Encyclopaedia of Classical Indian Sciences released
Bangalore, Jan 8 (UNI) An Encyclopaedia of Classical Indian Sciences dealing with India's contribution to the world of science in natural science, technology and medicine, was released here today.
A project of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), the book is an authenticated account of natural science, technology and medicine as practised by Indians and other South Asians. It was jointly edited by Prof Halaine Selin, Faculty Associate at Hampshire College, United States, and Prof Roddam Narasimha, Chairman, Engineering Mechanics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Science Research (JNCASR).
JNCASR Director Prof C N R Rao, after releasing the book, said the authors had made a sincere effort to project the contributions of ancient Indian scientists towards the evolution of modern science. Pre-historic Indian women had mastered the use of colours for clothes using iron oxide. ''Several other innovative contributions have been made by ancient Indians for the world of science which needs to be highlighted,'' he added.
Union Minister of State for Planning M V Rajashekaran, who also spoke on the occasion, complimented the authors and said Indians' contribution to science was immense and vibrant. The Union Government would give all support and cooperation to stimulate research and innovative projects in the field of science and technology to realise its objective of becoming the world leader in the field in the coming years.
The Union Science and Technology department was in the process of evolving an integrated plan in this direction and more funds were in the pipeline in the 11th five-year plan for the purpose, he added.
Prof Narasimha said India's contributions to science and technology were among the most ancient and influential in the world.
The
Encylcopaedia
also
included
biographical
articles
on
many
ancient
Indian
scientists
and
articles
on
the
history
of
Indian
science
and
technology.
''All
articles
are
contributions
of
acknowledged
authorities
on
their
subject
drawn
from
across
the
world.''
UNI