Question
Discuss the growth of Science and Technology in Bengal.
Answer
The progress of science and technology in Bengal began in the latter half of the 19th century. The Bengal College of Civil Engineering, which later became the Bengal College of Engineering, was established in 1856 and was affiliated with the Calcutta University. In 1876, the Indian Association for Cultivation of Science (IACS) was established, which became India’s first oldest center for the study of basic science. The IACS was run by contributions from citizens and was located at 210, Bowbazar Street. The objectives of the IACS were to spread scientific knowledge without government aid, popularize the scientific movement, encourage young students to study and research basic sciences, and cultivate science for the welfare of the country in the future. The IACS became India’s premier centre for research in material sciences, and it is continuing to work with the goal of making the lives of mankind more comfortable. The Calcutta Science College, founded by Sir Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay in 1914, was established for the purpose of studying swadeshi science, and many students who attended the college became prominent scientists. Calcutta also became a centre for research in radio physics thanks to the work of Shishir Kumar Mitra.
