Why this matters now
C.V. Raman is the most-tested Indian scientist for UPSC — the Raman Effect, 1930 Nobel (first Asian science Nobel), National Science Day on 28 February (the date of the Raman Effect discovery), Bharat Ratna 1954, and his founding of the Raman Research Institute.
The Raman Effect (28 Feb 1928)
When monochromatic light passes through a transparent substance, a small fraction is scattered at changed (shifted) wavelengths — the shift carries information about the molecular vibrational states. Raman observed this in liquid benzene and other substances at IACS Kolkata, published the result on 28 February 1928 in Nature, and received the Nobel in 1930.
Applications today: Raman spectroscopy is used in chemistry (molecular identification), forensics, gemmology, semiconductor characterisation, and Mars-rover analysis (NASA Curiosity, ISRO Chandrayaan).
Career and institutions
Raman’s career arc: Presidency College Madras (BA 1904 with the highest marks), Indian Finance Department (1907-17, as Assistant Accountant General — Indian Statistical Service exam topper!), University of Calcutta & IACS Kolkata (1917-33, where he made his Nobel discovery), then Director Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (1933-48), and finally founded the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru (1948), which he ran till his death in 1970.
Honours and legacy
Knighted 1929; Nobel Prize 1930; Bharat Ratna 1954 (one of the first three recipients with S. Radhakrishnan and C. Rajagopalachari); Lenin Peace Prize 1957. National Science Day is observed on 28 February every year. Theme decided annually by the Ministry of Science & Technology.
UPSC angle
Know C.V. Raman — Raman Effect 28 Feb 1928 (IACS Kolkata, on liquid benzene), Nobel Prize Physics 1930 (FIRST Asian Nobel in sciences), Director IISc Bengaluru (1933-48), founded Raman Research Institute Bengaluru (1948), Bharat Ratna 1954 (with S. Radhakrishnan & C. Rajagopalachari); National Science Day 28 February.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Raman Effect?
The inelastic scattering of light by molecules — the scattered photons have shifted wavelengths revealing molecular vibrational states.
When is National Science Day?
28 February — the date C.V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect in 1928.
Was C.V. Raman the first Indian Nobel laureate?
He was the first ASIAN to win a Nobel in the sciences (1930). Rabindranath Tagore (Literature 1913) was the first Asian Nobel overall.
What is Raman’s most famous institution?
The Raman Research Institute (RRI) at Bengaluru, founded by him in 1948.