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Notable Inventions

Groundbreaking innovations by GD Naidu

Contents

Electric Motor (1920)

Naidu's first major invention was an electric motor that could operate on both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) power supplies. This dual-capability motor was revolutionary for its time and demonstrated Naidu's deep understanding of electrical principles despite his lack of formal education.

The motor found immediate applications in small industries and agricultural pumps, reducing dependence on imported motors. Naidu established a manufacturing unit for these motors in Coimbatore, which became the foundation for India's indigenous electrical equipment industry.

Indigenous Motor Vehicle (1937)

In 1937, Naidu created India's first fully indigenous motor vehicle. The car featured several innovative designs:

  • Dual-fuel engine capable of running on both petrol and kerosene
  • Locally manufactured chassis and body
  • Custom-designed transmission system
  • Improved suspension for Indian road conditions

The vehicle was demonstrated at the Madras Automobile Exhibition in 1937, where it received widespread acclaim. Despite interest from industrialists, Naidu did not commercialize the vehicle on a large scale, focusing instead on other inventions.

Rasant Electric Razor (1940)

The Rasant electric razor was one of Naidu's consumer-oriented inventions. Powered by dry cells, it was designed to be affordable and maintenance-free. The razor featured:

Feature Description Advantage
Power Source Two dry cell batteries Portable, no electrical outlet needed
Blade System Rotary cutting head Smooth operation, less irritation
Manufacturing Locally produced parts Easy repair and maintenance
Price ₹25 (approx. 1940) Affordable compared to imports

Film Projector (1945)

Naidu's film projector was designed specifically for Indian cinema conditions. It featured improved cooling systems to handle India's tropical climate and used standardized parts that were easily replaceable. The projector was adopted by several cinema halls across South India.

Bus Ticket Machine (1950)

This mechanical device revolutionized public transport ticketing in India. The machine would dispense pre-numbered tickets when the conductor turned a handle, eliminating calculation errors and reducing fraud.

Other Inventions

Naidu's other inventions include:

  • Indigenous electric motor designs
  • Low-cost camera prototype
  • Improved wet grinder mechanism
  • Mechanical ticket issuing machine for buses
  • Experimental petrol-kerosene dual fuel engine

Major Inventions of G. D. Naidu

Electric Motor
1920

Indigenous Electric Motor

In 1920, G.D. Naidu developed India's first indigenous electric motor, capable of operating on both AC and DC power.

India's First Indigenous Motor Vehicle
1937

India's First Indigenous Motor Vehicle

In 1937, G.D. Naidu created India's first fully indigenous motor vehicle.

Rasant Electric Razor
1940

Rasant Electric Razor

G.D. Naidu invented the Rasant Electric Razor in 1940, a compact shaving device powered by dry cells.

Electric Motors and Industrial Machines

One of Naidu’s major contributions was the development and improvement of electric motors suitable for Indian conditions. He worked on designs that were robust, efficient, and easier to maintain, helping industries in and around Coimbatore to adopt electric power more effectively. His work contributed to the growth of mills, workshops, and small industries that relied on reliable motors and machinery.

Indigenous Car Project

Naidu is widely remembered for his efforts to build an indigenous car in India at a time when almost all automobiles were imported. He worked on designing and fabricating parts locally, experimenting with materials and engine configurations that Indian workshops could produce. Although his car did not go into mass production, the project was a significant early attempt at building a fully Indian-made vehicle and inspired later automotive efforts in the country.

Transport and Bus Services

Understanding the need for reliable public transport, Naidu entered the transport sector and helped establish organised bus services in the Coimbatore region. His buses were known for being well-maintained and punctual. He introduced systematic maintenance practices and emphasised safety, which improved the quality of public transport and set a standard for others to follow.

Precision Instruments and Devices

Naidu was also interested in creating precision instruments and practical devices for everyday use. Over his lifetime, he is said to have worked on or influenced designs for a variety of items, including measuring instruments, household gadgets, and industrial tools. His approach was always the same: make technology simpler, more affordable, and better suited to local needs.