The Indian civilisation, one of the world’s oldest, has a long history of science and technology. Ancient India was home to sages and seers, as well as intellectuals and scientists. According to research, India was actively contributing to the field of science and technology centuries before modern laboratories were established, from producing the greatest steel in the world to teaching the world how to count. Many of the ancient Indians’ thoughts and practises established and strengthened the foundations of contemporary science and technology. While some of these ground-breaking achievements have been recognised, many are still unknown to the majority of people.
Recognising the Scientific Superiority of Bharat
The Vedic period’s religious literature gives evidence for the usage of big numbers. Numbers as high as were contained in the writings by the time of the final Veda, the Yajurveda Samhita (1200-900 BCE). Similar to the Sulba Sutras, the Satapatha Brahmana (9th century BCE) offers instructions for ritual geometric creations.
Baudhayan was the first person to uncover various mathematical principles that were later rediscovered by the western world. He was the first to compute the value of pi. What is generally known as Pythagoras’ theorem can be found in Baudhayan’s Sulva Sutra, which was published several years before Pythagoras’ time.
The earliest Indian astronomical text, Vednga Jyotia, attributed to Lagadha, is considered one of the oldest astronomical texts, dating from 1400-1200 BCE (with the extant form possibly dating from 700-600 BCE), and it details several astronomical attributes commonly used for timing social and religious events.
It also describes astronomical computations, calendrical investigations, and empirical observation norms. Because the Vednga Jyotia is a religious literature, it includes linkages with hindu astrology and covers various significant elements of time and seasons, including lunar months, solar months, and their adjustment by the Adhikamsa lunar leap month.
Maharishi Kanad’s Atomic Theory
Maharishi Kanad was a Hindu philosopher and the originator of the Vaisheshika school of thought. He is most renowned for his natural philosophy book, the Vaisheshika Sutras, which covers issues like atomic theory, the nature of the cosmos, and the notion of causality. Many other schools of Indian philosophy, notably Nyaya and Yoga, have been impacted by his intellectual concepts. He is regarded as one of the most influential personalities in Indian philosophy. Many see him as an old Indian scientist, given his theories touch on many topics covered by current science. He was without a doubt one of the finest philosophers not just in India, but also in the globe.
Maharishi Kanad is most known for his philosophical atomic theory, which is detailed in his natural philosophy masterwork, the Vaisheshika Sutras. All matter, according to this idea, is made up of small indivisible components called atoms that are eternal and indestructible. These atoms mix in a variety of ways to generate the things and substances we see around us. The kind and amount of atoms that make up an item or substance, as well as their organisation, define its qualities.
One of the first documented examples of atomic thinking in ancient Indian philosophy is Maharishi Kanad’s thesis. He wrote the Vaisheshika Sutras, a classic book of Indian philosophy that also investigates the nature of the cosmos and the fundamental principles of existence. The work is divided into 10 chapters, or Adhyayas, that address a variety of issues such as the nature of atoms, the idea of causality, and the qualities of matter. The Vaisheshika Sutras are well-known for their methodical and logical approach to these subjects, and their impact may be observed in many other schools of Indian philosophy. Many philosophical academics have examined and commented on the work, and it remains a valuable source of information about ancient Indian philosophical philosophy. The Vaisheshika Sutras is one of the six classical Indian philosophical texts known as the Vedangas, and is considered one of the most important works in the field of Indian philosophy.
Conclusion
We are so intrigued by the West that, in addition to not knowing Sanskrit, we are unaware that our forefathers proposed scientific, astronomical, mathematical, and other theories centuries before Western scientists and intellectuals. Many of the notions were transferred to other coasts by Greek travellers or Arab traders, contributing significantly to the European Renaissance from the 15th century onwards. Sanskrit, being the language of communication and writing in the past, is essential for us to master if we are to grasp our forefathers’ views, which still remain true now. This list is by no means complete, but I think it gives us a peek of the brilliant minds that helped shape Bharat into a land of knowledge.
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