fields. Since the book is written from the viewpoint of the history of science, technical jargon and mathematical expressions have been avoided as much as possible.




The Great Mathematicians of Bharat


Book Description

"The Great Mathematicians of Bharat" emerges as a seminal work, aligning perfectly with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the integration and appreciation of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in contemporary education. This book meticulously documents the rich legacy of India's mathematical geniuses, serving as a crucial resource in rekindling interest and respect for Bharat's profound mathematical traditions. It underscores the symbiotic relationship between cultural ethos and scientific inquiry, highlighting how Indian mathematicians not only contributed to the field of mathematics but also how their work was deeply interwoven with Hindu spiritual and cultural practices. By chronicling the journey from ancient sages to modern masters, the book provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of mathematical thought in Bharat, thus fulfilling NEP 2020's objective of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern academic frameworks. In doing so, it not only educates but also inspires, setting a precedent for future academic endeavours to explore and celebrate India's rich intellectual heritage.




The Indian Science Community


Book Description

This book focuses on the historical and sociological dimensions of scientists working in laboratories in India, offering insights into the historical, sociological and policy factors that shape scientific pursuits. It illuminates the challenges, accomplishments and the evolving role of science in societal development. The author initiates a broader discourse on the interplay between scientific advancements, societal contexts and policy frameworks. The book fosters a deeper understanding of science's role in shaping India’s social fabric and contributing to the global scientific dialogue. It also explores issues such as brain drain, science activism and the conflict between university- and government-run models of science. Lucid and topical, the book will be of considerable interest to both social and natural scientists, as well as the general academic community, including research students in science, technology, history, social history of science, science and technology studies and innovation policies.







History of Humanity


Book Description

This is the seventh and final volume in this comprehensive guide to the history of world cultures throughout historical times.