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The thirty-five chapters in the volume, contributed by eminent scholars, discuss in a simple, lucid manner the historical background of the establishment of science institutes that were established in pre-Independence India, and still exist, their functions and their present status. This volume is divided into six parts, each discussing Indian science institutes that specialize in a particular field. Part I is about the initial developments in the field of modern science in India and deals with umbrella institutions for the cultivation of science. In Part II, institutes related with agricultural and botanical sciences are discussed; and astronomical and meteorological sciences, and the institutes dedicated to these fields, are the topics of discussion in Part III. Part IV delves into the area of engineering sciences; while Part V discusses medical science institutes. Part VI focuses on the institutions for teaching basic science in colleges, universities and institutes of research. The volume is an exciting read not only for scholars and students in this field, but also for general readers interested in institutional history. About the Author Uma Das Gupta retired as Research Professor from the Social Science Division, Indian Statistical Institute. Professor Das Gupta has also taught at the Jadavpur University in Kolkata, and at the Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan. Apart from writing several books and chapters in edited volumes, she has served the United States Educational Foundation in India as regional director for eastern India, and has held the Fulbright Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Harvard University and Columbia University. D. P. Chattopadhyaya Padma Vibhushan, is Founder-Chairman of the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (1981-1990) and President-cum-Chairman of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla (1984-1991).