Bibha Chowdhuri was born in 1913 into a progressive family that valued education in Calcutta—a stark contrast to the societal norms of the time, where women were confined to narrowly defined roles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physics from Scottish Church College and her Master’s from Calcutta University.
Breaking Barriers
She was the only woman in her Master’s class and, upon completing her degree, became only the third woman to receive a postgraduate degree in physics from Calcutta University. From very early on, her academic brilliance stood out in a world dominated by men.
Research Beginnings and Cosmic Ray Work
In 1936, she began her research under Dr. Debendra Mohan Bose—an opportunity she was initially denied, as he believed his research was not ‘suitable for women’. Together, they pioneered the study of cosmic rays, conducting high-altitude experiments in the Himalayas using photographic plates.
Their experiments involved exposing photographic plates to cosmic rays for extended periods and analyzing the traces left behind. This led to the detection of an unknown particle. However, their plates were not advanced enough to determine the nature of the particle.
Overshadowed by War and Recognition Lost
Their work was stalled by the outbreak of World War II, which disrupted the supply of the specific photographic plates they relied on. After the war, British physicist Cecil Powell continued similar research with more sensitive equipment, eventually earning the Nobel Prize. Though Chowdhuri and Bose’s work was acknowledged in his publications, their contributions faded from mainstream recognition over time.
Overseas Research and Return to India
In 1945, Chowdhuri moved to the University of Manchester to work under Patrick M. S. Blackett, who would win the Nobel Prize in 1949. Her thesis on “Extensive Air Showers” was praised, and she was recommended for a position at the newly formed Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in India.
Pioneering in Indian Physics
At TIFR, she was its first woman faculty member and worked on cosmic rays with physicists like M.G.K. Menon. Later, she joined Vikram Sarabhai’s team at the Physical Research Laboratory, helping pioneer India’s underground Kolar Gold Fields experiments, yet her contributions were largely omitted from official records.
After retiring in 1971, Bibha continued to research at the Saha Institute in Kolkata until her death in 1991. Her final paper was published a year before she passed. In 2018, her story was revived in the biography A Jewel Unearthed, and a star was named after her, ensuring that Bibha Chowdhuri, the scientist India forgot, would shine forever.
Image Credits :
https://www.amazon.in/Jewel-Unearthed-Chowdhuri-Scientist-Geschichtswissenschaft/dp/3844061266.
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