Rajesh Kochhar

Page 1 of 6
Rajesh Kochhar: List of select publications, with hyperlinks
A) BOOKS
1. R. Kochhar (2022) Sanskrit and British Empire. (Routledge, forthcoming). https://www.routledge.com/Sanskrit-and-the-British-Empire/Kochhar/p/book/9781032070506
2. R. Kochhar (2021) English Education in India, 1715–1835: Half-Caste, Missionary, and Secular Stages (Routledge). https://www.routledge.com/English-Education-in-India-1715-1835-Half-Caste-Missionary-and-Secular/Kochhar/p/book/9780367322632
3. R. Kochhar (2000) The Vedic People: Their History and Geography (Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan). https://archive.org/details/VedicPeopleHistoryGeogrpahyRajeshKochhar
4. R. Kochhar & J. Narlikar (1995) Astronomy in India ( New Delhi: Indian National Science  Academy).https://archive.org/details/AstronomyInIndia
B) RESEARCH PAPERS
5. R. Kochhar (2019) Ancient Indian history: What do we know and how? Journal of Biosciences, 44(3):60. https://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/jbsc/044/03/0060
6. R. Kochhar (2017) Zinc, steel and rocketry: Western mainstreaming of empirical Indian technologies. Current Science 113(9): 1792-1796. https://www.currentscience.ac.in/cs/Volumes/113/09/1792.pdf
7. R. Kochhar (2014) Choosing Raman’s successor for Raman Research Institute. Current Science, 107(7):1194-1200. http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/107/07/1194.pdf
8. R. Kochhar (2014) Ayurveda: Origins and evolution. Studies in People’s History, 1(1): 95-100. http://rajeshkochhar.com/ayurveda-origins-and-evolution-the-texts/
9. R. Kochhar (2013) The early Indian Academy of Sciences and the Bhera connection. Current Science, 104(11):1566. http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/104/11/1566.pdf
10. R. Kochhar (2013) Professor Ruchi Ram Sahni (1863-1948): A scientific biography. Physics News, 43(1):19-35. http://rajeshkochhar.com/professor-ruchi-ram-sahni-1863-1948-a-scientific-biography/
11. R. Kochhar (2013) Natural history in India during 18th and 19th centuries. Journal of Biosciences, 38 (2):1-24. http://www.ias.ac.in/describe/article/jbsc/038/02/0201-0224
12. R. Kochhar (2013) Tribhuvandas Kalyandas Gajjar (1863-1920): The pioneering industrial chemist of Western India. Current Science, 104: 1093-1097. http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/104/08/1093.pdf
13. R. Kochhar (2012) Hindoo College Calcutta Revisited: Its pre-history and the role of Rammohun Roy. Science and Culture, 78: 280-297. http://www.scienceandculture-isna.org/july_aug_12/04%20Rajesh%20Kochhar/04%20Rajesh%20Kochhar.htm
14. R. Kochhar (2012) Early modern natural history: contributions from the Americas and India. Journal of Biosciences, 37: 937-947. http://www.ias.ac.in/describe/article/jbsc/037/06/0937-0947
15. R. Kochhar (2011) Smallpox in colonial and scientific contexts. Journal of Biosciences, 36:1-8. http://www.ias.ac.in/describe/article/jbsc/036/05/0761-0768
16. R. Kochhar (2011) Dhokra: the Traditional Art of Metal Casting. Chitrolekha: International Magazine on Art and Design, 1(2): 3-9. http://chitrolekha.com/dhokra-the-traditional-art-of-metal-casting/
17. R. Kochhar (2010) Rahu and Ketu in mythological and astronomological contexts. Indian Journal of History of Science, 45(2):287-297. http://www.insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/IJHS/Vol45_2_6_RKochar.pdf
Page 2 of 6
18. R. Kochhar (2008) Rise and decline of modern science in India. National Academy Science Letters (Allahabad), 31 (5&6): 171-174. http://rajeshkochhar.com/rise-and-decline-of-modern-science-in-india/
19. R. Kochhar (2008) Cultivation of science in the 19th century Bengal. Indian Journal of Physics, 82(8): 1003-1082 (Akshoy Datta Memorial Lecture at Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata.) https://www.academia.edu/767228/Cultivation_of_Science_in_the_19th_Century_Bengal
20. R. Kochhar (2008) Seductive orientalism: English education and modern science in colonial India. Social Scientist, 36:45-63 (S.C. Mishra Lecture at 68th Indian History Congress, Delhi.) https://www.academia.edu/1113198/Seductive_Orientalism_English_Education_and_Modern_Science_in_Colonial_India
21. R. Kochhar (2008) Science as a symbol of new nationhood: India and the International Geophysical Year 1957-58. Current Science, 94: 813-816. http://204999e1e1be90d6150a-d13a17baf6693be23c8c970869869111.r37.cf1.rackcdn.com/attachments/c0fe0dd1-6069-35c3-a822-68893a0e48ae.pdf
22. R. Kochhar (2004) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar. Resonance, 7: 82-89. http://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/reso/007/04/0082-0089.
