ANCIENT INDIAN SCIENCE

By: Christopher Jung, Jeremy Williams, & Lisa Inthapandith

HISTORY OF SCIENCE IN INDIA Important Time periods

1 Mehrgarh culture—Indus Valley Civilization (7000 BCE—1500 CE)

2 Vedic period (1500 BCE—400 BCE) 3 Post Maha Janapadas period (400 BCE—200 CE) 4 Early Common Era—High Middle Ages (200 CE—1200 CE) 5 Late Middle Ages—Early Modern Era (1200 CE—1757 CE) 6 Colonial British Era (1757 CE—1947 CE)

The History of Science in India starts with these studies:

Architecture Astronomy Cartography Logic Mathematics

Indian scholars made a significant contribution to the various fields of

science from the Indus valley civilization to the Republic of India.

MEHRGARH CULTURE—INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION (7000 BCE—1500 CE)

Early ancient forms of dentistry Curing tooth related disorders with drills. Modern reconstruction of this form of

dentistry shows that these methods wereeffective and reliable.

Irrigation was Developed in the Indus Valley Civilization around 4500 BCE

Eventually leading to more advanced drainage and sewage.

Ancient form of a drill

These pictures portray the Irrigation

process

VEDIC PERIOD (1500 BCE—400 BCE)

The World's First University was established in Takshila in 700BC.

Thousands of students from all over the world studied over 60 subjects.

The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BCE was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.

Ruins from the University of Nalanda

VEDIC PERIOD (1500 BCE—400 BCE)

The earliest Indian Astronomical text date back to 1200 BC. Called the Vendanga Jyotisa.

These astronomical discoveries generally applied to social and religious events.

The Vendanga Jyotisa details in: Astronomical Calculations Calendrical Studies Establishes rules for empirical observation Astrology

Ancient Calendar

Vendanga Jyotisa

POST MAHA JANAPADAS PERIOD (400 BCE—200 CE)

Construction of Dams and Bridges Early development of bridges were visible in the 4th century. Rock cut step wells were similar to dams that date from 200-400 CE.

The first Iron Pillar was made in India The development of glass ornaments were mastered by Indian

Artisans Indians were the first people to use diamonds as gemstones

Diamonds were later exported all around the world from India

Inventions and Discoveries

EARLY COMMON ERA—HIGH MIDDLE AGES (200 CE—1200 CE)

Single Roller Cotton Gin was invented in India known as a Charkhi and in technical terms “wooden-worm-worked

roller” In some parts of India this mechanical device was water powered

Medical Studies the earliest record of inoculation and smallpox was recorded in 8th

century India

EARLY COMMON ERA—HIGH MIDDLE AGES (200 CE—1200 CE)

Madhav Indian physician that wrote the Nidāna

79-chapter book listing diseases along with their causes, symptoms, and complications.

He included a special chapter on smallpox (masūrikā)

and described the method of inoculation to protect

against smallpox

THE NUMBER SYSTEM&

Though other cultures had a hand in developing the number system. Data and

information leading up to the system was compiled up in India. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta an Indian Mathematician in the late 5th

century. Aryabhatta also invented the trigonometric function of Sine and Versine.

Aryabhatta

The Arabic number system was invented by the

people of India and completed by the 9th century.

EARLY COMMON ERA (200CE–1200 CE)

Arabic Number System

LATE MIDDLE AGES—EARLY MODERN ERA (1200 CE—1757 CE)

Madhava of Sangamagrama The infinite series for π was first stated by him Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics

The Yuktibhasa, is considered the first Calculus textbook coming from this school of Kerala

Firearms or top-o-tufak These weapons were developing since 1366 CE but

became known during the later Middle Ages.

Ever since these types of weapons became a part of war, Gunpowder Warfare was dominate after this era.

Hunting with these guns

COLONIAL BRITISH ERA (1757 CE—1947 CE)

Early Volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica

Created by the Native people of India Postal System The Postal system in India became very

efficient Hyder Ali

Created rockets, using metal cylinders and combustion powder.

These rockets weren’t accurate for single fire attacks during warfare but were very effective for mass attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hyder AliEarly forms of Rockets

MAJOR INFLUENCES ON SCIENCE

India has contributed to many different subjects of science but the strongest influence that came

from this culture, was their mathematics. This culture has shaped and formed what math is today by

finalizing the Number System and creating new types of math like Trigonometry and Calculus.

2+3=5

50/10=510 - 5=55 x 1=5

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