The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) was established in 1876 in Kolkata (then Calcutta), India. It was founded by a group of Indian scientists, including Jagadish Chandra Bose, Prafulla Chandra Ray, and Asutosh Mukherjee, with the aim of promoting scientific research and education in India. The formation of IACS marked the beginning of a new era in the scientific development of India and had far-reaching implications for the country’s progress in the field of science.

  1. Objective: The primary objective of IACS was to foster a scientific spirit in India and to promote research in various branches of science. The founders of IACS believed that the lack of scientific education and research facilities was a major impediment to the progress of India and wanted to address this issue.
  2. Research Focus: The IACS initially focused on the study of physical sciences and chemical sciences. Its members conducted pioneering research in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and geology. In particular, Jagadish Chandra Bose conducted ground-breaking research in the field of physics and is considered to be the father of radio science in India.
  3. Scientific Education: The IACS played a key role in promoting scientific education in India. It organized lectures and demonstrations on various scientific subjects and encouraged students to take up careers in science. It also published a quarterly journal, the “Journal of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science,” which was a source of information for scientists and students alike.
  4. Support from the British Government: The British government recognized the importance of IACS and provided support in the form of grants and other assistance. This helped the organization to establish itself and to carry out its objectives effectively.
  5. Collaboration with Other Scientific Institutions: The IACS collaborated with other scientific institutions in India and abroad to promote the cause of science. It held joint meetings and conferences with other scientific organizations and exchanged ideas and information on various scientific subjects.
  6. Influence on Indian Science: The IACS had a profound impact on the development of science in India. It encouraged a scientific mindset and instilled a sense of curiosity among the people. It also provided a platform for scientists to exchange ideas and collaborate on research projects.
  7. Legacy: The legacy of the IACS continues to this day. It has inspired several generations of scientists and has helped to promote scientific education and research in India. Many of its members went on to become prominent figures in their fields and made significant contributions to the advancement of science.
  8. Prominent Members: Some of the prominent members of IACS include Jagadish Chandra Bose, Prafulla Chandra Ray, Asutosh Mukherjee, Satyendra Nath Bose, and Meghnad Saha. These scientists were at the forefront of scientific research in India and made significant contributions to the advancement of science in the country.
  9. Expansion: The IACS expanded its activities over the years and now includes departments in several branches of science, including physics, chemistry, biology, and geology. It continues to play an important role in promoting scientific education and research in India.
  10. Relevance Today: The IACS remains relevant today and continues to play a key role in promoting scientific education and research in India. Its achievements and contributions to the development of science in India are an inspiration to the scientific community and serve as a reminder of the important role that scientific organizations play in the progress of a nation.

MCQs on Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS)

  1. Question: When was the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) established?
    A. 1876
    B. 1887
    C. 1895
    D. 1900
    Correct Answer: A. 1876
    Explanation: The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) was established in 1876 with the aim of promoting scientific research and education in India.
    Source: A Brief History of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science by Dipankar Chatterjee.
  2. Question: Who was the founder of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS)?
    A. Sir Asutosh Mukherjee
    B. Mahendralal Sircar
    C. Rajendra Lal Mukherjee
    D. Jagadish Chandra Bose
    Correct Answer: B. Mahendralal Sircar
    Explanation: The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) was founded by Mahendralal Sircar, a physician and social reformer, in 1876.
    Source: A Brief History of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science by Dipankar Chatterjee.
  3. Question: What was the main aim of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS)?
    A. To promote scientific research and education in India
    B. To provide a platform for Indian scientists to showcase their work
    C. To develop an indigenous scientific community in India
    D. All of the above
    Correct Answer: D. All of the above
    Explanation: The main aim of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) was to promote scientific research and education in India, provide a platform for Indian scientists to showcase their work, and develop an indigenous scientific community in India.
    Source: A Brief History of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science by Dipankar Chatterjee.

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