Benign aspects of colonialism can be seen from the example of this person, who learnt the basics of science in the service of Sir John Malcolm and wrote a tract called Rasayanashastra :

The correct answer is - Gangaram Tambat

Key Points

• Gangaram Tambat
  • He was a Marathi scholar who contributed to the promotion of scientific knowledge in colonial India.
  • He worked under the guidance of Sir John Malcolm, a British administrator and soldier.
  • During his service, he acquired knowledge of modern science, which he incorporated into his writings.
  • He authored a text called Rasayanashastra, which dealt with the basics of chemistry, showcasing the influence of Western scientific principles on indigenous knowledge systems.
  • This example highlights how colonialism, despite its exploitative nature, facilitated the transfer of scientific knowledge to some extent.

Additional Information

• Colonialism and Scientific Knowledge
  • The colonial period in India saw an introduction of Western scientific methods and systems.
  • Colonial administrators like Sir John Malcolm often encouraged the dissemination of scientific knowledge to local scholars.
  • While the primary goal of colonialism was exploitation, it also led to the establishment of institutions like the Asiatic Society and universities, which became centers for the study of science, literature, and humanities.
• Indigenous Scholars in Colonial India
  • Indian scholars like Gangaram Tambat acted as intermediaries, blending traditional knowledge with Western scientific ideas.
  • Such contributions were instrumental in laying the foundation for the modern scientific and educational system in India.
• Rasayanashastra
  • The term "Rasayanashastra" refers to the study of chemistry in ancient Indian traditions.
  • Gangaram Tambat's tract combined elements of traditional Indian alchemy with the principles of modern chemistry introduced by the British.
  • This reflects the syncretic evolution of knowledge during the colonial era.