The Department of Physics was established in the year 1933 by Prof. Sir C.V. Raman. It soon evolved into an advanced centre for research with outstanding work in optics and spectroscopy.
Several illustrious names of Indian Science such as Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, R.S.Krishnan, G.N.Ramachandran and S.Ramaseshan have been associated with this department.
The department has continued this tradition of excellence and has now become an internationally recognised centre for research in condensed matter physics and physics of biomolecules. The department also co-ordinates an interinstitutional programme in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Many of the faculty members have received national and international recognition and several occupy high positions in national scientific institutions.