Most of us have an idea that our illustrious heritage is awe-inspiring; but rarely do we include the Indian contribution to science in it. The reason for this is that centuries of foreign rule and westernisation have forced us to believe that science is a bestowal of Europe.
Evidence has been found that this subcontinent had made much progress in science 3000 years before Christ. The remains of the cities of the Indus Valley civilization- Mohanjodro and Harappa show that they were well-planned. And the water-supply system, drainage system etc. were very advanced. Their proficiency in farming, brick-making, industry and embroidery was of high acumen. The reason as to why such a leading, advanced civilization retrogressed is yet unknown.
The Aryans had developed very proficient systems of medicine, surgery and agriculture. The golden era of science in India was from 400BC to the sixth or seventh century. Science flourished amply in the rule of the Mauryas, the Shakas, the Kushanas and the Guptas. For the attainment of knowledge, the universities of Nalanda, Varanasi and Takshila were eminent.
But, after the Mughal attack in the twelfth century, India's ancient culture and knowledge did not reach any greater heights. The wisdom earned by Indians was translated into Persian and Arabic and thus went to Arab world and Europe.
When India was in stormy waters due to recurrent invasions, there was reawakening of science in Europe. Time was not in India's favour. Due to the Imperial rule, India could not become one of the forerunners of modern science. The only benefit that the British rule brought to India was that the language of education became English which was the language of modern science.
A new page opened in the history of science when India gained Independence. Research began and thrived in many fields. Today, India boasts of the largest reservoir of technically skilled people in the world. This is when India is still developing. Imagine what we would achieve when we will be a developed nation.
I have this weird feeling india's going to go kaboom before we are actually a super power. or developed nation,have your pick.
ReplyDeleteWe have a large pool of skilled technicians? I dont think so..india's leading research facilities barely make do with the funds alloted to them..and the others,which get funds of the right magnitude,don't capitalise on them because of poor management.
What india's churning out is a majority of mediocre engineers(no offence to nobody here,i'm going to be one of those) and a minority of the better ones. The minority almost inevitably leave the country for better jobs in the US/UK or for better PAYING jobs in the other countries.
And,unless the economic disparity between the the poor(i refer to people below the poverty line or those marignally above it) and the middle class (including the lowest rung of the middle class) is reduced to the extent where everyone has equal opportunity for education(even though the quality of education may vary) india cannot be called a technologically advanced nation .
If india is the preferred destination for outsourcing,it is not because india's graduates have an edge over the ..erm,say chinese(the only other nation that comes to mind right now,japan doesnt NEED outsourcing) but because of :one,their knowledge of the english language and two,the labour is cheaper.
I have a lot more stuff to say on this..but i cant seem to phrase it in the best manner right now,so maybe i'll bore you to death some other time.