The debate on the achievements of ancient India in science and technology continues unabated. There have been assertions, some seemingly outlandish, and counter-assertions. For instance, Union minister of science and technology, Dr Harsh Vardhan’s statement that the Pythagoras theorem and algebra were ancient India’s contribution was pooh-poohed as stretching the facts. Is it really so? Or, is their something in the contentions? We bring you the contribution of the ancient Indians – the ones acknowledged and beyond reproach. Take a peek!
1. The age of the earth
An early metrical work of Hinduism, Manusmriti, calculates the age of the earth as described in two verses where the age of earth is made in reference to the life span of Brahma. (Brahma is revered as the god of creation in Hinduism).
Professor Arthur Holmes, a geologist and a professor at the University of Durham writes in his book, The Age of Earth (1913), “Long before it became a scientific aspiration to estimate the age of the earth, many elaborate systems of the world chronology had been devised by the sages of antiquity. The most remarkable of these occult time-scales is that of the ancient Hindus, whose astonishing concept of the earth’s duration has been traced back to Manusmriti, a sacred book.“
In the 5th century, the ancients Indians had stated that the earth was 4.3 billion years as compared to the Europeans who believed that our planet was about 100 million years old. But modern science has calculated the age of the earth to be about 4.6 billion years, incredibly close to the 4.3 predicted by the ancients almost 15 centuries earlier.
Today, scientists across the world believe that the solar system and the earth is about 4.54 billion years, deciphered by the radiometric reading.
Image source:t-leafd.com
2. Concept of relativity
Alan Watts, a professor, graduate school dean and research fellow of Harvard University, drew heavily on the insights of Vedanta. He said, "To the philosophers of India, however, Relativity is no new discovery, just as the concept of light years is no matter for astonishment to people used to thinking of time in millions of kalpas - A kalpa is about 4,320,000 years.”
Image source:Lifehack.org
3. Trigonometry and optics
Varāhamihira, an astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer, of the 5th century defined the concepts of refraction and reflection. He also defined the algebraic properties of zero as well as of negative numbers. A L Basham, an Australian Indologist, writes in his book, The Wonder That was India, "The world owes most to India in the realm of mathematics, which was developed in the Gupta period to a stage more advanced than that reached by any other nation of antiquity.”
Even though many intellectuals and great scientists realized that India is the mother of knowledge to this world , India remains humble and silent with great wisdom. Let us all stand as symbol of greatness of our mother India and prove by our behaviour, wisdom and spiritual knowledge the greatness of India.
But that still beat and kill their females
are you sure? i thought indians were busy bathing in cow pisz.
Those indian savages and rapists know how to rape women.
Intelligence doesnt come to the brain all of a sudden. If you are smart now, it also means that your ancestors 1000 years ago had some piece of that smartness. If you think yoga is great, think about the folks who arrived at that art a few thousand years back. Whether you foul mouth them or give them credit, is entirely upto you....however, no matter what you do wouldnt alter their wisdom.
Very nice article. I am also looking at the educated comments completing the list. Thanks.
They forgot rape
I am surprised first time any positive thing is posted for India, otherwise it is shown as rapist country or communal country , anti muslim or anti christian etc or so many things. What happend guys. really surprised. But just want to add that it is only because of humble hindus. Though the population of hindus is decreasing in india because of force conversion to muslim, christianity and sikhs.
That is exactly what I had in my mind as well. Finally something positive about India. Not that there are no negatives but there are tons of good stuff which has to come out yet.
No biggy ...especially if they are claiming to have "Invented" evilution....LMAO....Of course, they also were the first to go to the moon, 1st to create gold from lead, and the first t invent the internet, I Pods, and television....Right?
They also invented the use of curry in every food they eat...
Fellow Earthians, it was indeed a sad part that religious hatred, negligence, and invasions resulted in diminishing the great contributions of this land. History is WHAT is told and written, what about things that were vernacular languages? Example is Yoga, breathing techniques, 'desire for peace and Nirvana'. No written documentation existed for Yoga and breathing techniques.
Five elements that made the entire universe: space (or "ether"), air, fire, water and earth. I have a great respect for other civilizations and their contribution. But, JUST credit should be given to those, who actually invented or contributed to the modern world that we see today.
Let's not forget all major religions also originated in India, along with dance, music, and the development of interesting foods. Abraham, another name for God Ram or Brahma, originated in India. Baptism is a symbolic dipping in the Ganges. I think you must know that!
All Major religions? Christianity, Islam, Judaism Zoroastrianism did not originate in India.
Thoughtful compilation of contribution of ancient India to the world.Great effort & research.Very much appreciated.
Well- at last, something positive is posted on India and Hindus! usually, it all negative about India. I might add another thing- Only in India the Muslims are living a secular lifestyle and being more progressive- due to the Hindu influence. I hope the Chriostian missionaries read this and leave the Hinduis alone, instead of converting them into intolerant Christians.
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What does this have to do with this article?
Seems plausible to me.
Vimana
Achievements of ancient India
i. this article forgot to include ayurveda, the most succinct form of natural medicine,
ii. contribution to surgery - even modern surgical instruments use the instrument created by doctor of surgery Sushruta Samhita in 800BC.
iii.formal documentation of sanskrit grammar being the foundation of modern computer languages (look up BNF)
iv. schrodinger reading up on the vedas and the gita for quantum physics, also most physicsts deriving their concepts from the same to assertly apply their thoughts and theories
v. can't forget yoga, the most natural form of mind, body and soul to achieve ultimate convergence and acceptance with the universe. most people only apply the body part since the rest seems too mumbo jumbo which can be a challenge due to lack of intellect or appreciation or acceptance of the how we are connected
vi. last but not the least - maya (nothing to do with mayan), but the duality of reality/consciousness/illusion. stephan hawkin is now suddenly saying everything is an illusions as if he found it..
Pre-classification is the root of synergy.
Sorry, Yoga is stupid and useless. Better to leave it off the list along with gurus and swamis, also stupid and useless.
Aryans in the north of India created a great empire.
You propagating the Aryan myth?
To be so clever and educated in the 5th century ,their country (or at least parts of it has stagnated there).Its a lovely place populated by and large with very nice people ,but it has a long way to go until it has dragged itself from the 3rd world
Let us not forget that it was the British that made it a third world nation by destroying it so as to make it "the crown jewel" of their empire!
@eric, no it wasnt british alone, but it were those invading arabs since 2000 yrs. Then the Portuguese and the french.
India has numerous problems due to population, but the country is still a miracle- despite all the problems, still maintains a democracy! Still progressing!