James Clerk Maxwell is the famous scientist credited with developing the concept of electromagnetic waves in the 19th century. His formulation of Maxwell's equations provided a comprehensive theory describing the behavior of electric and magnetic fields and their interactions. Maxwell's work laid the groundwork for many modern technologies, including radio, television, and wireless communication, by demonstrating that light is an electromagnetic wave. Maxwell’s contributions to physics fundamentally changed our understanding of electromagnetism, and he is often referred to as the father of electromagnetic theory, influencing generations of physicists and engineers.