Ch 5 india’s heritage of science and technology
Science means systematic knowledge and technology means the practical utility of
systematic knowledge.
The great sages of our ancient India have gifted invaluable heritage of science to the
world. They have contributed in the field of metallurgy, Chemistry, Science of
medicine, Surgery, Mathematics, Astronomy, Astrology, Vastushastra and Physics.
Metallurgy
Modern age researches have proved that India has scientific attitude along with
religious outlook. India use metallurgy in their practical life.
A metallic idol of a female dancer discovered from Indus Valley Civilization, statue of
Buddha belonging to the Kushan period, numerous metal idols of Chola period,
Statues of Nataraj, Rama, and other gods-godessess, birds and animals, and betel-nut
cutters are considered to be the best examples of metallic art.
Chemistry
Chemistry is an experimental science.
Acharya Nagaijuna, a learned Buddhist of Nalanda University, is known as an
Acharya in the field of chemistry.
He wrote books like ‘Rasaratnakar’ and ‘Arogyamanjari’.
He advocated the use of Alopathy along with herbal medicines. Use of mercury as
medicine was initiated by him.
The copper statues of Buddha reflect an expert knowledge and skill in the field of
chemistry.
The copper statue of Buddha discovered from sultangunj in Bhagalpur district of bihar
is 7 1/2 feet high and weighs one tonne.
The copper statue of Buddha at Nalanda is 18 feet high.
An exquisite example is of vijay stambha the 24 feet high iron pillar,which weighs 7
tonnes, built by ChandraguptaII.
Science of Medicine And Surgery:
• India attained an unprecedented achievement in the field of medicine and
surgery.
• Maharshi Charak, Maharshi Sushruta and Vagbhatta are the pioneered the
Indian medical science and surgery.
• Maharshi Charak has written a book ‘Charak Samhita’ in which he mentioned
over 2000 medicinal herbs.
• Maharshi Sushruta has mentioned instruments used in surgery.The instruments
were so sharp that they would spilt a single vertical hair in two divisions.
• Vagabhatta has written an important book ‘Vagbhatta Samhita’.
• All these books are very helpful for doctors. They could even stop blood
circulation with bowl-shaped bandage.
• They could skillfully operate on abdomen, kidney, cataract, hernia, stone, piles
and bladder, etc.
• They could classify, also join the broken or displaced bones and extract the
things pierced into the body easily and skilfully. Also they could gave dietary
directions after post-recovery of diseases.
• They had knowledge of plastic surgery as well joining nose and ears. They
teach surgery on the dead body or on the wax statue. They conducted risky
operation during delivery. They were expert gynaecologists and paediatricians.
• Vagbhatta made valuable contribution through his work Ashtang hriday in the
field of diagnosis
• Books on diseases related to Elephants ‘Hasti Ayurveda’, Horses
‘Ashwashastra’ are well known.
Mathematics:
• Many mathematical discoveries were considered to be made in India. For
example, discovery of zero, decimal systems, algebra, theorem of Boddhayan,
Geometry and Arithmetic.
• Aryabhatta discovered zero. The process of writing zero after figures was
discovered by Grutsamad.
• Decimal system for measuring and weighing instruments had been found from
the remains of ‘Harappa’ and ‘Mohanjodaro.
• Bhaskaracharya has written books like ‘Lilawati Ganit’ and ‘Bij Ganit’in
1150AD.
• He discovered signs of addition (+) and subtraction (-).
• brahmgupta introduced the types of equations.,Boddayan discovered therorm
(triangle policy).
• Apastambha had decided the measurement of sacrificial pits in Shulva Sutras.
• Astang method introduced by aryabhatta in his work hence Aryabhatta is
known as the father of Mathematics.
• Aryabhatta had written many other books like ‘Dash Gitika’ and
‘Aryabhattiyam’.
• The main principles of astronomy in his book ‘Aryasiddhanta’.
→ Many works related to Astronomy had been written in India.
Astronomy and Astrology
• Planets and their movements, constellations and other celestial objects were
used for calculations through which astrology and astronomy were developed
remarkably.
• Aryabhatta made a remarkable contribution in the field of astronomy.
• So the first indian satellite was named “Aryabhatta” on his name.
• He declared that the earth rotates on its own axis and he proved that the basic
reason for lunar eclipse is the shadow of the earth,which was addressed as ‘
Ajarbhar’ by the scholars.
• Brahmagupta popularised the laws of gravitation in his book ‘Brahmasiddhant’.
• Varahmihir was the great astrologer and astronomer who divided astrology into
three sections
i. e. Tantra, Hora and Samhita.
• ‘brihadsamhita’ gives information regarding effects of planets on man’s
future,his charcteristics,various classes of animals, the time of marriage,
ponds,wells, gardens and good omen for sowing.
Vastushastra
• Vastushastra of India is being recognized, dignified and praised by many
countries of the world.
• Vastushastra is described in ‘Brihat Samhita’. Brahma, Narad, Brahaspati,
Bhrugu, Vashistha, and Vishwakarma have made unique contribution in the
field of Vastushastra.
• They have propagated the principles of construction for dwellings, temple,
palace, ashwashala,forts,store-house of ammunition and the town planning.
• Rana Kumbha of Mewar revived this science in 15th century.
• Vishwakarma was the first architect of Gods. He divided the Vastushastra into
eight sections.
• various information of vastushastra like selection of place,
shapes,structure,proper planning of things, temple,brahmsthan,dining
room,bedroom etc.
• As time passes by changes are taking place regarding the principles and
understanding of Vastushastra
Indian culture is blending of science and religion, traditional ideals and practical
knowledge,
which is rarely seen in other countries of the world.
Important Terms
• Science: It means systematic knowledge.
• Technology: It means the application in our practical life.
• Peaceful co-existence: Any country either big or small, it sustains
independently without harming its independence is called peaceful co-
existance.
• Rasratnakar: Acharya Nagarjuna had written a book on chemistry, it is called
Rasratnakar.
• Vijay Stambh: 24 feet high from pillar weighing 7 tonnes built by
Chandragupta II at Delhi. It is the best example of chemistry of India. It is
called Vijay Stambh.
• Charak Samhita: The book written by Maharshi Charak in which he has
mentioned over 2000 medicines is called Charak Samhita.
• Sushruta Samhita: It is written by Maharshi Shushrut in which he mentioned
sharp instruments of surgery. It is called Sushrut Samhita.
• Shailya Chikitsa: The process of surgery is known as Shailya Chikitsa.
• Vishwakarma: He was the first architect of Gods. He divided Vastushastra into
eight sections.
