Innovations in Chemistry in Ancient India

This book explores ancient Indian practices in chemistry, tracing their evolution, principles, and applications across the world. It will serve as a comprehensive guide to understand how this rich heritage influenced advancements in materials science, metallurgy, medicine, dyeing, and more. The book analyses these practices from a historical, scientific, and cultural perspective, making it a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and enthusiasts of history and chemistry. To document and analyze ancient Indian chemical practices, highlighting their scientific principles, this book utilizes detailed study of ancient manuscripts and scriptures. It examines parallels with other ancient civilizations, and incorporates modern analysis of ancient techniques to validate their efficacy and relevance.

Dr. Bhasha Sharma is a visiting faculty member at University of Delhi, India. She has a BSc in Polymer Sciences (2011) and a PhD in Chemistry (2019) from the University of Delhi, where she studied under the guidance of Dr. Purnima Jain. A prolific scholar, Dr. Sharma has published numerous articles in leading international journals and contributed over 20 book chapters. Her latest edited work is Graphene-based Biopolymer Nanocomposites, 3D Printing Technology for Sustainable Polymers and Biodegradability of Conventional Plastics, Dr. Sharma’s research focuses on sustainable polymer innovations for packaging, eco-friendly plastic degradation, bio nanocomposite fabrication, and enhancing the electrochemical properties of biopolymers. Notably, she was honored with research awards from Netaji Subhas University of Technology in 2023 and 2024. Dr. Shashank Shekhar is an Assistant Professor at Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, India. He has a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Delhi, and has almost 10 years of research and teaching expertise. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to the fields of biopolymers and Schiff base metal complexes, with over 20 publications in esteemed international journals. Dr. Shekhar has also edited several books for prestigious publishers. His current research pursuits include innovative projects on the circular economy approach to plastic waste management, the synthesis of nanomaterials and nanocomposites for energy applications, the biodegradation of plastic waste, and the electrochemical analysis of biodegradable nanocomposites for use in supercapacitors. Additionally, he is advancing polymer technology for sustainable packaging solutions. In recognition of his impactful research, Dr. Shekhar was honored with research awards from Netaji Subhas University of Technology in 2023 and 2024. Dr. Rangnath Ravi is an Assistant Professor in Department of Chemistry, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, India. He has a BSc (2010) in Chemistry from University of Delhi. Dr. Ravi completed his PhD in Chemistry in 2019 under the guidance of Prof Sharif Ahmad from Jamia Millia Islamia. He has more than 5 years of teaching experience. He has published more than 13 research publications in reputed international journals. His research interests revolve around synthesis of bimetallic and trimetallic nanoparticles and their applications in water purification, dye degradable and cancer biology.Dr. Abhijeet Mishra is an Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Shivaji College, University of Delhi. He was a distinguished UGC Dr. D.S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He obtained a Master of Science in Biochemistry & Doctor of Philosophy with expertise in biological chemistry and nanotechnology from the Department of Bioscience at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He has published 26 research papers, 6 book chapters along with 2 pate