Dr. Panchanan Maheshwari

Dr. Panchanan Maheshwari was an eminent botanist who specialised in plant embryology, morphology, anatomy, plant physiology, and biochemistry. He was a leading plant biologist who established the technique of test-tube fertilization of angiosperms. Another landmark discovery made by Dr. Maheshwari was the production of haploids using anther culture. This discovery initiated a new era in plant biology and formed the path for developing many improved crop varieties.

Dr. Maheshwari was born in Jaipur and educated at Ewing Christian College in Allahabad, where he initially intended to pursue a career in medicine. At Ewing, Maheshwari came under the mentorship of Winfield Dudgeon, and changed his course from medicine to science. In addition to his research achievements, Dr. Maheshwari was an educator and publisher. He taught Botany at the University of Delhi, establishing the department as a globally important center of research in embryology and tissue culture.

Dr. Maheshwari’s book, ‘An Introduction to the Embryology of Angiosperms’, published in 1950, is considered a classic and is one of the most quoted biology texts. He established the International Society of Plant Morphologists in 1951. His research group investigated over 100 families of angiosperms and some gymnosperms in the country. He is also the author of the book ‘An Illustrated Flora of Delhi’—considered an excellent field-guide for everyone. Dr. Maheshwari founded the scientific journal Phytomorphology, for which he served as chief editor until his death, and the more popular magazine Botanica. He also published texts to improve the standard of teaching of life sciences in schools. NCERT’s first biology textbook was brought out in 1964 under his leadership.

Dr Maheshwari was also a member of the Science Advisory Committee to the Cabinet and had great contributions in leading scientific organisations in the country. He was honoured with fellowships of the Royal Society of London(FRS), Indian National Science Academy, and several others.He passed away in 1966 but remains one of the founding giants of Indian plant Embryology.