History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c3: Foreword
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c3
- Language
- English
Foreword
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There is ample testimony for the emergence and evolution of several advanced large human settlements from about 2500 BC in the Indian sub continent from a variety of artifacts testifying to creativity and skills in areas of agriculture, water management, animal husbandry, construction, tool making, textiles, fired clay pottery, carved stoneware, smelting for metals, alloys and shaped materials for transport, weapons as well as jewellery, decorative objects, toys and instruments for music & games. Natural materials, living renewable resources as well as minerals have been processed to evolve colours, pigments, preservatives, flavours, perfumes adhesives, lubricants, protective coatings and medicinal preparations.
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The availability in the last 50 years of new scientific techniques of micro analysis, spectroscopy photography, computer modelling have enabled persuit of new scientific studies and for precise definition of dates, origin and nature of materials, simulation of processes.
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The Indian National Commission for the History of Science functioning in the Indian National Science Academy has embarked on the major mission of preparation of a four volume History of Technology in India. The Commission has mobilised several scholars in many disciplines of social, historical, physical and biological sciences for authoritative articles and chapters. I am happy Volume I covering the period from antiquity to 1200 AD, has been completed and is now ready for publication. The other volumes for the periods 1200—1800, 1801—1947 and 1947 to the present time are being planned and of these, volume III for the period 1801—1947 is in its final stages.
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These volumes resulting from sustained research, critical assessment of knowledge from several sources, with tables, photographs, sketches and references to sources are very valuable documents.
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The Indian National Science Academy is deeply grateful to the authors and editors for their painstaking and scholarly contribution to this volume. The services of the Members of the Indian National Commission for the History of science and the Members of Advisory Boards are much appreciated. These volumes will undoubtedly fulfil long felt aspirations and will become major reference sources to scholars and the public all over the world.
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S. [Signature]
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(S. VARADARAJAN) Chairman, Indian National Commission for History of Science and President the Roman world, and the most important events of the reign of Antoninus Pius, are related by his biographer, and the reader will not be sorry to find them here in a more concise form. The reign of Antoninus Pius is marked by the rare advantage of furnishing very few materials for history; which is only another mode of saying that its happiness was complete. During the twenty-three years of his administration, the Roman empire was governed by the same invariable maxims of justice and peace. The natives of a vast extent of country were protected by the same laws, and enjoyed the same privileges. The frontiers were defended by the same legions, and the same spirit of moderation and equity prevailed in the councils of the emperor. The death of Antoninus was lamented as a public calamity; and the memory of his virtues was preserved by the gratitude of his subjects, and the imitation of his successor.
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The reign of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, which followed, was a period of great activity and of great events. The empire was attacked on all sides by the barbarians, and the emperor was obliged to spend the greater part of his life in the camp. He was a man of a mild and philosophical temper, and he would have preferred the quiet of the study to the tumult of the field. But he was a prince of a high sense of duty, and he did not shrink from the task which was imposed upon him. He defended the frontiers with vigour, and he defeated the enemies of Rome in many a hard-fought battle. His death was a loss to the empire, and it was felt by all classes of his subjects. He was the last of the good emperors, and with him the golden age of the Roman empire may be said to have terminated.
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The character of the Roman government, under the Antonines, was that of a mild and paternal despotism. The emperor was the source of all power, and his will was the law of the land. But he was restrained by the influence of the senate, and by the force of public opinion. The senate was still a body of great dignity and importance, and its members were the principal officers of the state. The emperor was careful to consult them on all matters of importance, and he was always ready to listen to their advice. The public opinion was also a powerful check upon the actions of the emperor. The people of Rome were still a proud and independent race, and they were not afraid to express their dissatisfaction with the measures of the government. The emperor was aware of this, and he was always careful to avoid any act that would be likely to give offence to the people.
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The administration of justice was one of the most important duties of the emperor. He was the supreme judge of the empire, and he was always ready to hear the complaints of his subjects. He was assisted by a council of jurists, who were the most learned men of the age. The laws were administered with impartiality, and the rights of the citizens were protected. The taxes were moderate, and they were collected with fairness. The public works were carried on with vigour, and the cities of the empire were adorned with magnificent buildings. The trade and commerce of the empire were encouraged, and the people were prosperous and happy. The Roman empire, under the Antonines, was a model of good government, and it was the envy of the world.