A princely king who patronised science

In an era when other Indian rulers were preoccupied with political matters, the princely state of Bamanda, now part of the modern-day Deogarh district of Odisha, ruled by Sudhal Deb embarked on a path af scientific advancement. Its scientific legacy stands as a testament to how a leader can use science for the betterment of society

- SATYABRATA PANIGRAHY

The period of the Gupta Empire is often considered the golden age of Indian history, marked by significant advancements in science and architecture.

Historical records show that Indian kings patronized not only religion and culture but also science, medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. A lesser-known but equally significant chapter in Odisha’s history tells the story of a king who placed science and technology under royal patronage. Towards the end of the 19th century, under the visionary leadership of King Basudeb Sudhal Deb of Bamanda, a small princely state in Odisha, scientific progress and modernization gained momentum while many contemporary states were embroiled in power struggles.

Bamanda: A hub of scientific learning