In-Depth Notes on Psychology in India

Psychology as an independent scientific discipline emerged from philosophy.
Key philosophers: Aristotle, Plato, Descartes.
Early thoughts on the connections between the human mind and body, leading to further studies in psychology.

First psychological laboratory established by Wilhelm Wundt in Leipzig, Germany in 1879, marking a new era in psychology.
Formal beginnings in India:
- 1905: First psychological laboratory opened at Calcutta University by Sir Brajendranath Seal.
- 1985: Formal department of psychology established.

Indian thought systems rooted in diverse philosophies:
- Sankhya, Yoga, Vedanta, Mimamsa, Niyaya, Buddhism, Jainism, Sufism.
Ancient texts reflecting psychological concepts:
- Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita, Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ramayana, and Arthashastra.
Emphasis on cognitive and affective processes related to mind and human behavior.

Psychology understood as:
- Study of the transcendental individual (jina).
- Individual surrounded by consciousness.
- Transpersonal nature of life (jivan).

1924: Patna University established its psychological department.
1946: Establishment of a psychology department in Mysore.
1947: Launch of the journal "Samiksha" by the Indian Psychological Society.
1955: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) established in Bengaluru.
1962: Mental hospital established in Ranchi for treatment of mental disorders; Indian Academy of Applied Psychology (IAAP) founded.
1972: The first survey of psychology research in India published.
1982: Conversion of CDRDO's psychological research wing to a department for defense psychology.
1991: NCERT publishes the first handbook of mental measurement.
1999: Government announced a national policy for older persons.
2002: Establishment of a center for cognitive science at AV University.