Physics, like the mathematics and astronomy of ancient India, is replete with theories and calculations that anticipate western scientific achievements by considerable periods - in terms of centuries!

The mysteries of the universe as also of the physical world were fascinating. What was the constituent matter of matter? What caused things to move, others to flow? Some to lose shape and remain misshapen, when others could revert to the original form while yet another category refused to lose shape except by being broken? Intriguing questions all, and the scientists came forth with answers and speculations that are astonishing in their sophistication and accuracy, despite the absence of instruments refined enough to take these theories and experiments to their logical conclusion.

This monumental era passed into a period of silence as it were - science seemed to come to a halt due to political upheavals. The nineteenth century witnessed a dispiritedness among Indians.
There was a fear of past scientific achievement being rendered inadequate by European technique and organizational talents. Mid-century, however, saw the revival of scientific interest with the emergence of science-related journals like the Calcutta Review and the Modern Review. Furthermore, the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science was established in 1876: its laboratories became the experimenting centre for C.V. Raman.

SOURCES :

The Cultural Heritage of India
Editors - Priyadaranjan Ray & S.N. Sen
Publishers - The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture

History of Science & Technology in India
Editors - G. Kuppuram & K. Kumudamami
Publishers - Sundeep Prakashan

Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology
Publishers - McGraw-Hill.

Masters of the Millennium - 100 Indians who shaped the century
Publishers - The Sunday Observer (special edition).

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