India’s history of science is long and layered. From the idea of zero to early work in astronomy and mathematics, many thinkers from the subcontinent helped shape scientific knowledge. Over time, women also entered this space and built careers in fields that were once closed to them. Their journeys often began with resistance but led to important work in medicine, chemistry, engineering and oceanography.
ANANDIBAI GOPALRAO JOSHI (1865-1887)
Anandibai Joshi became the first Indian woman physician trained in Western medicine. Her decision to study medicine grew out of a personal tragedy.
She was married at the age of nine to a widower much older than her. When she was fourteen, she gave birth to a son who died soon after because proper medical care was not available.
The loss stayed with her and pushed her towards medicine.
With support from her husband, she travelled to the United States and joined the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, one of the earliest institutions offering medical education to women.
In 1886, she completed her medical degree, becoming one of the first Indian women to study medicine abroad.
Her life was short, but her story opened doors for many women who wished to enter the medical profession.
JANAKI AMMAL (1897-1984)
Janaki Ammal chose botany at a time when very few women in India entered scientific research. She studied at Presidency College and earned an honours degree in botany in 1921.
Her work focused on cytogenetics, a field that studies chromosomes and their role in plant development. She also worked in phytogeography, which examines how plant species are distributed across regions.
Ammal’s research helped improve crops such as sugarcane and brinjal. Later in her career, she worked with the Botanical Survey of India and contributed to plant classification and conservation.
In 1977, she received the Padma Shri, becoming one of the first women scientists in India to receive the honour.
KAMALA SOHONIE (1912-1998)
Kamala Sohonie’s career began with rejection. She applied to the Indian Institute of Science for research but was denied admission because she was a woman.
After persistent requests, she was finally allowed to work under C. V. Raman, who was then the institute’s director. Her performance in research soon proved her ability.
Sohonie later became the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in a scientific discipline. During her work, she discovered the presence of the enzyme cytochrome C in plant tissues. This enzyme plays an important role in cellular respiration and energy production.
Her journey helped break barriers for women in Indian scientific institutions.
IRAVATI KARVE (1905–1970)
Iravati Karve was an Indian scholar known for her work in anthropology and sociology. She completed her PhD in 1930 from a university in Berlin and later joined Deccan College, where she led the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
In 1947, she served as the president of the Anthropology division at the Indian Science Congress. Karve wrote on many subjects related to society, culture and Indian history.
One of her most well-known books is Yuganta, a study of the characters and events of the Mahabharata. The book later received the Sahitya Akademi Award. Her writings helped bring academic research closer to general readers and students.
ASIMA CHATTERJEE (1917-2006)
Asima Chatterjee worked in organic chemistry and phytochemistry, the study of chemicals derived from plants.
She studied chemistry at Scottish Church College under the University of Calcutta and later began research on plant-based compounds. Her studies on vinca alkaloids, substances found in the periwinkle plant, helped advance research related to cancer treatment.
Chatterjee also worked on the development of anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs. Over the years, she became one of the leading figures in chemical research in India and guided many young scientists.
RAJESHWARI CHATTERJEE (1922–2010)
Rajeshwari Chatterjee was the first woman engineer from Karnataka. In 1946, she received a government scholarship to study in the United States.
She completed her master’s degree in electrical engineering at the University of Michigan and later earned a doctorate. After returning to India, she joined the Indian Institute of Science as a faculty member.
Together with her husband, she helped establish a microwave research laboratory, where they carried out important work in microwave engineering. Her teaching and research helped shape engineering education in India.
INDIRA HINDUJA
Dr Indira Hinduja is a gynaecologist known for her work in assisted reproductive technology.
In 1986, she delivered India’s first test-tube baby at King Edward Memorial Hospital. Two years later, she led the birth of the country’s first baby through the GIFT (Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer) technique.
She also developed a method of oocyte donation, which helped women with ovarian failure conceive. Her work expanded fertility treatment options in India.
ADITI PANT
Aditi Pant is an oceanographer who became the first Indian woman to visit Antarctica in 1983 as part of an Indian research expedition.
Her interest in the oceans began while studying at the University of Pune, after reading The Open Sea by Alister Hardy.
She later received a scholarship to study marine sciences at the University of Hawaii and completed her PhD at University of London. Her research focused on marine algae and ocean ecology.
Pant later worked with the National Institute of Oceanography and the National Chemical Laboratory, contributing to marine science research in India.
The journeys of these women show how science in India grew through persistence and curiosity. Many of them entered fields where women were rarely seen. Their work expanded knowledge in medicine, plant science, chemistry, engineering and ocean research.
Today, their stories continue to inspire young students who want to build careers in science.
