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About Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray (1861-1944) was a renowned Indian chemist, educationist, and industrialist who is considered the Father of Indian Chemistry. He is known for his contributions to chemistry and for founding Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals, the first pharmaceutical company in India. Dr Prafulla Chandra Ray was Born on 2 August 1861 in Raruli-Katipara, Jessore District, Bengal Presidency (now in Khulna District, Bangladesh). He passed away on 16 June 1944 in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency (now Kolkata, West Bengal, India) at the age of 82.
| Name | Prafulla Chandra Ray |
|---|---|
| Profession | Indian chemist, educationist, historian, industrialist, and philanthropist |
| Born | 2 August 1861 in Raruli-Katipara, Jessore District, Bengal Presidency, India (now in Khulna District, Bangladesh) |
| Died | 16 June 1944 in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, India (now Kolkata, West Bengal, India) at the age of 82 |
| Nationality | British Indian |
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray Education and Early Life
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, known as the father of Indian chemistry, was born on August 2, 1861 in the village of Raruli-Katipara, now in Bangladesh. He was the younger of two brothers born to Harish Chandra Ray, a landlord who loved learning and built an extensive library in his home, and Prafulla Chandra Ray mother name was Bhubanmohini Devi, a well-educated mother with liberal views.
The family moved to Kolkata when Prafulla was nine years old and he attended the Hare School. Unfortunately, Prafulla fell ill in 1874 and returned to his village, where it took two years for him to recover. During his recovery, he enjoyed reading in his father’s well-equipped library.
After recovering, Prafulla returned to Kolkata and attended Albert School in 1879. He passed the entrance exam and began studies at the Metropolitan College (now Vidyasagar College). Prafulla also studied chemistry at the Presidency College, which soon became his favorite subject. He built a laboratory at home and began experimenting.In 1882, Prafulla won a scholarship to Edinburgh University in the UK. He gained his degree there in 1885 and remained at Edinburgh to undertake research. He was awarded a D.Sc. in 1887 and the “Hope Prize” for his thesis on “Conjugated Sulphates of the Copper-Magnesium Group: A Study of Isomorphous Mixtures and Molecular Combinations”.
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Family
- Father: Harish Chandra Ray, was a well-educated man who valued learning and instilled a love for knowledge in his children. He was deeply involved in local community affairs and was known for his progressive views.
- Mother: Bhubanmohini Devi, played a significant role in Prafulla Chandra Ray’s upbringing. She was supportive of her children’s education and encouraged them to pursue their interests.
- Siblings: Prafulla Chandra Ray had several siblings. However, detailed information about his siblings is not widely documented. The supportive and nurturing environment provided by his family was crucial in shaping his academic and professional pursuits.
Prafulla Chandra Ray Contribution and Achievements
Prafulla Chandra Ray, known as the “Father of Indian Chemistry,” was a prominent scientist, educator, and industrialist. His contributions include establishing modern Indian research in chemistry, discovering Mercurous Nitrite, and founding Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals. Ray’s legacy extends to social reform, nationalism, and significant advancements in the field of chemistry, earning him recognition as a key figure in India’s scientific and industrial development.
Prafulla Chandra Ray Invention and Discovery
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray’s contributions to the field of chemistry are noteworthy and have had a lasting impact on scientific research in India. His most significant invention was the discovery of mercurous nitrite in 1896. This groundbreaking discovery led to a series of studies on the nitrites and hyponitrites of various metals, which greatly enhanced the understanding of these compounds.
Ray’s research extended beyond this single discovery. He conducted extensive studies on the compounds of mercury and sulfur, contributing valuable insights to inorganic chemistry. His work was characterized by meticulous experimentation and a deep commitment to advancing chemical knowledge.
In addition to his research, Ray authored several important publications, including “A History of Hindu Chemistry,” which traced the development of chemical practices in ancient India. This work highlighted the rich heritage of Indian science and its contributions to global knowledge.
Ray’s dedication to applying scientific principles for societal benefit was evident in his efforts to promote indigenous industries. He founded Bengal Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals in 1901, India’s first pharmaceutical company. This venture aimed to produce essential medicines and chemicals locally, reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering self-reliance.
