STUDY OF APPLICATION OF LAWS

AND PRINCIPLE OF PHYSICS IN

INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY

A project report
Submitted to the Department of Physics, St. Xavier’s College,
Maitighar, in the partial fulfillment for the requirement of NEB +2
science in physics

By
Shishir Bogati
Class: XII
Section: E
Roll No: 283
 RECOMMENDATION

It is to certify that Mr. Shishir Bogati has successfully carried out the project entitled “STUDY
OF APPLICATION OF LAWS AND PRINCIPLE OF PHYSICS IN INDIGENOUS
TECHNOLOGY ” under my guidance and supervision.

I recommend this project for the +2 degree of NEB.

………………………….
Advisor
Mrs. Mithu Mishra
Department of physics
St. Xavier’s College
Maitighar, Kathmandu, Nepal

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful
completion of this study on the "Application of Laws and Principles of Physics in Indigenous
Technology." This endeavor would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and
encouragement of numerous individuals.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my supervisor Mithu Mishra, whose
expertise and valuable insights greatly enriched the content of this study. Your guidance and
mentorship have been instrumental in shaping the direction of my research.
I am indebted to the department of Physics who generously shared their knowledge and
experiences. I also want to acknowledge St. Xavier’s College for providing the necessary
resources and facilities that facilitated the smooth progress of this research. The academic
environment and research infrastructure played a crucial role in the successful completion of this
study.
I extend my gratitude to friend Dipendra Chand for his wavering support and understanding
throughout this journey. Their encouragement and motivation were a constant source of
inspiration.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

RECOMMENDATION i
ACKNOWLEGEMENT ii
INTRODUCTION Page no.1 to 2
OBJECTIVES Page no.3
METHODOLOGY Page no.4
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Page no.5 to 10
CONCLUSION Page no.11
FUTURE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT Page no.12
REFERENCES Page no.13

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 INTRODUCTION
The exploration of the applications of laws and principles of physics in indigenous technology
represents a compelling journey at the intersection of science and culture. Physics, as a
discipline, provides a framework for understanding the fundamental principles that govern the
behavior of matter and energy. This study delves into the intricate connection between these
physics principles and the innovative, culturally rooted technological practices found within
indigenous communities.

The profound integration of fundamental physics concepts with indigenous technologies is the
focus of this study. It seeks to uncover the seamless amalgamation of physics principles with
traditional knowledge systems deeply embedded in various cultures. The exploration
encompasses three key branches of physics—thermal physics, electricity, and mechanics—each
playing a pivotal role in shaping indigenous technologies.

Thermal Physics in Indigenous Practices: This study places particular emphasis on the
application of thermal physics, a branch that examines the study of heat and its effects on matter.
Indigenous technologies often capitalize on thermal physics in the development of heating and
cooling systems. Drawing inspiration from traditional practices, these technologies optimize
energy transfer and storage, contributing to their efficiency and sustainability.

Electricity in Indigenous Technology: Electricity, a fundamental aspect of modern physics,

emerges as a crucial element in the study of indigenous technology. The application of electrical
principles extends across various domains, including lighting, communication, and power
generation. Indigenous communities showcase a rich tapestry of inventive solutions, harnessing
electricity from natural sources like water or wind, showcasing an astute utilization of electrical
concepts deeply ingrained in their technological practices.
Mechanics in Traditional Methods: The branch of physics dealing with the motion of objects and
the forces acting upon them, mechanics, is explored as another cornerstone in the study.
Traditional methods of transportation, agricultural practices, and construction techniques within
indigenous communities are deeply rooted in mechanics. The nuanced understanding of forces,
equilibrium, and motion displayed by these communities contributes to the development of
sustainable and contextually relevant technologies.

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In essence, this study is a journey into the heart of scientific and cultural intersection. It
recognizes the inherent wisdom embedded in traditional practices and endeavors to bridge it with
contemporary physics principles. The overarching goal is to foster innovation, sustainability, and
the preservation of cultural heritage. As we navigate this exploration, the study unveils a
symbiotic relationship between ancient wisdom and modern science, pointing towards a
harmonious coexistence of tradition and progress.

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 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this report are:

1. Exploration of Thermal Physics practices in Local communities:

Investigating traditional methods of heating and cooling within indigenous technologies.

Application of thermal physics principles to understand the mechanisms behind energy transfer
and storage in these systems.

2. Examination of practices relating to Electricity in Local communities:

Analyzing the application of electrical principles in indigenous technology, focusing on lighting,

communication, and power generation.

3. Investigating Mechanics in Traditional Practices:

Studying the integration of mechanical principles in traditional methods of agriculture, and
construction within indigenous communities.

Studying the understanding of forces, equilibrium, and motion displayed by local comm.

