Reflections on the Changing Status of Academic Science in India

In: International social science journal: ISSJ, Band 53, Heft 2, S. 231-246

Abstract

The advent of modern science, stemming from the colonial context of the 18th century, witnessed a long struggle of breaking away from the tentacles of "colonial science" in the process of professionalization toward the emergence of what is known as the Indian scientific community & the growth of academic science. This essay will explore different facets of this struggle from the late 19th century to the contemporary period. As it turns out & is expressed in various writings, academic science enjoyed a position of higher esteem, respect, & commitment to the advancement of knowledge in the pre-independence period compared to the post-independence period. In its various ramifications, the contemporary phase witnesses its relegated position characterized by low level of funding, infrastructure, status & support compared to what is known as the mission oriented science agencies under the auspices of governmental science structures. 3 Tables, 26 References. Adapted from the source document.