Understanding Hyderabad’s emergence as a global science and technology hub requires tracing the trajectory of its knowledge institutions from the mid-19th century onward.
This historical perspective formed the core of Dr. Dinesh C. Sharma’s valedictory address at a three-day conference hosted by the Department of History and H.K. Sherwani Centre for Deccan Studies at Maulana Azad National Urdu University. The event, organized by the Society for the History of Science Kolkata, examined the region’s scientific evolution.
Dr. Sharma, an author and journalist, emphasized that the history of science transcends laboratory walls and workshop floors—it represents human activity fundamentally shaped by the culture, politics, and society of its era. Critically, this historical lens reveals knowledge’s inherently global and interconnected character.
Beyond M. Visvesvaraya’s celebrated Musi riverfront and urban renewal projects, Hyderabad witnessed remarkable scientific developments over 150 years. The city pioneered modern medicine, advanced astronomical research through the Nizamiah Observatory, and established Osmania University as India’s first fully vernacular institution, teaching subjects from philosophy to engineering entirely in Urdu. These initiatives cultivated an early scientific culture that positioned Hyderabad on the global map while building confidence in modern medicine and research among the region’s rulers.
Addressing Historical Gaps
Dr. Sharma identified critical lacunae in India’s post-independence science historiography. Recent scholarship has begun addressing planned development, the green revolution, and technology advancement, yet substantial work remains. Institutional histories beyond the celebrated IITs—encompassing research laboratories, university science departments, and science cities—demand attention. Similarly, biographical studies must extend beyond iconic figures like J.C. Bose, Bhabha, and Mahalanobis to encompass the broader scientific community.
History of science need not remain confined as a subset of historical studies. It should function as a multi- and interdisciplinary endeavor. India’s scientific institutions and research councils—CSIR, ICMR, ICAR—must recognize and fund this discipline accordingly.
Enhanced accessibility remains crucial for deepening public appreciation of science history. Just as public understanding of science matters, so does public comprehension of its historical development. This responsibility rests squarely with history of science practitioners. The concluding session featured addresses by Prof. Farhat Hasan (Delhi University), Prof. Shakeel Ahmed (Islamic University of Science and Technology, Kashmir), and Prof. P.H. Mohammad (MANUU).
– Rashmi Kumari
