Bibha Chowdhuri: The Unsung Pioneer of Indian Physics

Bibha Chowdhuri remains one of India’s most overlooked scientific trailblazers. A pioneer in cosmic ray research, she made foundational contributions to particle physics at a time when few women entered the field. A new biography now restores her legacy to the forefront of India’s scientific history.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Born in 1913 in Kolkata, Chowdhuri grew up in an intellectually nurturing environment. She completed her MSc in physics from Calcutta University in 1936 as the only woman in her class. Soon after, she joined the Bose Institute as a research assistant to Debendra Mohan Bose, publishing three papers in “Nature” based on their work with photographic emulsion techniques for cosmic ray detection.

Unrecognised Breakthroughs in Cosmic Ray Research

Her early experiments, alongside Bose, detected mesons years before C.F. Powell won the Nobel Prize for similar findings using the same method. Wartime shortages of sensitive plates hindered further progress, a twist of fate that possibly cost the duo global recognition. Powell, however, acknowledged their pioneering contributions to the field.

Career at TIFR, PRL and Later Research

Chowdhuri earned her PhD at the University of Manchester in 1945 under Nobel laureate P.M.S. Blackett. In 1949, Homi J. Bhabha selected her as the first woman researcher at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Later, at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, she worked on the Kolar Gold Mine experiments, a major effort in high-energy physics. After setbacks following institutional changes, she continued her research independently in Kolkata, collaborating with leading institutes and publishing actively until late in life.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Bibha Chowdhuri was the first woman researcher appointed at TIFR in 1949.
• She co-discovered mesons with D.M. Bose using emulsion techniques before Powell’s Nobel-winning work.
• Completed her PhD under P.M.S. Blackett at the University of Manchester in 1945.
• Worked on the Kolar Gold Mine experiments, India’s major high-energy physics project.

Legacy and Recognition Efforts

Despite her lifelong dedication, Chowdhuri never received national awards or major fellowships. Her absence from mainstream scientific histories highlights systemic gaps in recognising women scientists. A recent book by Rajinder Singh and Suprakash C. Roy now revives her story, ensuring her contributions receive the acknowledgment long overdue.