23. R. Kochhar (2004) Denationalised middle class: Global escape from Mandal. Economic & Political Weekly, 3 Jan., p. 20. http://www.ced.org.in/docs/ced/publications/DD/DD5/Denationalised-class-global-escape.pdf
24. R. Kochhar (2002) Madras and Kodaikanal Observatories: A brief history. Resonance, 7:16-28. http://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/reso/007/08/0016-0028
25. D. Smith & R. Kochhar (2002) Multimedia archiving of technological change in a traditional creative industry: A case study of the Dhokra artisans of Bankura, West Bengal. AI & Society, 16, 350-365. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s001460200028
26. R. Kochhar (1999) The truth behind the legend: European doctors in pre-colonial India. Journal of Bioscience, 24: 259-268. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02941239s
27. R. Kochhar (1999) The rise of the techno-baboo: IT is a brain sink. Current Science, 76: 1531-1533. http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Downloads/article_id_076_12_1531_1533_0.pdf
28. R. Kochhar (1999) Science and domination: India before and after independence. Current Science, 76(4): 596-601. https://wwwops.currentscience.ac.in/Downloads/article_id_076_04_0596_0601_0.pdf
29. N.C. Rana & R. K. Kochhar (1995) On the meaning of the Mula Naksatra. Indian Journal of History of Science, 30 (1): 31-34. http://sandhi.hss.iitb.ac.in/Sandhi/Mathematics%20and%20Astronomy%20articles/Kochhar%20RK/Rana_Kochhar%20-%20On%20the%20Meaning%20of%20Mula%20Nakshatra%20(1995).pdf
30. R. K. Kochhar (1994) Shipbuilding at Bombay. Current Science, 66: 965-969. https://prints.iiap.res.in/bitstream/2248/3938/3/Shipbuilding%20at%20Bombay
31. R. K. Kochhar (1993) Ardaseer Cursetjee (1808-77), the first Indian fellow of the Royal Society of London. Notes & Records of the Royal Society of London, 47: 33-47. https://prints.iiap.res.in/handle/2248/4772
32. R. K. Kochhar (1993) Science in British India. II. Indian response. Current Science, 64 (1): 55-62. https://wwwops.currentscience.ac.in/Downloads/article_id_064_01_0055_0062_0.pdf
(see next)
33. R. K. Kochhar (1992) Science in British India. I. Colonial tool. Current Science, 63 (11): 689-694.
https://wwwops.currentscience.ac.in/Downloads/article_id_060_02_0124_0129_0.pdf
32 and 33 were combined into one and reprinted by Indian Journal of History of Science, 1999, 34(4):317-346. http://124.108.19.235:12000/jspui/bitstream/123456789/11601/1/Vol34_4_4_RKKochhar.pdf
Page 3 of 6
34. R. K. Kochhar (1992) English education in India: Hindu anamnesis versus Muslim torpor. Economic & Political Weekly, 27; 2609-2616. Reprinted in Pakistaniaat, A Journal of Pakistan Studies, 2(1); 62-86. http://pakistaniaat.org/index.php/pak/article/view/46
35. R. K. Kochhar (1991) Science as a tool in British India. Economic & Political Weekly, 26: 1927-1933. http://www.epw.in/journal/1991/33/special-articles/science-tool-british-india.html
36. R. K. Kochhar (1991) Growth of modern astronomy in India 1651-1960. Vistas in Astronomy, 34, 69-105. https://prints.iiap.res.in/bitstream/2248/1309/1/koch.pdf
i. This paper was highly commended as a runner-up for the Arthur Beer Memorial Prize for 1988-90; see editorial, Vistas in Astronomy, (1992) 35: i.
ii. Was summarized at a meeting of Royal Astronomical Society, London, in 199.; see Observatory (1993) 113:101.