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 METHODOLOGY
A qualitative approach was employed in this study to deeply explore the applications of laws and
principles of physics in indigenous technology within the cultural context of the Mohona village
in Kailali. The study focused on adults who continue to uphold the cultural values of their
ancestors, providing valuable insights into the integration of physics concepts into their
traditional practices.

1. Sampling

The study subjects comprised adults from the village in Kailali who actively retained and
practiced cultural values passed down from their ancestors.

Purposeful sampling was used to ensure participants possessed a rich understanding of

indigenous technologies and their historical and cultural significance.

2. Data Collection

In-depth Interviews: Conducted one-on-one in-depth interviews with selected participants to

gather detailed information about their knowledge and experiences related to indigenous
technologies.

Observations:
Engaged in participant observations within the community to observe firsthand the application
of physics principles in daily practices.

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 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
During the course of the interviews, indigenous knowledge was discussed that could be related to
thermal physics, mechanics, and electricity concepts and phenomena. In the sections that follow,
applications and respondents’ explanations of these concepts will be presented and compared
with conventional physics explanations.

Thermal Physics
In this section, we present the indigenous knowledge related to Thermal Physics and its
properties, including thermal conductivity, insulation, thermal equilibrium, evaporation, and
condensation, as observed in the adult population of the Kailali district.

Thermal Conductivity

During individual interviews, it was observed that clay is a commonly used building
material, which is crafted into various items such as pots, storage containers, and platters.
The use of clay in traditional house construction is particularly noteworthy, where sticks are
left unplastered in the kitchen area. Respondents explained that clay plastering is done to
maintain warmth in winter and prevent excessive heat in summer. The unplastered kitchen
area allows smoke to escape, and the clay acts as an insulator, blocking the entry of both
heat and cold into the house. This practical understanding of thermal physics principles is
significant, as it highlights the importance of using natural materials like clay in
construction for better insulation and ventilation.

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 Figure 1. Clay pot and unplastered Kitchen house in a village of Kailali district

In subsequent group interviews, participants were asked about the rationale behind using
clay to plaster houses. Responses emphasized the distinctions between the inside and
outside of a plastered traditional house. Clay was described as a protective layer that
prevents the entry of hotness in summer and coldness in winter. Participants expressed that
the comfort provided by a clay-plastered house is tangible and can be felt, showcasing their
experiential awareness of the insulating properties of clay.

Figure 2. House made out of Clay

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Condensation and Evaporation: In a humid environment respondents demonstrated
familiarity with condensation phenomena, particularly in the comparison of traditional
thatch-roofed houses with contemporary zinc-sheeted roofs. They noted that traditional
houses, with open spaces allowing for air circulation, "breathe" and remain comfortable,
whereas closed houses, especially those covered with zinc, tend to "sweat" and become
uncomfortable. The respondents associated the sweating with a lack of ventilation,
showcasing a practical understanding of the impact of condensation on living conditions.

Electricity

In this segment, we present indigenous knowledge pertaining to Electricity among respondents

who predominantly reside in homes without access to electricity. Their experiences largely
revolve around lightning, given Kailali's high frequency of lightning strikes. The association of
lightning with supernatural forces, owing to its frightening and destructive effects, is a traditional
belief in this context.

A respondent shared insights into predicting heavy rain by observing specific signs, such as
gadkyo denoting an abrupt weather change accompanied by cold temperatures, dark clouds,
intense winds, lightning, thunder, and occasionally hailstones. Another interview expanded on
this, expressing fear of chattyang characterized by intense lightning and thunder, emphasizing
the powerful nature of these natural phenomena.

Concerning lightning, respondents described it as a phenomenon involving clouds, thunder, and

lightning, associating thunder with the collision of clouds. The concept that lightning contains a
'stone' charged with fire was recurrent in interviews, with respondents expressing the need to dig
up and remove the stone to prevent further lightning strikes.

Safety measures around lightning were discussed in group interviews, emphasizing the danger of
being in the water, riding a bicycle, or using silver-colored objects during a storm. Respondents
believed that these elements attract lightning, urging caution and avoidance. While practical
knowledge of the risks associated with water during electrical storms was evident, there was a
misconception that water attracts lightning rather than serving as a conducting path.

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Additionally, respondents shared beliefs in supernatural influences on lightning, with some
suggesting that witches could manipulate lightning to harm individuals. The distinction between
natural and guided lightning, influenced by human or supernatural forces, was a recurring theme.
Certain respondents believed in healers who could neutralize or remove the "stone" of lightning
for protection against its potential harm.

In summary, the respondents' indigenous knowledge surrounding electricity centers on their

experiences with lightning, shaped by cultural beliefs, practical observations, and a blend of
scientific and supernatural explanations.

