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Meghnad Saha

His Life in Science and Politics

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  • Provides a compact yet comprehensive overview of the life of Meghnad Saha, who developed the theory of thermal ionization and constructed the well-known and frequently used Saha equations
  • Frames Saha’s life in the historical context of the times in terms of the political and scientific struggles and achievements in India
  • Discusses the scientific work of Saha in a mostly non-technical way, so as to appeal to the general reader
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Springer Biographies (SPRINGERBIOGS)

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Table of contents (17 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xv
  2. Introduction

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 1-4
  3. Science in India: Ancient and Modern

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 5-19
  4. The Nineteenth Century

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 21-28
  5. Early Years

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 29-35
  6. Understanding the Atom

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 37-41
  7. Saha the Physicist

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 43-53
  8. Saha’s Ionization Formula

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 55-64
  9. Saha at Allahabad

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 65-91
  10. Again in Calcutta

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 93-108
  11. Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP)

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 109-120
  12. National Problems and Social Concerns

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 121-138
  13. River Physics and Flood Control

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 139-145
  14. Saha and Bhabha

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 147-150
  15. Saha in Parliament

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 151-178
  16. Sudden End

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 179-181
  17. Saha and a Symbol of Excellence

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 183-188
  18. Epilogue

    • Pramod V. Naik
    Pages 189-192
  19. Back Matter

    Pages 193-211

About this book

This biography is a short yet comprehensive overview of the life of Meghnad Saha, the mastermind behind the frequently used Saha equations and a strong contributor to the foundation of science in India. The author explores the lesser known details behind the man who played a major role in building scientific institutions in India, developed the breakthrough theory of thermal ionization, and whose fervor about India’s rapid progress in science and technology, along with concern for uplifting his countrymen and optimizing resources, led him to eventually enter politics and identify the mismanagement of many programs of national importance to Parliament.

This book is free of most academic technicalities, so that the reader with general scientific knowledge can read and understand it easily. One interested only in Saha’s contribution to physics can pick up just that part and read it. Conversely, the average reader may skip the technical chapters, and read the book withoutloss of continuity or generality to still get a coherent picture. This work touches on all aspects of Saha’s multidimensional personality, which overflows in the pages of his periodical, Science and Culture,as well as his many speeches, debates and discussions in Parliament, all of which is appropriately conveyed in this book.


Authors and Affiliations

  • Wadala, Mumbai, India

    Pramod V. Naik

About the author

Dr. Pramod Naik received his PhD in Physics from the University of Bombay in 1993, focusing on studies in wave-particle interactions. He then worked as a visiting lecturer for an army officers training program in petroleum management on behalf of the Indian Oil Corporation in Mumbai. Dr. Naik is currently a lecturer in physics at the Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute in Mumbai, India. He is also on the Board of Studies in Physics at Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Woman’s University in Mumbai. He has published in various journals, including Astrophysics and Space Science. Dr. Naik has written four other books on physics and/or engineering, published by Narosa Publishing House, PHI Learning, Pearson, and Viva Books. He is a member of the AGU, Institute of Physics, Plasma Science Society of India and the Indian Physics Association.



Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access