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Chapter 58: Bharatiya Institute of Science's Part:1
Vijayanagara Empire.
What was happening in Lanka was unknown to Vijay. It would take a few days for Vijay to receive his report from the Secret Service. In the royal palace, Vijay called for Vinod.
"What can I do for you, Your Highness?" Vinod inquired.
Vijay explained, "Issue a notice to gather all the best craftsmen, scholars, and doctors in the Empire for me."
Vijay's next goal was to establish the Academy of Sciences in the Vijayanagara Empire. He wanted to improve the country's basic industrial foundation. Some might suggest he could simply purchase all the necessary machines and technologies from Western countries, as technology was not highly valued in this era. However, Vijay had a different perspective. Several factors stopped his procurement of technology from the Western world. Firstly, Bharat was geographically distant from Europe, making the cost of procurement astronomical.
Another reason was that no one would be willing to sell the latest technology to Bharat. Whether it was the British, Dutch, Portuguese, or Spanish, these countries coveted Bharat's wealth. These nations were the only powers capable of conducting continental trade and warfare during this era.
Hence, Vijay chose to build the technological foundation of Vijayanagara from the ground up. Though it would take time, he possessed knowledge from future generations, which could accelerate the process. Moreover, local development of technology could nurture a group of scientific talents.
In Hampi City:
The notice spread throughout the empire that the king was recruiting personnel again.
"Hey, did you hear? The emperor is recruiting craftsmen again."
"Come on, let's go. Last time we missed the chance, but at least we can try to serve His Highness this time."
Similar conversations were taking place throughout the empire among various professions. Within a few days, the best craftsmen, scholars, and doctors were brought to the royal palace by Vijay's subordinates.
Inside the palace hall, a crowd of people gathered, conversing in hushed tones.
"Hey, Raghu, you're here too. How's your business been lately?"
"Oh, Prajwal, it's you! I didn't think you would also be selected. I guess it's pretty obvious, considering the quality of your metalwork. My business has been quite profitable recently."
"After the units and measurements were standardized, it became much easier to train apprentices. My workshop is now being managed by my son back at home. I came here to try my luck and see if I can be of any use to His Highness."
"Tap, tap, tap, tap."
Everyone spontaneously fell silent as strong, rhythmic footsteps echoed through the hallways.
"Long live Your Highness, long live Vijayanagara, long live, long live!" they chanted as Vijay, The emperor of the Vijayanagara empire, wearing a golden robe, entered the hall. They collectively knelt on the ground and greeted the monarch.
"Please, get up," Vijay stated after accepting their greetings.
Once everyone had risen, he continued to explain the reason for summoning them.
"Gentlemen, I have brought you all here to assign you a task and a job that will lay the foundation for the future of our country."
Seeing the excited expressions on the craftsmen's faces after hearing his opening remark, he continued with confidence.
"The new institution I am about to establish will be called the Bharathiya Institute for Sciences."
Vijay continued, paying no heed to the confused expressions on the faces of those present.
"This institute will have two divisions: the Bharatiya Institute of Military Science and the Bharatiya Institute of Civilian Science. The Military Sciences Division will be solely responsible for developing new weapons for the Empire's defence department. Members selected for this department will work in a highly confidential environment, and their families will be relocated to secure and controlled areas."
"But worry not," he added, "the compensation for researchers in this department will be very high. The positions for this department cannot be applied for directly. However, based on your performance in the civilian department, if you are deemed capable and trustworthy, you may be appointed to the Bharat Military Sciences Department."
Vijay continued, laying out his plans for the future.
"Bhartiya Civilian Sciences are responsible for researching new technologies that can be applied in our day-to-day lives," Vijay explained. "The Bharatiya Civil Sciences Department will contain multiple branches. First, let me introduce the Metallurgical Branch, headed by Hey Ram. HeyRam is the Factory Director of Raya Metal Works. He has earned his place through engineering, designing, and developing the blast furnace in our country, which makes him capable of leading the Metallurgy Department."
Vijay introduced Hey Ram, who came to the stage, greeted by envious eyes and later a loud applause from everyone. HeyRam was popular in the craftsmen circles in the empire, known for his rags-to-riches story.
"Now, this department will focus on studying how new materials can be developed and how the manufacturing process of existing materials can be improved," Vijay continued.
"If you are a blacksmith, then this department would be suitable for you, as most of the current work is focused on the production of iron. However, there are a few objectives for this department that need to be fulfilled in the near future. The first task for this department is to study more efficient ways to produce iron in the blast furnace. The second objective is to research a stronger iron-making process and improve the manufacturing process." Vijay explained.
To Be Continued...