Mechanics

In the interviews conducted in the village of Mohona, valuable indigenous knowledge related to
mechanics, encompassing force, addition of forces, levers, pressure, surface tension, and the
conversion of elastic potential energy to gravitational potential energy or kinetic energy, as well
as impulse, was discovered.

Applied Forces: The people of Mohona exhibit distinctive practices in applying forces. For
instance, men traditionally pull barrels with a rope over their shoulders, while women tie the
rope around their waists. The practical reasons cited by women, such as having their hands free
for balance and strength and protecting their breasts, align with physics principles, allowing them
to exert a smaller force for the same work.

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 Figure 3. A man (right) and a woman (left) pulling a load

Superposition of Forces: In the fishing activities of Kailali, a traditional fish trap is employed.
The understanding that two hands exert more force than one demonstrates practical knowledge
of the superposition of forces.

Figure 4. Traditional fish trap used by villagers in Mohona

Knowledge of Levers: Similarly, the people of Kailali exhibit practical knowledge of levers in
agricultural practices, preferring long-handled hoes for stiff clay soil and shorter hoes for soft
sand.

Pressure and Surface Tension: Respondents in Kailali display practical knowledge of pressure
dynamics during the fermentation of local beverages. To prevent container explosions, they keep
containers open or use leaves to create holes on the liquid's surface, allowing it to "breathe" and
avoid explosive reactions.

Energy Transformations and Impulse: When it comes to hunting techniques, the community
of Mohana village showcases their practical understanding of energy transformations through the
use of traps and arc bows. Although hunting is prohibited throughout Kailali, those living in rural
areas may still partake in the activity. The construction of traps using flexible sticks and ropes,
coupled with their grasp on the relationship between the strength of the arc bow and the
flexibility of the rope, reveals their knowledge of converting elastic potential energy to
gravitational potential energy or kinetic energy. It's also worth noting their understanding of
impulse, as animals may use their strength to break free from the trap's tree or rope

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 Figure 5. Animal traps used by villagers

Overall, the indigenous knowledge demonstrated by Kailali's people showcases the integration
of traditional practices with fundamental mechanical concepts in a seamless manner.

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 CONCLUSION
The exploration of indigenous knowledge in the village of Mohona, located in Kailali district,
has revealed a profound connection between traditional practices and essential concepts within
the domains of Electricity and Mechanics. The experiences shared by respondents in the realm of
Electricity, including lightning, storms, and their associated dangers, offer a rich reservoir of
practical knowledge that is deeply intertwined with their daily lives. Additionally, their
perceptions of supernatural forces influencing lightning, coupled with safety measures discussed
in group interviews, provide insights into the community's collective understanding of the natural
phenomena surrounding them.

Similarly, the indigenous knowledge displayed by the people of Kailali in the context of
Mechanics, especially in hunting techniques, demonstrates a harmonious blend of tradition and
mechanical principles. The use of traps and arc bows, along with the strategic application of
flexible materials, showcases a practical grasp of energy transformations. Furthermore, the
interplay between forces, such as the strength of arc bows and the flexibility of ropes,
emphasizes a nuanced comprehension of mechanical concepts.

In both Electricity and Mechanics, the respondents in Kailali showcase a holistic integration of
indigenous knowledge into their daily activities. The adaptation of traditional practices aligns
seamlessly with fundamental principles, highlighting the community's resourcefulness and
ingenuity. These findings not only contribute to the documentation of indigenous wisdom, but
also underscore the importance of recognizing and preserving these valuable insights for future
generations in Kailali district. The study emphasizes the significance of bridging the gap between
traditional knowledge and modern understanding to foster a holistic approach to education and
community development in the region.

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 FUTURE SCOPES OF THE PROJECT

Indigenous knowledge is at risk of being lost in our country due to modernization and
urbanization. It is important to find ways to preserve it for both cultural and practical reasons
since it is often well-suited to addressing local needs using available resources. If indigenous
knowledge can be incorporated into school science curricula, it can also provide familiar
contexts within which to learn scientific concepts, as well as help the younger generation to
recognize its value.

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REFERENCES

Journals:
[1] Opportunities of incorporating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS)
in the Physics curriculum M Sithole – Alternation journal, 2016
Books:
[2] Hugh D . Young, Roger A. Freedman, University Physics with modern
physics,15th Edition
[3] Prof.Harihar Paudyal,Manoj k.Thapa, Principles of Physics , Grade XII ,2080
edition
Report
[4] An Exploration of Indigenous Knowledge Related to Physics Concepts Held by
Senior Citizens in Chókwé, Mozambique , Diane Grayson and Inocente Vasco
Mutimucuio

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