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As India celebrates 76 years since its independence, we dive into the country’s scientific heritage which is a vibrant tapestry woven with ingenuity, wisdom, and a quest for truth. It serves as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.
From the ancient Indus Valley civilisation to the present day, Indian scientists, alchemists, and surgeons have made significant contributions to the world of science. Let's see some of the unique discoveries of Ancient India.
Town Planning: A Farsighted Scientific Approach
Have you ever wondered about the science behind town planning? The Harappan civilisation (3300-1900 BCE) was one of the earliest and most sophisticated urban societies in the world.
Harappan towns were well-planned and laid out on a grid pattern, with wide streets and drainage systems intersecting at 90°. They were also skilled engineers and architects who built impressive structures such as public baths, granaries, and wells.
The Harappans used a variety of tools and techniques to plan their cities. They used surveying instruments to measure distances and angles. They also used a system of weights and measures to ensure uniformity in the streets and buildings thus giving way to urban planning.
Sushruta Samhita: The Medical Treasure
Another area where Indians have established their brilliance was in the field of Surgery. The Sushruta Samhita, a Sanskrit medical text compiled around 600 BCE, is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive treatises on surgery in the world.
At its heart lies a treasure trove of over a thousand surgical procedures, ranging from delicate cataract removal and wound stitching to trephination (a surgical intervention in which a hole is drilled or scraped into the human skull).
Sushruta, the legendary physician, dissected the human body with precision and understanding that was centuries ahead of its time.
His meticulous observations and insights into anatomy, techniques, and instruments formed the bedrock of surgical practice, carving a path for generations of healers to follow. The Sushruta Samhita remains an enduring legacy, a testament to the enduring pursuit of healing and the brilliance of ancient Indian medical science.
Konark Wheel: A cornerstone in SciArt
A Konark wheel, another cornerstone of Indian science, is a large ornately carved wheel that is a part of the Sun Temple of Konark in Odisha, India. The temple was built in the 13th century, and it is dedicated to the Sun god Surya. The wheels are said to represent the chariot that Surya rides across the sky.
The 12 pairs of wheels on the temple, each about 10 feet in diameter are carved with intricate designs, including animals, plants, and geometric patterns. They are also well-balanced so that they can be spun with just a finger.
The Konark wheels are a marvel of engineering. They are made of granite, which is a very strong and durable rock. Moreover, they are perfectly round, which is a feat of engineering in itself.
The wheels are aligned in such a way that they cast shadows on the temple walls at different times of the day. Thus, function as sundials too which tells the story of the Surya’s journey across the sky.
The Konark wheels manifest the belief of people in nature and the immense scientific vigour that went into its creation. Being the pinnacle of ancient knowledge, they are a valuable reminder of the rich history and culture of India.
Indian Alchemy - A History of Science, Magic, and Mystery
The Rasaratna Samuchaya, a Sanskrit text compiled around 1000 CE, is a collection of alchemical recipes and treatises. Indian alchemy ventured beyond mere metallurgy, delving into intricate processes of distillation, sublimation, and precipitation.
These pursuits went hand in hand with an exploration of consciousness and the cosmos, symbolising a holistic understanding of our existence. This enigmatic discipline not only kindled the curiosity of seekers but also laid a foundation for the scientific exploration that continues to shape our world today. Indian alchemy beckons us to a captivating juncture where science and spirituality intertwine in an eternal dance of transformation and enlightenment.
These vignettes merely scratch the surface of India's trove of scientific and artistic feats. Ancestral India's contributions – in medicine, surgery, city planning, alchemy, and astronomy – not only continue to inspire and astonish us but also have moulded the modern course of scientific discoveries.
References
Danino, M. (2010). The science of Harappan town planning. South Asian Studies, 26(1), 1-20.
Kumar, Kapil. "Sushruta: The Father of Indian Surgery." Ancient Science of Life 25.2 (2005): 7-20.
Das, S. (2018, February 14). Magnificent mystery. Times of India. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/magnificent-mystery/articleshow/45891110.cms
Hoernle, A.F.R. "Studies in Indian Alchemy." The Indian Antiquary 30 (1901): 205-216.