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