India has been in the forefront of knowledge and wisdom in many fields. Many groundbreaking discoveries and creations made in India or by people of Indian origin in different parts of the globe have had a significant impact on mathematics, science, medicine, technology, and culture and contributed to make the world a better place to live in. Some such inventions and innovations from India that have had a lasting impact and changed the world we live in today include:
Zero
The concept of zero referred to as “shunya” originated in ancient India and had a profound impact on mathematics and the world around us. Indian mathematician Brahmagupta, was one of the first to formally treat zero as a number and discuss its mathematical properties in his work “Brahmasphutasiddhanta.” He described the rules for arithmetic operations involving zero and its role in equations. The concept of zero was transmitted from India to the Islamic world and then to Europe, where it revolutionized mathematics and made calculations easy. The concept of zero had a transformative impact on human civilization, enabling advancements in mathematics, science, technology, and even philosophy.
Decimal System
The decimal number system, including the use of place value and the decimal point, originated in India. This system was described in detail in the oldest known Indian mathematical text called the “Shatapatha Brahmana”. Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata, extensively discussed the decimal number system in his work “Aryabhatiya”. The decimal system played a crucial role by making calculations easy in science, and engineering, particularly in physics, astronomy, and navigation. Today, the decimal system is the global standard for most scientific, commercial, and everyday applications and facilitates communication and collaboration across borders.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda, often referred to as the “science of life,” is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. The word “Ayurveda” is derived from the Sanskrit words “ayur,” meaning life, and “veda,” meaning knowledge or science. Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit. The origins of Ayurveda can be traced back to the Vedas, particularly the Atharvaveda, which contains a collection of hymns and verses related to healing and medicinal plants. The guiding principles of Ayurveda are attributed to sage Charaka in Charaka Samhita. His contemporary Sage Sushruta the author of Sushruta Samhita one of the earliest known works on surgery is referred to as the “father of surgery” in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda teaches that everything in the universe, including the human body, is composed of five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space. Maintaining a balance of these elements is crucial for health. Ayurveda emphasizes preventive healthcare through lifestyle modifications, diet, and natural remedies. This preventive approach aligns with modern health recommendations to prevent diseases before they occur.
Yoga
The origin of Yoga can be traced back to ancient India and sacred Hindu texts particularly the Vedas. The word “yoga” itself comes from Sanskrit, meaning “union,” signifying the union of mind, body, and spirit. In today’s fast-paced world, yoga offers a powerful tool for managing stress. The combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation can significantly reduce anxiety and improve emotional well-being. Yoga’s adaptability and focus on overall well-being has led to its widespread popularity. People of all ages and abilities can find a yoga practice that suits their needs.
Chess
The origin of Chess can be traced back to an Indian game called chaturanga, which emerged around the 6th-7th century AD. Chaturanga involved four divisions of the army – infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots. From India, the game journeyed westward to Persia, where it evolved into shatranj. Arab traders then carried it throughout the Islamic world, reaching Europe by the 10th century. Over time, the rules and pieces of chess transformed in Europe. The powerful queen emerged, replacing the vizier of shatranj. By the 15th century, the game assumed its current recognizable form. Chess is more than just a game. It’s a demanding mental exercise that promotes strategic thinking, problem-solving, and critical analysis. It requires players to anticipate their opponent’s moves, plan ahead, and adapt to changing situations. Studies suggest that chess can enhance memory, concentration, and spatial reasoning skills. It can also improve decision-making abilities and creativity.
Steel
Steel, a versatile and vital alloy, has played a transformative role in human history. The production of steel in India has a long history, dating back to ancient times when the technology for smelting iron ore into iron was developed. India’s pioneering steelmaking techniques were later adopted by other civilizations. India played a significant role in the production of high-quality steel known as wootz steel. This crucible steel, developed in South India was famous for its strength and ability to hold a sharp edge. Wootz steel was exported worldwide and influenced the development of Damascus steel in the Middle East.
Buttons
The use of buttons for fastening clothes dates back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that buttons made of shell, metal, and stone were used. The use of buttons became more widespread during the Mughal era (16th to 18th centuries). The art of making buttons in India evolved over time, with craftsmen using a variety of materials and techniques to create intricate and beautiful designs. Buttons made of metal, ivory, and other materials were often embellished with enamel work, carving, and inlay work to enhance their beauty. During the colonial period, the demand for buttons in India increased significantly, leading to the establishment of button-making factories in various parts of the country. These factories produced buttons made of a variety of materials, including metal, bone, and plastic, which were exported to other parts of the world. Today, India remains a major producer of buttons, with a wide variety of buttons being manufactured in the country for both domestic and international markets. The Indian button industry continues to innovate to create buttons that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Shampoo
The origin of shampoo can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BCE) when traditional herbal formulations were used for hair care. Historically, people in India used various natural substances like herbs, plant extracts, and oils to cleanse and nourish their hair. These natural ingredients were mixed with water to create a lather, which was then massaged into the hair and scalp to remove dirt, oil, and other impurities. The word itself comes from the Hindi word “champi” meaning “massage” which evolved into “shampoo” and was adopted in the English language during the colonial era. India today is home to a wide range of shampoos, based on traditional herbal ingredients as well as soap based modern formulations catering to different hair types. The Indian hair care industry continues to innovate, with a focus on natural and herbal ingredients that are gentle yet effective on the hair and scalp.
Flush Toilets
The world’s first flush toilets were used during the Indus Valley Civilization (around 3300-1300 BCE) in India. Ancient Indian cities, such as Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, had advanced sanitation systems, including public baths and toilets. These early flush toilets were simple in design, typically consisting of a toilet bowl connected to a water supply that allowed flushing of waste. However, the credit for developing the modern flush toilet as we know it today goes to Sir John Harington, an English courtier and godson of Queen Elizabeth I. Harington designed a water closet that featured a flush mechanism using water from a cistern in 1596. Today, flush toilets are a standard feature in homes and buildings around the world, providing a hygienic and convenient way to dispose of human waste.
Precision measurement tools
The origin of precision measurement tools can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which had a well-developed system of weights and measures. Ancient Indians used various units based on the human body or natural phenomena like “dhana” (bow length), “yojana” (distance a person can travel in one day), and the “hastadanda” (cubit, forearm length).
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The Vedas and the Arthashastra mention standardized units of measurement, such as the hasta (hand span) and the angula (finger width). The Sthapatya Veda (science of architecture) prescribed precise measurements for the construction of temples and buildings. The Shulba Sutra, an ancient Indian text, describes geometric principles and the use of precise measurement tools for the construction of altars and buildings. During the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), standardized weights and measures were used for trade and taxation purposes. The Arthashastra, written by Chanakya (Kautilya) spells out the units of measurement for various commodities. The Gupta Empire (320–550 CE) is considered a golden age for Indian science and mathematics. Scholars like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta made significant advancements in mathematics and astronomy, which required precise measurement tools. During the medieval period, Islamic scholars further contributed to the development of measurement tools in India. Instruments like the astrolabe, used for astronomical observations and timekeeping, were introduced and refined in India. Today, India continues to be a hub for precision measurement tools such as digital calipers, micrometers, and laser measuring devices.
(To be continued)
