Achievements of Ancient India in different fields of knowledge and enlightenment

Achievements of Ancient India in different fields of knowledge and enlightenment

India pioneered many important scientific, medical, architectural and mathematical achievements that are still used today. Albert Einstein once quipped, “We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.”.

1.      One of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Indian civilization has a strong tradition of science and technology. Ancient India was a land of sages and seers as well as a land of scholars and scientists. Research has shown that from making the best steel in the world to teaching the world to count, India was actively contributing to the field of science and technology centuries long before modern laboratories were set up. 

2.      Many theories and techniques discovered by the ancient Indians have created and strengthened the fundamentals of modern science and technology. While some of these groundbreaking contributions have been acknowledged, some are still unknown to most.

Now we will discuss about 16 contributions, made by ancient Indians to the world of science and technology :-

1. The Idea of Zero:  Little needs to be written about the mathematical digit ‘zero’, one of the most important inventions of all time. Mathematician Aryabhata was the first person to create a symbol for zero and it was through his efforts that mathematical operations like addition and subtraction started using the digit, zero. The concept of zero and its integration into the place-value system also enabled one to write numbers, no matter how large, by using only ten symbols.
2. The Decimal System: India gave the ingenious method of expressing all numbers by means of ten symbols – the decimal system. In this system, each symbol received a value of position as well as an absolute value. Due to the simplicity of the decimal notation, which facilitated calculation, this system made the uses of arithmetic in practical inventions much faster and easier .
3. Numeral Notations: Indians, as early as 500 BCE, had devised a system of different symbols for every number from one to nine. This notation system was adopted by the Arabs who called it the hind numerals. Centuries later, this notation system was adopted by the western world who called them the Arabic numerals as it reached them through the Arab traders.
4. Fibbonacci Numbers: The Fibonacci numbers and their sequence first appear in Indian mathematics as mātrāmeru, mentioned by Pingala in connection with the Sanskrit tradition of prosody. Later on, the methods for the formation of these numbers were given by mathematicians Virahanka, Gopala and Hemacandra , much before the Italian mathematician Fibonacci introduced the fascinating sequence to Western European mathematics.
5. Binary Numbers: Binary numbers is the basic language in which computer programs are written. Binary basically refers to a set of two numbers, 1 and 0, the combinations of which are called bits and bytes. The binary number system was first described by the Vedic scholar Pingala, in his book Chandahśāstra, which is the earliest known Sanskrit treatise on prosody ( the study of poetic metres and verse).
6. Chakravala method of Algorithms: The chakravala method is a cyclic algorithm to solve indeterminate quadratic equations, including the Pell’s equation. This method for obtaining integer solutions was developed by Brahmagupta, one of the well known mathematicians of the 7^th century CE. Another mathematician, Jayadeva later generalized this method for a wider range of equations, which was further refined by Bhāskara II in his Bijaganita treatise. 
7. Ruler Measurements: Excavations at Harappans sites have yielded rulers or linear measures made from ivory and shell. Marked out in minute subdivisions with amazing accuracy, the calibrations correspond closely with the hasta increments of 1 3/8 inches, traditionally used in the ancient architecture of South India. Ancient bricks found at the excavation sites have dimensions that correspond to the units on these rulers.
8.  A Theory of Atom: One of the notable scientists of the ancient India was Kanad who is said to have devised the atomic theory centuries before John Dalton was born. He speculated the existence of anu or a small indestructible particles, much like an atom. He also stated that anu can have two states — absolute rest and a state of motion. He further held that atoms of same substance combined with each other in a specific and synchronized manner to produce dvyanuka (diatomic molecules) and tryanuka (triatomic molecules).
9. The Heliocentric Theory: Mathematicians of ancient India often applied their mathematical knowledge to make accurate astronomical predictions. The most significant among them was Aryabhatta whose book, Aryabhatiya, represented the pinnacle of astronomical knowledge at the time. He correctly propounded that the Earth is round, rotates on its own axis and revolves around the Sun i.e the heliocentric theory. He also made predictions about the solar and lunar eclipses, duration of the day as well as the distance between the Earth and the Moon.  
10. Wootz Steel: A pioneering steel alloy matrix developed in India, Wootz steel is a crucible steel characterized by a pattern of bands that was known in the ancient world by many different names such as Ukku, Hindwani and Seric Iron. This steel was used to make the famed Damascus swords of yore that could cleave a free-falling silk scarf or a block of wood with the same ease. Produced by the Tamils of the Chera Dynasty, the finest steel of the ancient world was made by heating black magnetite ore in the presence of carbon in a sealed clay crucible kept inside a charcoal furnace. .
11. Smelting of Zinc: India was the first to smelt zinc by the distillation process, an advanced technique derived from a long experience of ancient alchemy. The ancient Persians had also attempted to reduce zinc oxide in an open furnace but had failed. Zawar in the Tiri valley of Rajasthan is the world’s first known ancient zinc smelting site. The distillation technique of zinc production goes back to the 12th Century AD and is an important contribution of India to the world of science.
12. Seamless Metal Globe: Considered one of the most remarkable feats in metallurgy, the first seamless celestial globe was made in Kashmir by Ali Kashmiri ibn Luqman in the reign of the Emperor Akbar. In a major feat in metallurgy, Mughal metallurgists pioneered the method of lost-wax casting to make twenty other globe masterpieces in the reign of the Mughal Empire. Before these globes were rediscovered in the 1980s, modern metallurgists believed that it was technically impossible to produce metal globes without any seams, even with modern technology.  
13. Plastic Surgery: Written by Sushruta in 6th Century BC, Sushruta Samhita is considered to be one of the most comprehensive textbooks on ancient surgery. The text mentions various illnesses, plants, preparations and cures along with complex techniques of plastic surgery. The Sushruta Samhita ’s most well-known contribution to plastic surgery is the reconstruction of the nose, known also as rhinoplasty. 
14. Cataract Surgery: The first cataract surgery is said to have been performed by the ancient Indian physician Sushruta, way back in 6th century BCE. To remove the cataract from the eyes, he used a curved needle, Jabamukhi Salaka, to loosen the lens and push the cataract out of the field of vision. The eye would then be bandaged for a few days till it healed completely. Sushruta’s surgical works were later translated to Arabic language and  through the Arabs, his works were introduced to the West.
15. Ayurveda: Long before the birth of Hippocrates, Charaka authored a foundational text, Charakasamhita, on the ancient science of Ayurveda. Referred to as the Father of Indian Medicine, Charaka was was the first physician to present the concept of digestion, metabolism and immunity in his book. Charaka’s ancient manual on preventive medicine remained a standard work on the subject for two millennia and was translated into many foreign languages, including Arabic and Latin.
16.  Iron-Cased Rockets: The first iron-cased rockets were developed in the 1780s by Tipu Sultan of Mysore who successfully used these rockets against the larger forces of the British East India Company during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. He crafted long iron tubes, filled them with gunpowder and fastened them to bamboo poles to create the predecessor of the modern rocket. With a range of about 2 km, these rockets were the best in the world at that time and caused as much fear and confusion as damage. Due to them, the British suffered one of their worst ever defeats in India at the hands of Tipu.

