Science and Mathematics were highly developed during the ancient
period in India. Ancient Indians contributed immensely to the knowledge in
Mathematics as well as various branches of Science.
In Mathematics:-
You will be surprised to know that many theories of modern day
mathematics were actually known to ancient Indians. Baudhayan was the first one
ever to arrive at several concepts in Mathematics, which were later
rediscovered by the western world. The value of pi was first
calculated by him. As you know, pi is useful in calculating the
area and circumference of a circle. Aryabhatta was a fifth century
mathematician, astronomer, astrologer and physicist. He
was a pioneer in the field of mathematics. At the age of 23, he
wrote Aryabhattiya, which is a summary of mathematics of his
time. Aryabhatta showed that zero was not a numeral only but also a symbol and
a concept. Discovery of zero enabled Aryabhatta to find out the exact distance
between the earth and the moon. The discovery of zero also opened up a new
dimension of negative numerals.
In
Science:-
Kanad was a sixth century scientist of Vaisheshika School.
His atomic theory can be a match to any modern atomic theory. According to
Kanad, material universe is made up of kanas, (anu/atom) which
cannot be seen through any human organ. These cannot be further subdivided. Varahamihira
was another well known scientist of the ancient period in India. He lived in the
Gupta period. Varahamihira made great contributions in the fields of hydrology,
geology and ecology. He was one of the first scientists to claim that termites
and plants could be the indicators of the presence of underground water. scientific
knowledge was in a highly advanced stage in ancient India. In keeping with the
times, Medical Science was also highly developed.
In
Ayurveda:-
Ayurveda is
the indigenous system of medicine that was developed in Ancient India. The word
Ayurveda literally means the science of good health and longevity of
life. This ancient Indian system of medicine not only helps in treatment of
diseases but also in finding the causes and symptoms of diseases. It is a guide
for the healthy as well as the sick. It defines health as an
equilibrium in three doshas, and diseases as disturbance in
these three doshas. While treating a disease with the help of herbal medicines,
it aims at removing the cause of disease by striking at the roots. The main aim
of ayurveda has been health and longevity. It is the oldest medical system of
our planet. A treatise on Ayurveda, Atreya Samhita, is the oldest
medical book of the world. Charak is called the father of ayurvedic medicine
and Susruta the father of surgery. Susruta, Charak, Madhava, Vagbhatta and
Jeevak were noted ayurvedic practitioners. Do you know that Ayurveda has lately
become very popular in the western world? This is because of its many
advantages over the modern system of medicine called Allopathy, which is
of western origin.
In
Yoga:-
The science of Yoga was developed in ancient India as an
allied science of Ayurveda for
healing without medicine at the physical and mental level. The
term Yoga has been derived from the Sanskrit work Yoktra.
Its literal meaning is “yoking the mind to the inner self after detaching it
from the outer subjects of senses”. Like all other sciences, it has its roots
in the Vedas. It defines chitta i.e. dissolving thoughts, emotions and
desires of a person’s consciousness and achieving a state of equilibrium. It sets
in to motion the force that purifies and uplifts the consciousness to divine
realization. Yoga is physical as well as mental. Physical yoga is called
Hathyoga. Generally, it aims at removing a disease and restoring healthy
condition to the body. Rajayoga is mental yoga. Its goal is self realization and
liberation from bondage by achieving physical mental, emotional and spiritual
balance.
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