The Elusive Gravitational Waves: A GR Centenary Perspective

Abstract: 
The existence of Gravitational Waves (GW)  is an important prediction of general relativity that dates back to a century. The initial years witnessed many discussions about the physical existence of GW. The discovery of the binary pulsar 1913+16 was a watershed event consolidating theory and experiment. It launched detectors like LIGO and Virgo and led to tremendous progress in the understanding of the two body problem in general relativity.  Currently Advanced LIGO detectors are about to commence science operations and first detections are expected in the next few years. Going further towards GW Astronomy requires an optimal global network of GW detectors. LIGO-India has the opportunity  to play a critical role in this global network and the talk concludes with a summary of its status.