>From Indian Journal of History of Science, 39.3 (2004) 307-334 http://www.new.dli.ernet.in/rawdataupload/upload/insa/INSA_1/2000c4e3-307.pdf Balaji Prabhakar Modak - A 19th Century Science Propagator In Maharashtra (Western India) by Abhidha S.Dhumatkar Balaji Prabhakar Modak (1847-1906) was a product of 19th century Maharashtrian (Marathi-speakers) renaissance. He shifted his interest from social and political movements to the area of science movements through translations of science literature available during his time. Modak being a hard core propagator enriched Marathi literature by his translations and original writings on almost all branches of natural and social science, then taught in schools and colleges. Modak made great efforts to revolutionize the hitherto theoretical, urban and elitist movement for spread of science by extending it to the princes and masses of the southern Maratha region, with the help of his innovative science exhibitions. The demonstrative character of exhibits added a new dimension to the movement for spread of science in Maharashtra. He introduced electric lamps in south Maharashtra and created scientific ambience in Kolhapur. He awakened the princes of south Maharashtra to play their due role for spread of science movement. Science education was started in western India during the tenure of Mount Stuart Elphinstone (1819-1829), the first Governor of the Bombay Presidency. In 1823, the Engineering institute was established by George Resto Jervis to train surveyors and builders for public works department in Indian languages. In 1845, the Grant Medical College was developed, out of the medical school which started its work. At the initial phases, the College got enthsiatstic support to western education in general, but did not receive much support from the vegetarian Chitapawan and Karhada Brahmins because of their disapproval of dissection. Mr. Jagannath Shankarseth appealed to Indians to study medicine in order to free Indians from high fee of English doctors whereas Mr. Bhau Mahajan asked them to join the engineering institute by giving up their caste prejudice. [snip] --- Harshawardhan_Bosham Nimkhedkar