37. R. K. Kochhar (1991) French astronomers in India during 17-19 centuries. Journal of the British Astronomical Association, 101: 95-100. http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1991JBAA..101…95K
38. R. K. Kochhar (1991) Astronomy in British India: Science in the service of the state. Current Science, 60 (2): 124-129. https://wwwops.currentscience.ac.in/Downloads/article_id_060_02_0124_0129_0.pdf
39. R. K. Kochhar (1990) R. Ll. Jones – C.V. Raman’s physics professor at Presidency College, Madras. Current Science, 59: 65-67. https://prints.iiap.res.in/bitstream/2248/4836/1/R.%20LI.%20Jones%20C.%20V.%20Raman’s%20physics%20professor
40. R. K. Kochhar (1990) Rahu in Burmese tradition . Quarterly Journal of Royal Astronomical Society, 31 : 257. http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1990QJRAS..31..257K
41. R. K. Kochhar (1989) Transit of mercury 1651: The earliest telescopic observation in India. Indian Journal of History of Science, 24: 186-192. http://www.insa.nic.in/writereaddata/UpLoadedFiles/IJHS/Vol24_3_7_RKKochhar.pdf
42. R. K. Kochhar (1987) Shelton clock at Kodaikanal. Antiquarian Horology, 17 (2): 181-184.
43. R. K. Kochhar (1985) Madras Observatory: Buildings and instruments. Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India, 13: 287-302.
44. R. K. Kochhar (1985) Madras Observatory: The beginning. Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India, 13:162-168.
It was featured as a research highlight in Current Science (1985), 24: 892.
45. R. K. Kochhar & M. G. K. Menon (1982) M. K. Vainu Bappu (obituary). Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India a, 10: 275-279. https://prints.iiap.res.in/handle/2248/1925
46. R. K. Kochhar (1978) Astronomy through the ages. Everyman’s Science, 13: 73-78.
C) SELECT PRESS ARTICLES
47. R. Kochhar (2021) Signs of pseudo-science. [This is what’s wrong with state-backed educational institutions offering courses in astrology] Indian Express (Opinion), 29 July.
48. A. Grover & R. Kochhar (2020) Born in Lahore, a young PEC [Punjab Engineering College] eyes eventful century. Times of India, Chandigarh, Nov.21. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/79329704.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
49. A. Grover & R. Kochhar (2020) How Punjab did its bit for space programme. The Tribune (Comment), Nov. 4
50. R. Kochhar (2014) The science behind lunar and solar calendars [A scientific enquiry into Bikrami and Nanakshahi calendars]. The Tribune (Oped) 22 Jan. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140122/edit.htm#7
Page 4 of 6
51. R. Kochhar (2008) Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (60 great men of India in the 20th century). India Today, 21 Apr. http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/The+catalyst/1/6891.html
52. R. Kochhar (2004) Patently unfair: Third world should uphold traditional knowledge. Times of India (Edit page), 27 Nov. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/edit-page/rtf1ansiansicpg1252deff0deflang1033fonttblf0fnilfcharset0-Arialf1fnil-Arialcolortbl-red255green0blue0red0green0blue0viewkind4uc1pardcf1bfs20-THE-LEADER-ARTICLEcf2b0f1-bf0fs22-Patently-Unfair-Third-World-Should-Uphold-Traditional-Knowledgepar-/articleshow/937613.cms
Summarized by American Association for the Advancement of Science (sippi.aaas.org) and SciDev.Net(www.scidev.net.
53. R. Kochhar (2000) J.C. Bose: The inventor who wouldn’t patent. Science Reporter, 37(2): 19-21. {Posted on various websites.} https://www.academia.edu/830349/J.C._BOSE_The_Inventor_Who_Wouldn_t_Patent
54. R. Kochhar (1999) India-born U.S. astrophysicist. Chandra Observatory: Tribute to a legend. The Tribune, 27 Jul. {Cited in Wikipedia} http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jul27/edit.htm#3
55. R. Kochhar (1995) Transcending the limits: Chandrasekhar’s stellar contribution. Times of India (Edit page), 19 Oct.
56. R. Kochhar (1994) The wrong Bose at Como. Economic Times, 21 May. {How D. M. Bose availed of an invitation meant for S. N. Bose}
Summarized in Khagol, Newsletter of IUCAA, Pune, (1995) Apr., p. 8.
57. R. K. Kochhar (1991) Scientist in exile [Review essay on K. C. Wali’s Chandra, biography of S. Chandrasekhar]. Sunday Times of India, 13 Jul. http://rajeshkochhar.com/scientist-in-exile-subramanya-chandrasekhar/
a. Chandrasekhar’s own comments on the essay are of interest: “It is always interesting to read upon aspects of the book different reviewers select to comment. In this instance, there seems to be systematic difference between the reviewers in the “West” [his quotes] and in India.” (Personal Communication 5 Aug 1991)
b. The paperback edition of K. C. Wali’s Chandra quotes from the above review.
