Role of Calcutta Journal of Natural History in nurturing Geology in Colonial India

Abstract

In spreading ideas of geological theories and observations, the press played an important role during early colonial rule. During 1840's, a vast number of geological articles were published in different periodicals and journals throughout India. In the volumes of Calcutta Journal of Natural History, during 1840 to 1848, various voluminous and informative articles were published. It brought into light the multifaceted geological articles all over the country along with necessary observations and analysis and constraints. Calcutta Journal of Natural History tried to raise the consciousness and awareness of the then Indian intelligentsia. Thus played a significant role in the development of Geology as an academic discipline and thereby production of Indian geologists. In this initiative, main stimulating personality was John McClelland. This paper will discuss about this unique venture.