“History of Indian Science and Technology” Project

November 30, 2022

The Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the project titled “History of Indian Science and Technology”. Similar project will be launched by the ICHR to trace the economic history of India. The ICHR will also launch another project in collaboration with the AYUSH Ministry to trace India’s contributions in the field of medicine.

What is the objective of “History of Indian Science and Technology” Project?

The “History of Indian Science and Technology” project aims to trace the history of India’s contribution to the field of science and technology using evidence from ancient scriptures. Its goal is to establish India as a “vishwa guru” (global leader) in various scientific domains.

Under this Rs. 1.5 crore project, the ICHR and ISRO will collaborate to produce 6 volumes, two each dedicated to ancient, medieval and modern periods. The project brings ISRO on board because everything related to astronomy, astrology, and mathematics in Indian scriptures are related to space.

Why is this project significant?

The project will enable historians to tap into the vast information provided by religious scriptures in India and understand their historic and scientific content.
It will help integrate ancient knowledge with modern knowledge of science, making India reach a unique position in various scientific domains.
It will ensure deeper research into the scriptures from Indus Valley civilisation till the modern times. It will provide due credit to dynasties that have been excluded and “correct” texts that have been written in a “Euro-centric” way.
The approach of this project will be scientific, with the involvement of a team of geologists, geographers, mathematicians, and engineers to provide suggestions and inputs.
It addresses the issue of downplaying of India’s contribution in the field of science and technology. While academicians from India and abroad accept “astronomical or astrological theories” originating from Egypt, Greece and Persia, they term similar theories from India as “myths”.

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