Science and Technology in Colonial India

This book explores the role of science and technology in empire-building in Asia, particularly in India, and the acquisition of hegemony through social control. It also discusses the response of the Indian intelligentsia to colonial ethnography and the innovative use of print technology by the Arya Samaj to recast Hindu consciousness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 04 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This remarkable work of scholarship stands as a pivotal contribution to the socio-political history of science and technology in India, seamlessly blending a comprehensive perspective with a distinct regional essence. At its core, the book revolves around two fundamental themes. The first explores the profound role of science and technology in the construction of empires, particularly in the context of India, and the strategies employed to sustain these empires through the maximum exploitation of human, natural, agricultural, and other resources. This imperial agenda was underpinned by a crucial objective: the attainment of hegemony through social control, achieved by gaining intimate knowledge of the intricate divisions within Indian society along the lines of religion and caste. Formalized as colonial ethnography by the administrators, it was subsequently institutionalized as a discipline in British universities.

The second theme delves into the intricate and multifaceted response of the Indian intelligentsia, encompassing both English-educated individuals and experts and advocates of classical and regional languages, which were vital sources of indigenous knowledge in indigenous sciences, arts, and literature. The book also sheds light on the innovative use of print technology by the Arya Samaj, a socio-religious movement, as a means to reshape Hindu consciousness and offer an alternative perspective by seeking historical guidelines in the past.

Through meticulous research and analysis, the author has skillfully woven together a rich tapestry of historical events, cultural developments, and intellectual movements, providing a deep and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between science, technology, society, and politics in India during the colonial era. This book not only enriches our knowledge of the past but also offers valuable insights into the ongoing debates and discussions surrounding the role of science, technology, and society in contemporary India.

Weight: 485g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032364797