DEVELOPMENT OF INDIAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THROUGH ECONOMIC NATIONALISM ANDSWADESHI LEADERS IN MADRAS PRESIDENCY

Abstract

The development of science and technology in India from tradition to modern is a continuously changing subject matter of history. Ancient Tamil decedents had good knowledge of their environment and they had trade contacts with many countries. Pre-colonial trade and industry were the hallmarks of the indigenous knowledge system in south India. Ethnic and lingual differences did not control the spread of spiritual science and this brought cultural unity in spite of the rulers quarreling among themselves in ancient Tamil country. Traditional industries declined due to the advent of European traders. The Indian nationalists advocated the drain of wealth theory during the British colonial period. English educated leaders and Swadeshi industrial efforts attempt to support march towards freedom. The present study narrates the development of science and technology by the Tamil indigenous in the Madras Presidency during the British rule.