Astronomy in India, 1784-1876
This thesis aims to elucidate the changing forms of engagement between Europeans and Indians in relation to astronomy in India between 1784 and 1876. It seeks to trace the evolving contexts in which knowledge of astronomy was developed and to provide a nuanced characterisation of the resultant cognitive interface between Europeans and Indians, focusing in particular on Bengal and Bombay. The defining features of this period saw Europeans exploring the history of Indian astronomy, before establishing observatories and colleges to foster modern Western astronomy, while Indians turned to rethink how the history of Indian astronomy (and astrology) fitted with modern science. Yet while recent historiographical interventions have drawn attention to the more philosophical forms of engagement, this thesis contends that such a concentration has elided a much more practical engagement between Europeans and Indians in relation to modern (Western) astronomy in India. This engagement was not about a constant process of Indians rationalising participation in modern science, or looking backwards while moving forwards. In addition, it was premised more on collaborative and experiential constructions of knowledge, without
Sen, Joydeep
DS Asia ; QB Astronomy
Astronomy in India, 1784-1876. This thesis aims to elucidate the changing forms of engagement between Europeans and Indians in relation to astronomy in India between 1784 and 1876. It seeks to trace the evolving contexts in which knowledge of astronomy was developed and to provide a nuanced characterisation of the resultant cognitive interface between Europeans and Indians, focusing in particular on Bengal and Bombay. The defining features of this period saw Europeans exploring the history of Indian astronomy, before establishing observatories and colleges to foster modern Western astronomy, while Indians turned to rethink how the history of Indian astronomy (and astrology) fitted with modern science. Yet while recent historiographical interventions have drawn attention to the more philosophical forms of engagement, this thesis contends that such a concentration has elided a much more practical engagement between Europeans and Indians in relation to modern (Western) astronomy in India. This engagement was not about a constant process of Indians rationalising participation in modern science, or looking backwards while moving forwards. In addition, it was premised more on collaborative and experiential constructions of knowledge, without
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