The University of Calcutta (established 1857) is the first modern university in India and has always taken a premier role in Indian higher education through its teachers and alumni. The Physics Department, started in 1916, has been one of the flagship departments of the University, and can justifiably be called the vanguard of Indian physics. The Department started with the stalwarts like Raman, Saha, and Bose, and many others who have left an indelible imprint. During the initial decades, the teaching faculty would have made any top-level European university proud, and such an assembly was never repeated anywhere in India.

This book is a history of the initial two decades of the Department. It focusses not only on the luminaries but also on the lesser-known but equally important personnel, memories and legacies of some of whom are now buried under the sand of time. The teaching and research have also been discussed in detail. The book depends, as a primary source of reference, on the treasure trove of the Minutes of the decision-making bodies of the University, kept in great detail, something that has never been properly explored as yet.

Two of the authors (GG and AK) are teachers of the Department now, and have been interested in the rich history of the Department for a long time. RS is already known for his works on Indian science and scientists, and has many publications to his credit.