PRAFULLA CHANDRA RAY
Born: 2nd August 1861, Raruli-Katipara (Now in Bangladesh)
Father: Harish Chandra Ray; a landlord who loved learning, built library in his home. Liberal views. Built a
School for girls and one school for boys in his village. Education loving and cultured family.
Mother: Bhubanmohini Devi; well educated and had liberal values.
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Known as the “Father of Indian Chemistry”. Scientist, Teacher, Modern Indian chemical
researchers,Humanist.
Discovered stable compound Mercurous nitrite in 1896.
Established Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Company in 1901.
Did not support the Caste system. He was a passionate social worker.
Initially, he studied at the school opened by his father. Family moved to Kolkata when he was
nine as his brother started higher education. After that he attended the Hare School at Kolkata.
His love for learning was instilled in him by the teachers of Hare School. He loved literature
(Shakespeare especially), history, geography,. Voracious reader. Caught with a virulent type of
Dysentery. Discontinued his studies as he had to return to his village in 1874. After two years he
returned Clcutta and joined Albert School.
Recovered but had to suffer with a frail body, chronic digestive disorder and insomnia.
From 1879 , after clearing the entrance exam, began studies at the Metropolitan College (Now
Vidyasagar College). Surendra Nath Banerjee taught English there and he installed nationalistic
feeling in PC Ray.
Presidency College, studied Chemistry. His interest soared in Chemistry there due to the
influence of Prof. Alexander Peddler. Inspired by Pedler as he conducted experiments in his
classroom, He built a laboratory at home and began experimenting. Shifted from Literature to
Chemistry.
1882; won scholarship to Edinburgh University. Gained the B.Sc degree in 1885. Awarded D.Sc in
1887 and the “Hope Prize” for his thesis on “Conjugated Sulphates of the Copper-Magnesium
Group: A Study of isomorphous Mixtures ad Molecular Combinations”.
After seeing his character, he was elected the Vice-President of the Chemical Society of the
University.
While in Britain, he submitted a piece for an Essay Competition on topic “India Before and After
the Mutiny” in which he wrote about the British Exploitation of India with passion. Obviously, he
didn’t win any prize for his essay but he managed to send it to newspapers along with the reply
he received from a progressive MP John Bright, who commended his writeup.
Returned Kolkata in 1888; Assistant Professor at Presidency College in Calcutta in 1889.
Established Research Lab at Presidency College with much struggle, This was the first research
laboratory of Chemistry in India. The influence of Prof. Pedler was observed in his Teaching
profoundly. His inclination to experiment oriented teaching remained throughout his teaching
career. A group of dedicated researchers were groomed by him. This Included
Published around 150 research papers.
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Researched organic compounds containing Sulphur, double salt, homomorphish and
fluorination.
1892; established Bengal Chemical Works with a capital of INR 700. Produced herbal products
and indigenous medicines. 1901; BCW turned into Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works
Ltd.-India’s first pharmaceutical company.
Published “The History of Hindu Chemistry” in two volumes in 1902 and 1908. Extensive
knowledge of Metallurgy and Medicine in Ancient India was discussed.
1916; retired from Presidency College and joined Calcutta University.
Autobiography “Life and Experiences of a Bengali Chemist” – published – two volumes – 1932
and 1935 – motivations as a scientist .
Early 1920s – famine and flood struck people helped.
Prmomoted Khadi; established Bengal Enamel Works, National Tannery Works and Clacutta
Pottery works.
Bachelor throughout his life he retired as professor emeritus in 1936 aged 75. Died on 16th June
1944, aged 82.