Who was the first woman to be awarded a Doctor of Science by an Indian University (Calcutta) in 1944?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: Asima Chatterjee.
Explanation:
Dr. Asima Chatterjee became the first Indian woman to be awarded the degree of 'Doctor of Science' (D.Sc.) by an Indian university (the University of Calcutta) in 1944.
• Subject: She specialized in the field of Organic Chemistry.
• Pathbreaking Contributions: She performed revolutionary work in the field of medicinal plants. It was her research that made possible the development of 'Ayush-56' for the treatment of Epilepsy, as well as anti-malarial drugs.
• Other Historic Achievements:
o 1961: The first woman to receive the 'Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize' in the field of Chemistry.
o 1975: Elected as the first female President of the Indian Science Congress Association.
o Honors: The Government of India honored her with the 'Padma Bhushan,' and she was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
Details of Other Options (for Revision):
Name Major Achievement
Kamala Sohonie (Option 3) - The first Indian woman to earn a Ph.D. in Science (Biochemistry) (from the University of Cambridge).
Purnima Sinha (Option 2) - One of the early Indian women to obtain a doctorate in Physics.
Bibha Chowdhuri (Option 4) - A renowned physicist who conducted significant work on cosmic rays and Particle Physics.
'First Indian Women' (in Science) for Competitive Exams:
1. First Female Physician: Anandibai Joshi.
2. First Female Director General (ASI): Debala Mitra.
3. 'Missile Woman of India': Tessy Thomas.
4. First Woman to Reach Antarctica: Meher Moos (1976).
Important Question for Upcoming Exams:
Question: In which year did Asima Chatterjee receive the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize?
Answer: In 1961. Question: Who is known as the 'Missile Woman of India'?
Answer: Tessy Thomas.
Question: Who was India's first female doctor?
Answer: Anandibai Joshi.