Prafulla Chandra Ray and History of Indian Chemistry

Abstract

This research work is about the intellectual biography of Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861-1944), who is considered to be the father of Indian Chemistry. In particular, the thesis examines Ray's History of Hindu Chemistry published during the early part of the twentieth century. Apart from situating the work in historical context, the thesis also attempts to understand the periodisation adopted by Ray, contrasting it with the periodisation adopted by other eminent historians. This work also tries to understand the sources consulted by Ray.