Great Women Scientists of India

  Bala Gangadhar Tilak was a pioneering leader in India’s freedom struggle. He was the first to boldly demand that Indians should govern themselves (Swarajya) and called for a determined struggle to achieve it. He inspired millions with his famous proclamation, “Self-rule is our birth right.” Tilak was a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi and played a crucial role in preparing Gandhi to take over the leadership of the freedom movement after his returning to India from South Africa. Tilak’s contributions as a teacher, nationalist, lawyer, and social reformer were monumental. The British authorities recognized his pivotal role by calling him the Father of the Indian Independence Struggle. Born on July 23, 1856, Tilak passed away on August 1, 1920. Below are some key events from his life: 1. First Meeting with Gandhiji Tilak and Gandhi met for the first time in 1915. At the time, Tilak was already a veteran of the freedom movement and 13 years senior to Gandhi. Their mutual friends l...

Birbal, the witty and intelligent minister of Emperor Akbar, was known for his sharp mind and humour. Their stories are famous for their cleverness and entertainment value. Here are some lesser-known tales that showcase Birbal’s brilliance. 1. Turning a Donkey into a Horse One day, Emperor Akbar said to Birbal, “Bring before me a Muslim man who has converted to Hinduism.” Birbal requested a week’s time. On the seventh day, Birbal went to the river and began bathing a donkey with oil and soap. By chance, Emperor Akbar arrived and asked, “What are you doing, Birbal? Why are you bathing this donkey?” Birbal replied, “My lord, I’m trying to see if bathing this donkey can turn it into a horse.” Akbar laughed and said, “You fool! No matter how much you bathe a donkey, it will never become a horse.” Birbal smiled and said, “If a Muslim can become a Hindu, then perhaps this should also be possible.” Akbar understood Birbal’s point and praised his cleverness. 2. Making the Line ...

  Tulsidas was a renowned poet, saint, philosopher, and social reformer who lived in India during the 16th century (1511–1623). A devoted follower of Lord Rama, he authored Ramcharitmanas , a vernacular rendition of the Ramayana in the Avadhi dialect. Revered as the reincarnation of Valmiki, Tulsidas also composed the famous devotional hymn Hanuman Chalisa in praise of Lord Hanuman. He spent much of his life in Varanasi, where the Tulsidas Ghat is named in his honor. He was instrumental in establishing the Sankatmochan Temple dedicated to Hanuman, where it is believed he had a divine vision of the deity. Tulsidas is also credited with initiating the tradition of the Ramlila , a dramatic enactment of the Ramayana . His influence on Hindustani music and Hindi dance-dramas, particularly the Ramlila , remains profound. 1. Birth Tulsidas was born on the seventh day of the Hindu month of Shravan in Rajapur (Chitrakoot) on the banks of the Yamuna River. His parents, Hulsi and Atma...

  Kabir Das was a revered Hindi poet and mystic who lived in India during the 15th century. His poetry was deeply influenced by the Bhakti movement, and some of his verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib of the Sikhs. Born into a Hindu Brahmin family, Kabir was raised by a Muslim family after being abandoned as an infant. He became a disciple of Ramananda, a prominent saint of the Bhakti tradition, and was known for his sharp critiques of religious orthodoxy and rituals in both Hinduism and Islam. Kabir questioned the necessity of ceremonies such as the Hindu sacred thread ritual and the Muslim practice of circumcision (Circumcision), arguing that they were not rooted in the Vedas. This outspokenness led to threats from both Hindus and Muslims, yet after his death, both communities claimed him as their own. There was even a dispute over whether his body should be buried or cremated. Kabir believed that God resided in those who walked the path of Dharma. To him, true devoti...

  Adi Shankaracharya, born in 788 AD in the village of Kalady, Kerala, is considered  as one of the greatest philosophers in Indian history and the pioneer of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy. His profound teachings and exemplary life have inspired countless individuals, leading them on the path to spiritual enlightenment. The Context of Shankara's Era During Shankara's time, Hinduism was facing a critical crisis. The religion was fragmented into 72 sub-sects, such as Charvakas, Lokayatikas, Kapalikas, Shaktas, Samkhyas, Buddhists, and Madhyamikas, often engaged in ideological and physical conflicts. Blind beliefs and immoral practices were rampant, resulting in religious chaos in a land rooted in the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. Amid this turbulence, Shankara dedicated himself to spiritual studies and took on the monumental task of unifying these fragmented sects. His efforts preserved and revitalized the Vedic practices that survive to this day. Advaita ...

  Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was a brilliant thinker, teacher, jurist, economist, and royal advisor who lived in India during the 4th century BCE. His magnum opus, the Arthashastra , is regarded as the first authoritative text on political science and economics. Although his works were lost during the decline of the Gupta Empire, they were rediscovered in the 20th century. Chanakya played a pivotal role as the teacher and chief advisor to Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, and later to his successor, Bindusara. Let us delve into some key incidents from Chanakya’s remarkable life. 1. Love for His Mother Born into a modest family, Chanakya faced hardship early in life with the loss of his father. His mother’s unwavering support shaped his education and character. Chanakya’s love for his mother was profound, and he valued her above all else. One notable incident highlights this bond: Chanakya had distinctive, healthy front teeth. An astr...