Vineeta Rao
Auckland, March 30, 2025
This is the story of a pioneering female botanist who contributed hugely to cytogenetics and ethnobotany.
A friend of mine who saw my last story on Anna Mani, the pioneering meteorologist, recommended that I should write about E K Janaki Ammal, whose works and significant contributions to Botany have not been widely acknowledged.
I am happy to file this story since her story is fascinating and yet unknown to many of us.
Born in Thalassery, Kerala, India, on November 4 1897, Edavalath Kakkat Janaki Ammal was a pioneering botanist whose contributions to plant science and conservation have left an indelible mark on the field. Her work in cytogenetics, plant breeding, and ethnobotany, along with her advocacy for environmental preservation, has earned her a place among the most respected scientists of her time. And yet, few in India know of her.
Early Life and Education
Janaki Ammal was born into a large family, the tenth of 19 siblings. Her father, Diwan Bahadur Edavalath Kakkat Krishnan, was a judge with a passion for gardening. His interest likely influenced her early interest in the natural sciences.
Despite societal expectations for women to marry and forgo higher education, Janaki chose a different path. She completed her primary education at Sacred Heart Convent in Thalassery and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Queen Mary’s College in Madras (now Chennai). She furthered her studies at Presidency College, Madras, where she obtained an Honours Degree in Botany.
In 1924, Janaki Ammal received the prestigious Barbour Scholarship to study at the University of Michigan, USA. She earned her Master’s degree in Botany in 1926 and returned to the University of Michigan as an Oriental Barbour Fellow to complete her PhD in 1931.
Her Doctoral thesis focused on chromosome studies in Nicandra Physalodes.
Extraordinary Contributions
Janaki Ammal’s scientific career was marked by significant contributions to cytogenetics and plant breeding. She worked at the Sugarcane Breeding Institute in Coimbatore, India, where she developed several hybrid varieties of sugarcane, including the notable variety SG 63-32.
Her work in this area helped improve the yield and quality of sugarcane, which was crucial for India’s agricultural economy.
In addition to her work on sugarcane, Janaki Ammal collaborated with C D Darlington at the John Innes Institute in London. Together, they published in 1945 the ‘Chromosome Atlas of Cultivated Plants,’ a seminal work that provided valuable insights into the cytogenetics of various cultivated plants.
Her research extended to other crops such as eggplant (brinjal), where she made significant contributions to understanding their genetic makeup.
Conservation Efforts
Janaki Ammal’s passion for plants extended beyond the laboratory. She was deeply committed to the conservation of India’s rich biodiversity. In the 1970s, she played a pivotal role in the movement to save the Silent Valley, a pristine tropical rainforest in Kerala, from being submerged by a hydroelectric project.
Her efforts, along with those of other environmentalists, led to the establishment of the Silent Valley National Park, preserving a critical habitat for numerous endangered species.
Her advocacy for environmental conservation was not limited to Silent Valley.
Janaki Ammal was a vocal proponent of indigenous knowledge and the use of native plants for medicinal and economic purposes. She emphasised the importance of preserving traditional botanical knowledge and integrating it with modern scientific practices.
Recognition and Legacy
Janaki Ammal’s contributions to science and conservation were widely recognised during her lifetime. In 1977, she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours, for her outstanding work in botany.
Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, particularly women in STEM fields. In her later years, Janaki Ammal continued to be an active advocate for environmental preservation and the importance of botanical research.
She passed away on February 7, 1984, leaving behind a rich legacy of scientific achievements and a lasting impact on the conservation of India’s natural heritage.
Janaki Ammal’s pioneering research in cytogenetics and plant breeding, coupled with her unwavering commitment to conservation, have made her a pivotal figure in the field of botany. As we continue to face global environmental challenges, Janaki Ammal’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural world and the invaluable contributions of women in science.
Editor’s Note: Many South Asian heroes and heroines who have made legendary contributions to the world of science are in danger of being forgotten. If you are aware of any South Asian trailblazer you would like us to feature, please drop us a line and let us know. Let us keep their legacies alive and encourage more children to emulate them.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
