Some greatest Indian ancient scientists and mathematicians
Most of the principles and theories of science and maths originated from the Indian Vedas. All major concepts, such as Algebra, the idea of time, the structure of the universe, metallurgies, aviation science and many others, were first cited in the Vedas. The profound contributions of ancient Indian scientists and mathematicians to the world’s knowledge are undeniable. Actually, Science and Maths were highly developed in the ancient Indian era. India was home to many renowned scientists and mathematicians.
Lets learn about a few greats who shaped the world with innumerable discoveries that became the the foundation of many others.
1. Maharishi Sushruta:
Maharishi Sushruta is the author of the world’s earliest book on medicine and surgery. He is fondly regarded as the ‘Father of Indian Medicine’ and ‘Father of Plastic Surgery'. His influential treatise, ‘Sushruta Samhita’ or the compendium of Sushruta, is the main source of knowledge about surgeries in ancient India. The description of surgical procedures, anatomical knowledge and the creative approach to surgery, as described in Sushruta Samhita, holds even today. Skin grafting is one such example, used even today by surgeons worldwide to restore areas that have lost the upper protective layer of tissue due to injury, burns, infection or trauma. Skin grafting is also used to restore areas that have lost skin tissue due to surgical intervention. Rhinoplasty is another procedure that has its origin in ancient India. Sushruta also explained measures to deal with hair loss and unwanted hair removal. He gave steps for perfect healing and how to achieve normal skin pigmentation and the absence of swelling after surgical procedures. Sushruta was no doubt the greatest surgeon in ancient India.
2. Aryabhatta –
Aryabhatta was an astronomer, mathematician, Physicist and astrologer of the fifth century. He was the first to calculate the value of Pi as 3.1416. His greatest contribution was the invention of Zero. This discovery enabled him to find the exact distance between the earth and the moon. He also gave a scientific explanation of the solar and lunar eclipse.
3. Varahamihira:
Varahamihira was the first scientist to state that some force keeps objects stuck to the round earth, later termed the force of gravity. He was the first mathematician to discover Pascal’s triangle to calculate binomial coefficients.
4. Charak:
Charak is the ‘Father of ancient Indian Science of medicine’. In his book, ‘Charak Samhita’, he describes the medicinal qualities and functions of about 1,00,000 medicinal plants.
5. Baudhayana:
Baudhayana is the original mathematician behind the Pythagorean theorem. Pythagoras did not discover his theory, as is a common belief, but was actually given hundreds of years ago by the Indian sage and mathematician Baudhayana.
Apart from these, many other Indian scientists made significant contributions and landmark discoveries to the world in field of Science and Maths, such as:
Kanada:
Kanada, was a sage who formulated the theory of atoms 2500 years before John Dalton.
Nagarjuna:
Nagarjuna was one of the earliest proponents of metallurgy.
Sridhara Acharya:
