The Riveting Rosies

Janaki Ammal: A Trailblazing Botanist’s Journey from India to International Recognition

In the heart of the 20th century, amidst a patriarchal society and prevailing gender norms, Edavaleth Kakkat Janaki Ammal emerged as a pioneering botanist whose life’s work left an indelible mark on the fields of botany and environmental activism. Born on November 4, 1897, Janaki Ammal’s journey from India to international recognition is a testament to her resilience, intellect, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Early Life and Education:

Janaki Ammal was born into a large blended family with nineteen siblings to parents Devi Kuruvayi and Judge Diwan Bahadur Edavalath Kakkat Krishnan. Breaking away from the traditional path of arranged marriages, Janaki pursued her education with determination. She attended Sacred Heart Convent in Thalassery for primary school and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Queen Mary’s College in Madras at a time when the literacy rate among women in India was less than 1%.

Academic Achievements and International Recognition:

Janaki’s academic journey reached new heights when she earned an honors degree in botany from Presidency College in Madras. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to the University of Michigan, where she obtained her master’s degree in botany in 1926, becoming the first woman to earn a PhD in the US in botany. Mistaken for an Indian princess during customs, Janaki’s entry into the United States was marked by an amusing yet indicative incident of the era.

Contributions to Botany and Environmental Activism:

Returning to India, Janaki worked as a professor of botany at what is now University College in Trivandrum. Her quest for knowledge and collaboration took her to the John Innes Institute in London, where she worked with English botanist CD Darlington during World War II. In her botanical adventures, Janaki also played a crucial role in developing a high-yielding strain of sugarcane, boosting India’s economic capabilities.

International Recognition and Later Years:

From the Royal Horticultural Society to leading roles in India’s botanical institutions, Janaki’s contributions were immense. She reorganized the Botanical Survey of India and served as the first director of the Central Botanical Laboratory. Her work extended to environmental activism, notably with the Save Silent Valley campaign, successfully preventing the construction of a hydroelectric dam and preserving Silent Valley as a national park in 1984.

Awards and Legacy:

Janaki Ammal’s brilliance was recognized through numerous awards, including being elected a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Indian National Science Academy. She received the Padma Shri in 1977, the fourth highest civilian award in India. Janaki’s influence extended beyond her lifetime, with plant species, scholarships, and awards named in her honor, highlighting her lasting impact on the field of botany.

Conclusion:

Edavaleth Kakkat Janaki Ammal’s life journey reflects not only her dedication to botanical research but also her resilience in overcoming societal barriers. Her legacy serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists, particularly women, as they navigate the often challenging landscapes of academia and environmental advocacy. Janaki Ammal’s contributions have left an enduring imprint on the world of botany and stand as a testament to the power of passion, intellect, and unwavering commitment to one’s chosen path.

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Ragnhild Tregagås:

In medieval Norwegian history lies a fascinating yet overlooked story—the trial of Ragnhild Tregagås, the first and only witch to be tried in 1324-1325, a shocking 250 years before the infamous witch-hunt era. Ragnhild’s tale unveils a complex web of power dynamics, religious shifts, and the suppression of women that would set a precedent for the Christianization of Norway’s legal system.

The Shift from Pagan to Christian Practices:

To comprehend Ragnhild’s plight, we must journey back to the 13th century, where Christian European nations and missionaries began influencing the Viking nations of Scandinavia. The once-pagan practices gave way to Christian beliefs, leading to a transformation in societal values and the intertwining of local law with church doctrine.

A Woman Ahead of Her Time:

Ragnhild, a mysterious figure likely born in the late 13th century, resided in Bergen, now Norway’s second-largest city. Married and allegedly involved in an affair with her cousin Bard, she found herself at the center of a scandal that would change her life forever.

The Curse and its Consequences:

At Bard’s wedding, Ragnhild, fueled by jealousy and rage, unleashed a powerful curse upon the newlyweds, foretelling a short, unhappy, and childless marriage. Her utilization of Norse mythology, invoking the spirits of Gandul, added a mystical element to her actions. The couple, indeed, faced the predicted consequences—no children and a subsequent divorce.

Ragnhild’s Downfall:

Bravely boasting about her alleged witchcraft skills in an eastern village of Bergen, Ragnhild unwittingly drew the attention of local gossips, leading to her arrest. Accused of performing magical rituals, demonism, heresy, adultery, and incest, Ragnhild faced a trial that reflected the changing landscape of Norwegian law.

The Trial and Sentencing:

With accusations supported by supposed reliable witnesses and a coerced confession, Ragnhild faced the Bergen clergy and Bishop Audfinn. Despite her confession to adultery and incest, her witchcraft-related charges seemed more a product of patriarchal pressure. Interestingly, her higher birth status may have spared her from the death penalty. Instead, she was sentenced to a strict regimen of fasting and later a 7-year tour of Christian holy sites, after which historical records fall silent.

Legacy and Reflection:

Ragnhild’s trial, though occurring centuries before the infamous witch hunts, set a precedent for the alignment of Christian beliefs in sentencing and legislation. It marked a shift from the Pagan practices of older Norway to the dominance of Christian doctrine in the legal system. Regardless of the truth behind the charges, Ragnhild’s story reflects the fragility of the male ego within the Catholic Church, seeking to suppress influential women like her.

Conclusion:

Ragnhild Tregagås stands as a symbol of resistance against the growing influence of Christian patriarchy in medieval Norway. Her tale, though obscured by the passage of time, highlights the enduring struggle for gender equality and the consequences faced by those who dared to challenge the norms of their time. As we delve into history, may we remember Ragnhild’s story and acknowledge the strength of those who stood tall against the patriarchal forces of their era.

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