Ray’s inventions and discoveries not only advanced the field of chemistry but also played a crucial role in promoting scientific education and industrial development in India. His legacy as a pioneering chemist and visionary continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
Prafulla Chandra Ray Recognition and Honors
Honors and Orders
Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire (1912)
Knight Bachelor (1919)
Academic honors and Fellowships
- Faraday Gold Medal of the University of Edinburgh (1887)
- Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal
- Fellow of the Chemical Society (1902)
- Honorary Member of the Deutsche Akademie, Munich (1919)
- Foundation Fellow of the National Institute of Sciences of India (1935)
- Fellow of the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (1943)
Honorary Doctorates
- Honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Calcutta (1908)
- Honorary D.Sc. degree from Durham University (1912)
- Honorary D.Sc. degree from Banaras Hindu University (1920)
- Honorary D.Sc. degree from the University of Dhaka (1920 and 28 July 1936)
- Honorary D.Sc. degree from the University of Allahabad (1937)
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray Awards
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, widely regarded as the “Father of Indian Chemistry,” has left an mark on the scientific landscape of India. To honor his remarkable contributions and legacy, several awards have been given in his name:
Acharya P.C. Ray Memorial Award
The Acharya P.C. Ray Memorial Award is presented annually by the Indian Chemical Society, which was founded by Ray himself. The award, established in 1948, recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of chemical sciences. It includes a cash prize of Rs. 500 and a medal.
ICC Acharya P.C. Ray Award for Development of Indigenous Technology
The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the apex organization of chemical manufacturers in India, presents the ICC Acharya P.C. Ray Award for Development of Indigenous Technology. This prestigious award recognizes technological advancements and contributions made by organizations in the field of science.
In 2020, Tata Chemicals was honored with this award for its development and commercialization of nano zinc oxide (nZnO) using innovative nanotechnology. The company’s nZnO product, developed through a patented eco-friendly process, has unique properties such as antiviral, antimicrobial, and UV blocking capabilities, making it suitable for various industrial, textile, and cosmetic applications.
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray & Ambuja’s Best Design Project Report Awards
The Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray & Ambuja’s Best Design Project Report Awards are presented by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE) to encourage and recognize excellence in chemical engineering design projects.
Prafulla Chandra Ray Books
Some of the notable books by Prafulla Chandra Ray include:
- A History of Hindu Chemistry
- Chemical Research in India
- Life and Experience of a Bengali Chemist
- The Origin and Growth of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry
- The Life and Work of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray
FAQs About Prafulla Chandra Ray
Who is the Indian father of chemistry?
Prafulla Chandra Ray, also known as Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, is widely regarded as the Father of Indian Chemistry. He made significant contributions to the field of chemistry in India during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Who invented mercurous nitrate?
Prafulla Chandra Ray discovered the stable compound mercurous nitrite (Hg2NO3) in 1896, which was a breakthrough in inorganic chemistry. This discovery earned him recognition as one of the first modern Indian chemical researchers.
Who is the father of inorganic chemistry in India?
Prafulla Chandra Ray is considered the father of inorganic chemistry in India. His groundbreaking work on the preparation of a new stable chemical compound, mercurous nitrite, and subsequent research on nitrites and hyponitrites of different metals laid the foundation for the development of inorganic chemistry in the country.
What is Prafulla Chandra Roy famous for?
Prafulla Chandra Ray is famous for his contributions to the field of chemistry, his role in establishing India's first pharmaceutical company, and his dedication to the upliftment of the downtrodden. He published over 150 research papers and cultivated a generation of young, brilliant chemists.
What was invented by Prafulla Chandra?
rafulla Chandra Ray is best known for his discovery of the stable compound mercurous nitrite in 1896, which was a significant breakthrough in inorganic chemistry. He also founded Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company, in 1901.
rafulla Chandra Ray is best known for his discovery of the stable compound mercurous nitrite in 1896, which was a significant breakthrough in inorganic chemistry. He also founded Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, India's first pharmaceutical company, in 1901.
While Prafulla Chandra Ray is considered the Father of Indian Chemistry, he was not the first Indian chemist. Some of the earliest Indian chemists include Acharya Charaka, who wrote the Charaka Samhita, a foundational text on Ayurvedic medicine and chemistry, and Nagarjuna, who made significant contributions to the field of alchemy and metallurgy in the 2nd century AD.
