Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
3. Trace the various developments of chemistry and chemical science in ancient India. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Following Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861-1944), the eminent Indian chemist of the last century and a historian of chemistry, five stages in its development in India can be recognized. This article explains the same.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the development of chemistry in ancient India beginning from Harappan civilization.
Directive:
Trace – find or describe the origin or development of policy/scheme/process. Follow or mark the course or position of something.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief overview of development of chemistry in ancient India.
Body:
Write about the development of chemistry in various phases. (i) the pre-Vedic stage upto 1500 BCE, including the Harappan period, (ii) the Vedic and the Ayurvedic period up to 700 CE, (iii) the transitional period from 700 CE to 1100 CE, (iv) the Tantric period from 700 CE to 1300 CE, and (v) the ‘Iatro-Chemical period’ from 1300 CE to 1600 CE.
Mention the new techniques, developments and achievements on Indians in the above phases.
Conclusion:
Summarize the achievements and importance to having scientific temper in present day.