D) BOOK CHAPTERS
58. R. Kochhar & W. Orchiston (2017) Development of modern astronomy and emergence of astrophysics in India. In: T. Nakamura, T. and W. Orchiston (eds.) The Emergence of Astrophysics in Asia: Opening a New Window on the Universe (Cham: Springer). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320836493_The_Development_of_Modern_Astronomy_and_Emergence_of_Astrophysics_in_India
59. R. Kochhar (2014) Sky as a bridge: Transmission of Indian astronomy to China, Korea and Japan. In: Collected Papers for the 70th Birthday of Ennio Badolati (ed.: Sandra Ciccone) ( Cambobasso, Italy: Universita del Molise) pp. 85-96.
60. R. Kochhar (2014) From Ziegenbalg to Alexander Duff: Early years of English education in India 1715-1835. In: Beyond Tranquebar: Grappling with Boundaries (eds: Esther Fihl and A. R. Venkatachalapathy) (Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan) pp. 451-474.
61. R. Kochhar (2013) Panjab University: The early years. In: The Making of Modern Punjab: Education, Science and Social Change c. 1850-c. 2000 (eds. R. Kochhar et al.) ( Chandigarh: Panjab University) pp. 63-65.
62. R. Kochhar (2013) How The Tribune was saved: An interesting chapter from its early history. In: The Making of Modern Punjab: Education, Science and Social Change c. 1850-c. 2000 (eds. R. Kochhar et al.) (Chandigarh: Panjab University) pp. 51-53.
63. R. Kochhar (2013) Education in the 19th century Punjab. In: The Making of Modern Punjab: Education, Science and Social Change c. 1850-c. 2000 (eds. R. Kochhar et al.) (Chandigarh: Panjab University) pp. 15-19.
64. R. Kochhar (2012) Le système des yuga (in French). In: Variations sur un meme ciel ( La ville brule), pp. 33-41.
65. R. Kochhar (2011) Muslims and English education in colonial Bengal: Calcutta Madrasa and Hooghly Mohsin College in a historical perspective. In: Hooghly College 175 (ed: S. K. Mukhopadhyay) ( Hooghly: Hooghly Mohsin College) pp. 17-39.
Page 5 of 6
66. R. Kochhar (2011) Scriptures, science and mythology: Astronomy in Indian cultures. In: The Role of Astronomy in Society and Culture, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union Symposium, Vol. 260 (Cambridge University Press) pp. 54-61. http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/2011IAUS..260…54K
67. R. Kochhar (2010) Ancient Indian astro-mathematical tradition: Evolution and linkages. In: Mathematics and Astronomy: A Joint Long Journey. American Institute of Physics Conference Proceedings 1283, pp. 156-160. http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2010AIPC.1283..156K
68. R. Kochhar (2009) Globalization, Mandalization and the Indian middle class. In: Culture, Society and Development in India (eds: Manoj Kumar Sanyal and Arunabha Ghosh) (Hyderabad: Orient BlackSwan) pp. 23-32.
69. J. V. Narlikar & R. Kochhar (2009) Post-independence Indian achievements in astronomy. In: Science in India (ed: J. V. Narlikar) ( New Delhi : Viva Books)
70. R. Kochhar (2009) Astronomical heritage: Towards a global perspective and action. In: Cultural Heritage of Astronomical Observatories; Proceedings of International ICOMOS Symposium , Hamburg (ed: Gudrun Wolfschmidt) (Berlin: Hendrik Balker Verlag) p. 41.
71. R. Kochhar (2009) Kodaikanal Observatory 1899. In: Cultural Heritage of Astronomical Observatories. Proceedings of International ICOMOS Symposium, Hamburg (ed: Gudrun Wolfschmidt) (Berlin: Hendrik Balker Verlag), pp 255-260
72. David Smith & R. Kochhar (2008) Multimedia archiving of technological change in a traditional creative industry – A case study of the Dhokra artisans of Bankura, West Bengal. In: Cognition, Communication and Interaction ed.: Satinder P. Gill), pp. 501-515 (London: Springer).
