SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THROUGH AGES

Introduction
The progress of science and technology in India can be traced back to prehistoric times. From Stone Age cave paintings to sophisticated mathematical, astronomical, medical and metallurgical knowledge, India developed a rich scientific tradition that evolved continuously through ancient, early medieval and medieval periods. This cumulative knowledge laid strong foundations for later global scientific developments.

Progress in Mathematics

Geometry (Rekha Ganita)
• Planned cities of Harappan Civilization indicate advanced knowledge of geometry and measurement.
• Vedic Aryans used geometry to construct fire altars; details are found in Sulvasutras and Taittiriya Samhita.
• Baudhayana discovered the Pythagoras theorem in Baudhayana Sulvasutra.
• Apastamba provided proof of the Pythagoras theorem and explained acute, obtuse and right angles.
• Apastamba also approximated the square root of 2.
• Aryabhatta formulated the area of a triangle and gave an accurate value of Pi.
• Brahmagupta introduced the concept of the cyclical quadrilateral.

Arithmetic (Anka Ganita)
• Aryabhatta developed the concept of zero and the decimal number system.
• Numerals from 2 to 9 were systematized in India.
• Rule of three was first mentioned in Aryabhatiyam.
• Brahmagupta introduced negative numbers and described them as debts.
• Mahaviracharya’s Ganita Sara Sangraha explained the calculation of LCM.

Algebra (Bija Ganita)
• Aryabhatiyam explained arithmetic and geometric progressions.
• Bhaskara II developed the theory of surds and their operations.
• Partial symbolism was introduced in algebra.
• Bhaskaracharya’s Lilavati described the Chakravala method for solving algebraic equations.

Trigonometry
• Aryabhatta introduced sine (Jya) functions.
• Varahamihira refined sine tables.
• Nilakantha Somayaji’s Tantrasamgraha explained advanced trigonometric rules.

Progress in Astronomy

• Taittiriya Brahmana contains early references to the Sun, Moon, Nakshatras and seasons.
• Vedanga Jyotisha provided rules for calendar preparation.
• Romaka Siddhanta was composed by Srishena.
• Aryabhatta stated that the Earth is round and rotates on its axis.
• Aryabhatta correctly explained solar and lunar eclipses.
• Varahamihira authored Brihatsamhita and Panchasiddhantika.
• Brahmagupta stated that objects fall due to Earth’s attraction in Brahmasphutasiddhanta.
• Bhaskaracharya wrote Siddhanta Shiromani explaining planetary motion.

Progress in Medical Science

Prehistoric and Harappan Period
• Evidence of dentistry found at Mehrgarh.
• Trepanation (skull surgery) found at Kalibangan and Lothal.

Vedic Period
• Atharva Veda mentions diseases and their cures using herbs and rituals.
• Ayurveda emerged as a rational medical system.

Ayurvedic Scholars
• Atreya taught medicine at Takshashila.
• Agnivesha compiled teachings later edited by Charaka.
• Charaka Samhita describes digestion, immunity and use of medicinal plants.
• Tridosha theory – Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
• Sushruta Samhita focuses on surgery, obstetrics, rhinoplasty and cataract surgery.

Other Medical Texts
• Vagbhata – Astanga Sangraha.
• Dhanvantari Navanitakam – medicinal formulations.
• Sarangadhara Samhita – use of opium and urine examination.
• Unani system introduced from Greece.
• Nagarjuna developed Ras Chikitsa using metals.
• Hastyayurveda and Ashvasastra focused on veterinary science.

Progress in Physics and Chemistry (Rasayana Shastra)

Physics
• Panchamahabhuta theory classified matter into five elements.
• Paramanu concept introduced atomic theory.
• Kanada and Pakudha Katyayana proposed atomic constitution of matter.

Chemistry
• Knowledge of tanning, fermentation and dyeing during Vedic period.
• Nagarjuna developed alchemy and metallic salts.
• Rasaratnakara discussed preparation of chemicals.
• Varahamihira discussed groundwater indicators and earthquakes.

Medieval Contributions
• Mughals developed gunpowder technology.
• Ain-i-Akbari mentions perfumes; Noor Jahan discovered rose attar.

Progress in Shipbuilding and Navigation

• Yukti Kalpa Taru explained ship construction.
• Types of ships – Drigha (long) and Unnata (high hull).
• Important terms – anchor, sail, rudder, keel and compass.

Progress in Metallurgy

• Harappans mastered bronze and copper technology.
• Wootz steel famous for Damascus swords.
• Mehrauli Iron Pillar is rust-resistant.
• Sultanganj Buddha made using lost-wax technique.

 

---

PDF File:

No PDF attached

---

Subject: Art and Culture

← Back