The journey of science, technology, and medicine in India is a rich tapestry woven over millennia, reflecting the intellectual and cultural evolution of one of the world’s oldest civilisations. This book, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine in India, explores the intricate pathways of knowledge and innovation that have shaped the subcontinent, from ancient traditions to modern advancements. It aims to provide valuable insights for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for general readers, into the interdisciplinary field of HISTEM.
At its core, science represents a systematic pursuit of knowledge and a quest to understand the natural world. In pre-modern India, this quest took shape in diverse traditions of Gyan (knowledge), Vigyan (science), and IIm (knowledge in Arabic), all contributing to a holistic understanding of existence. The early chapters of this book delve into these foundational concepts, showcasing how ancient Indian scholars approached scientific inquiry, often interweaving it with spiritual and philosophical beliefs.
As the narrative unfolds, this book examines the so-called Scientific Revolution, engaging with historiographical debates that challenge traditional narratives and expand our understanding of scientific progress. The contributions of ancient Indian thinkers such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, and Brahmagupta are highlighted, showcasing their remarkable achievements in astronomy, mathematics, and medicine. These contributions laid the foundation for significant innovations, including advancements in metal casting and metallurgy, particularly in copper, bronze, and iron.
The exploration continues into medieval India, where the synthesis of indigenous practices and Arabic scholarship enriched various fields, including medicine and astronomy. This period also saw remarkable progress in maritime knowledge, such as boat and shipbuilding techniques, which facilitated extensive trade and cultural exchange. Additionally, advancements in textile and ceramic manufacturing exemplify the technological prowess of Indian artisans.
In the chapters on colonial and post-colonial India, the book explores the intersection of Western science with indigenous traditions during the British Raj. Institutions and policies established during this period reshaped the scientific landscape, introducing modern medical practices in response to public health challenges. The contributions of key figures like Mahendralal Sircar, C. V. Raman and many other notable scientists are discussed, highlighting their role in advancing modern science while preserving cultural heritage.
This work is deeply indebted to the contributions of esteemed scholars in HISTEM and the broader field of the history of science and technology. It is a synthesis of existing scholarship, with specific works acknowledged in the further reading sections of each chapter.
Contents –
I. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – AN INTRODUCTION
1. What is Science? Traditions of Gyan, Vigyan, and IIm, in Pre-Modern India
2. What is Scientific Revolution? Historiography and Debates
3. Approaches to HISTEM
II. SCIENCE AND MEDICINE IN ANCIENT INDIA
1. Diseases and their Cure in the Atharvaveda
2. Metal Casting in Ancient India : Copper, Bronze and Iron
3. Science and Technological Advancements under the Guptas— Aryabhatta, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta
III. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE IN MEDIEVAL INDIA
1. Arabic Medicine and Astronomy in India
2. Boat and Shipbuilding Activities in India
3. Manufacturing of Textile and Ceramics in India
IV. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN COLONIAL AND POSTCOLONIAL INDIA
1. Science and the Raj: Policies, Institutions, and Practices
2. Western Medicine: Practitioners, Epidemics, and Challenges of Public Health
3. Science and the Indian Awakening: Mahendralal Sircar, Prafulla Chandra Ray, Jagdish Bose, CV Raman, and Others