73. R. Kochhar (2008) Shipbuilding in India: Wadia shipbuilders. In: Encyclopaedia of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine in Non-Western Cultures, 2nd ed (ed: H. Selin) ( Springer) pp. 2005-2008. http://rajeshkochhar.com/data/publications/science.pdf
74. R. Kochhar (2007) Promoting astronomy in developing countries: an historical perspective. Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, Vol. 2 (Cambridge University Press) pp. 21-24.
75. R. Kochhar (2004) S.S. Bhatnagar: Life and Times (Review essay). In Life & Work of Sir S.S. Bhatnagar (by Norah Richards). (New edition, Delhi: NISTADS) (First published 1948). http://rajeshkochhar.com/data/publications/ssb_by_rkk.pdf
76. R. Kochhar (2004) Till science transcends the scientist: Role of human factor in science. In: Philosophical Consciousness and Scientific Knowledge: Conceptual Linkages and Civilizational Background. (Ed.: D.P. Chattopadhyaya) (New Delhi: Centre for Studies in Civilization) pp. 249-251. http://rajeshkochhar.com/data/publications/science.pdf
77. R. Kochhar (2003) Is globalisation encouraging flat-earth mentality. In: Architecture of an Inclusive Society: Eighth Indira Gandhi Conference (New Delhi: Mudrit Publishers) pp. 362-370.
78. R. Kochhar (2001) The Rgvedic Soma plant. In: Medicine and Life Sciences in India (Vol. IV Part 2 of History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization) (ed. B.V. Subbarayappa) (New Delhi : Centre for Studies in Civilizations) pp. 724-739. https://archive.org/stream/pdfy-FGaeYHXbvjjZ4gya/The%20Rgvedic%20Soma%20Plant_djvu.txthttps://ia802702.us.archive.org/31/items/pdfy-FGaeYHXbvjjZ4gya/The%20Rgvedic%20Soma%20Plant.pdf
79. R. K. Kochhar (1999) Pre-telescopic astronomy in India. In: History of Indian Science, Technology and culture AD 1000-1800 (ed. A. Rahman) (New Delhi: Oxford Univ. Press) pp. 171-197.
80. R. K. Kochhar (1994) Secondary tools of empire: Jesuit men of science in India. In: Discoveries, Missionary Expansion and Asian Culture (ed: T. R. De Souza) (New Delhi: Concept Publ.) pp. 175-183.
81. R. K. Kochhar (1993) Historical perspective [on pre-telescopic astronomy]. In: Astronomy in India: Past, Present and Future (eds: R. Kochhar & J. Narlikar) (Pune: IUCAA) pp. 1- 42.
E) BOOK REVIEWS
Page 6 of 6
82. R. Kochhar (2014) Vainu Bappu: The Man Who Knew the Stars, by M. S. S. Murthy (Book Review). Current Science, 106 (12):1752-1755. http://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/106/12/1752.pdf
83. R. Kochhar (2006) Book review. Lucio Russo: The Forgotten Revolution: How Science was born in 300 BC and Why it had to be Reborn (Springer 2004).Indian Journal of History of Science, 41(3): 335-338.
84. R. K. Kochhar (1990) Book review. Cosmic Perspectives (eds. S. K. Biswas, D. C.V. Mallik & C.V. Vishveshwara) (Cambridge Univ. Press). Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India, 18:104.
85. R. K. Kochhar (1988) Book review. Kepler’s Physical Astronomy (by B. Stephenson) (Springer Verlag). Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India, 16:252.
86. R. K. Kochhar (1988) Book review. IAU Colloquium No. 91: History of Oriental Astronomy (eds. G. Swarup, A. K. Bag & K. S. Shukla) (Cambridge Univ. Press). Bulletin of the Astronomical Society of India, 16: 249.
F) POWERPOINT OF RECENT LECTURES AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET
87. R. Kochhar (2019) Astronomical basis of the Kumbh fairs. https://www.slideshare.net/rajeshkochhar1/kumb-hppt27feb2019
88. R. Kochhar (2016) Indian higher education under globalization. Talk delivered at Trinity College, Dublin. https://www.slideshare.net/rajeshkochhar1/indian-higher-education-under-globalization
89. R. Kochhar (2015) Ancient Indian astronomy and mathematics. Lecture at SJB Institute of Technology, Bangalore. http://www.slideshare.net/rajeshkochhar1/ancient-indian-astronomy-and-mathematics
90. R. Kochhar (2014) Indian geography under European auspices during 16-18th centuries. Talk at International Symposium on Sino-French Geodesic Survey of the Qing Empire in the 18th century, Sanya, Hainan Province, China. https://www.slideshare.net/rajeshkochhar1/early-indian-geographyundereuropeans
—