Question

Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.

Assertion (A): Colonial Science was inextricably woven into the whole fabric of colonialism.

Reason (R): Colonial Science did not come in a neat package; the claims of universality and the utility of Science messed up its identity.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the option given below:

1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)
3. (A) is true but (R) is false
4. (A) is false but (R) is true

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

• In the absence of higher scientific education, scientific research remained an exclusive governmental exercise for a long time. It was, therefore, linked to the economic policies pursued by the imperial power.
• Indian Science was influenced by the Colonial period. The scientific developments in India were Eurocentric, centripetal and hegemonic discipline as the developments taking place were influenced by Europe.
• According to Mahender Lal Sarkar, political nationalism had no meaning without Science because Science was emerging as a guiding light in political awakening among Indians. This also created a feeling of Nationalism.
• Colonial Science was woven into the fabric of colonialism is also correct because the colonial empire had led to the advancement in Science in India and led to the scientific revolution in India such as Industrialisation.
• However, preventive measures like sanitary reforms or even supply of drinking water to villages and towns remained neglected. In other fields, too significant developments took place through the effort of foreign and Indian scientists working in institutions here.
• The British activities did evoke some response from the local populace, particularly the educated section, who were looking for jobs in the colonial administration and economy.
• A few Indians participated in the officially patronised scientific associations or institutions. However, they often searched for a distinct identity and established institutions, scholarships and facilities of their own.
• A scientist serving the colonial power was supposed to not only discover new economic resources but also to help in their exploitation. In agriculture, it was basically plantation research with emphasis on experimental farms, the introduction of new varieties, and the various problems related to cash crops.
• These were basically cotton, indigo, tobacco and tea, which were all to be exported to Britain. Hence, it is clear that colonial science development was not a philanthropic activity and it was not definitely for the promotion of Indian interests.  Hence, both the statement are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).