The foregoing analysis of British India illustrates that it was futile to expect the emergence of science here under an alien administration obsessed with one-sided commercial preferences. In such a situation, field sciences were developed to exploit natural resources and grow commercial crops; but a balanced development of research did not take place. When industry was not allowed to develop, many related sciences could not grow properly. As we have discussed, an atmosphere of vitality and exuberance in the social and economic life was necessary to bring forth innovative ideas and to encourage scientific progress. Individual scientists, however, did shine in adverse circumstances. It was all the more so under the influence of a larger social movement and struggle, which promised to liberate and transform society. Thus, the situation changed when India became independent in 1947. In the next lecture, we shall provide an overview of the developments of science and technology during the inter-war period.

Questions

1.  How did freedom struggle influence scientific research in India?

2.  Discuss the objectives of Indian Science Congress Association.

3.  How did Indian scientists shine in adverse circumstances?

4.  Discuss the role of J. C. Bose in the development of scientific research in India.

5.  Discuss the role of P. C. Ray in the development of scientific research in India.

6.  Discuss the role of J. C. Bose in the development of scientific research in India.

7.  Elucidate the role of Asutosh Mookhejee in the formation of the Indian Science Congress Association.