Science, Medicine, Technology in Ancient India: Science and technology in ancient and medieval India covered all the major branches of human knowledge and activities, including mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, medical science and surgery, fine arts, mechanical and production technology, civil engineering and architecture, shipbuilding and navigation, sports and games

Ancient India was a land of sages, saints and seers as well as a land of scholars and scientists. Ancient India's contribution to science and technology include:

1. Mathematics - Vedic literature is replete with concepts of zero, the techniques of algebra and algorithm, square root and cube root. Arguably, the origins of Calculus lie in India 300 years before Leibnitz and Newton.

2. Astronomy - Rig Veda (2000 BC) refers to astronomy.

3. Physics - Concepts of atom and theory of relativity were explicitly stated by an Indian Philosopher around 600 BC.

4. Chemistry - Principles of chemistry did not remain abstract but also found expression in distillation of perfumes, aromatic liquids, manufacturing of dyes and pigments, and extraction of sugar.

5. Medical science & surgery - Around 800 BC, first compendium on medicine and surgery was complied in ancient India.

6. Fine Arts - Vedas were recited and recitation has to be correct, which gave rise to a finer study of sound and phonetics. The natural corollary were emergence of music and other forms of performing arts.

7. Mechanical & production technology - Greek historians have testified to smelting of certain metals in India in the 4th century BC.

8. Civil engineering & architecture - The discovery of urban settlements of Mohenjodaro and Harappa indicate existence of civil engineering & architecture, which blossomed to a highly precise science of civil engineering and architecture and found expression in innumerable monuments of ancient India.

9. Shipbuilding & navigation - Sanskrit and Pali texts have several references to maritime activity by ancient Indians.Sports & games - Ancient India is the birth place of chess, ludo, snakes and ladders and playing cards.

Indian Literature through the Ages

Ancient Indian Literature

Indian literature includes everything which is included in the word ‘literature’ in its broadest, sense: religious and mundane, epic and lyric, dramatic and didactic poetry, narrative and scientific prose, as well as oral poetry and song.

In ancient India we found a rich treasure of literature in which there are four Vedas,

        i.            The great epics (Mahakavya), the Ramayana (1500 BC) and the Mahabharata (1000 BC) are the, repositories of the ethnic memory of the Indian people.

      ii.            Valmiki, the poet of the Ramayana, is known as Adikavi (first among the poets), The word Purana means ‘that which renews the old’ and is almost always mentioned alongwith, The tallest figure in the sphere of epic poetry is Kalidasa (between A.D. 380-A.D. 415).

    iii.            He wrote two great epics, Kumarasambhava (the birth of Kumar), and Raghuvamsa (the dynasty of the Raghus), Abhigyanshakuntalam, Geetgovinda, Meghduta are also great writing of Kalidas, Panchtantra by Vishnu Sharma and Hitopadesha by Narayan Pundit, the great epic Buddhacharita by Aswaghosha (78 A.D.).

So the fact come in light that in the ancient India there is a rich literature.

Great Teachers in Ancient India:-

                                       

The true Guru only comes to those who are blessed by God, and who are ready to receive guidance with humility. Understand the rare gift it is to come into contact with such a pure Guru. Listen quietly and sincerely to the untainted words of such a genuine Guru and allow yourself to learn and absorb his teachings to you.

"Gurur brahma gurur Vishnu gururdevoMaheswarah

Guruh-saakshaatparambrahmatasmaishriguravenamah"

Many great teachers come on the land of India and enlightened the whole world with the light of their knowledge. Some of those great teachers are as follows-

1. Atri. 2. Gauthama. 3. Agastya. 4. Parashurama. 5. Vashishta. 6. Vishwamitra. 7. Vedavyasa. 8. Narada. 9. Markandeya. 10. Durvasa. 11. Dronacharya.

Conclusion:-

India definitely holds a remarkable position in context of its cultural heritage, value system and educational fields. The credit for this shall be given to the valuable contributors whose works have provided a strong base to our country. Our past surely plays a pivotal role in shaping our present and future and thus we cannot undermine its role. We definitely need to brood over our failures and identify our loopholes and mismanagement which are dampening our growth at present. The glory to our country lies in the way of integrating its past achievements to come out with some innovative ideas which will help in restoring our lost position. We are not criticising the present day system but we must identify the problem areas which are turning us away to prove our worth.