S.D. Sinvhal
91 Vigyan Kunj, I.I.T. Roorkee, Uttaranchal 247667,
India
Abstract. An attempt is made to present a picture of pre-historic and initial formative years of the well known Uttar Pradesh State Observatory, Nainital. The development of academic activities along with infrastructure are described. The emphasis on the frontline research work, self-reliance and international interaction was given during the formative years of the observatory. The largest telescope 104-cm of the observatory was installed in 1972 and has produced good scientific results.
Keywords: Optical Astronomy; Historical perspective