The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : An authentic version of history of Indian science

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 09, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

An authentic version of history of Indian science

Special Correspondent

FIRST COPY: Scientist C.N.R. Rao releasing `The Encyclopaedia of Classical Indian Sciences' in Bangalore on Monday. Scientist Roddam Narasimha (right) and Helaine Selin, science librarian and faculty associate in Hampshire College, Massachusetts, are seen. — Photo: Sampath Kumar G.P.

BANGALORE: The Encyclopaedia of Classical Indian Sciences, a book that traces the evolution of different aspects of science, technology and medicine in India, was released here on Monday.

The book, edited by scientist Roddam Narasimha and Helaine Selin, science librarian and faculty associate in Hampshire College, Massachusetts, was released by scientist C.N.R. Rao.

The 492-page book is an attempt to provide an authentic account of natural science, technology and medicine practised by Indians and other South Asians.

It includes biographical articles on many ancient Indian scientists and the history of Indian science and technology.

Addressing presspersons after releasing the book, Prof. Narasimha said the encyclopaedia contained 111 articles by 59 authors. Of the authors, 28 were from India.

The articles provided insights into the status of science in ancient India and covered topics such as science, technology, medicine, mathematics, life sciences, alchemy, and wood science.

Prof. Narasimha said that the idea to edit the book struck to him 50 years ago when he visited the U.S. for higher studies. Why had India remained backward while other countries such as the U.S. were advancing rapidly? This inspired him to trace the evolution of science in India, he said.

Depending on the response from readers, the authors would come out with a second edition of the encyclopaedia soon, he said.

Ms. Helaine said that she had worked on the encyclopaedia for six years.

Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) Kasturirangan hailed the effort by the authors.

"For the first time, a comprehensive account of vast spectrum of science in India has been made available through such an effort," he said.

Prof. C.N.R. Rao said the authors had made available an authentic version of history of Indian science.

He argued against the two extreme views - India knew everything about science and India knew nothing about science. He stressed the need for establishing the reality.

Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekaran said the Centre, which recently provided a grant of Rs. 100 crore to the Indian Institute of Science, had several other schemes to support research activities in the premier science organisation located here.

Those interested in buying the encyclopaedia, priced at Rs. 925, may contact Orient Longman Pvt. Ltd. on Ph.: 08026690258.

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