asyncmind on Nostr: What were historically significant Western discoveries and inventions which were ...
What were historically significant Western discoveries and inventions which were later proved to be of Indian origin?
#AskGPT #Indians #IndianHistory #BharatHistory #AngloColonialNarrative #ColonialNarrative
Several discoveries and inventions that were historically attributed to the Western world were later found to have Indian origins or significant contributions from Indian civilization. Here are some notable examples:
1. Mathematics
Decimal System and Zero: The concept of zero and the decimal system were developed in ancient India. Mathematician Aryabhata (476–550 CE) and Brahmagupta (598–668 CE) were among the pioneers. The system was later transmitted to Europe via Arabic scholars.
Trigonometry and Sine Functions: Indian mathematicians like Aryabhata and Bhaskara contributed to trigonometric concepts, including the sine function (called jya in Sanskrit).
2. Astronomy
Heliocentrism: Aryabhata proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis, an idea that predates Copernicus by over a thousand years.
Planetary Models: Indian astronomers like Varahamihira developed detailed planetary models that were later incorporated into Islamic and Western astronomy.
3. Medicine
Ayurveda: Ancient Indian texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita laid the foundation for medicine and surgery. The Sushruta Samhita, written around 600 BCE, described complex surgical procedures, including cataract surgery and plastic surgery, which influenced later medical practices.
Vaccination: Inoculation against smallpox was practiced in India long before Edward Jenner's discovery of the smallpox vaccine in the West.
4. Steel and Metallurgy
Wootz Steel: High-quality steel known as wootz was produced in India as early as the 6th century BCE. It was highly prized in Europe and the Middle East and formed the basis for the famed Damascus steel.
5. Textiles and Dyes
Cotton Spinning and Weaving: India was a leader in cotton production and textile manufacturing. The spinning wheel, critical to the textile industry, originated in India.
Indigo Dye: India was the primary producer of indigo dye, widely exported to Europe.
6. Philosophy and Logic
Foundations of Logic: Ancient Indian philosophers like Kanada, Gautama, and Patanjali contributed to logic and epistemology, influencing later philosophical traditions, including Greek and European thought.
7. Games
Chess: The game of chess originated in India, where it was known as Chaturanga. It evolved as it spread to Persia and then to Europe.
Snakes and Ladders: This game, originally called Moksha Patam, was created to teach moral lessons about virtues and vices.
8. Economic Concepts
Coinage and Banking: Ancient India had a sophisticated system of coinage, trade, and banking. Concepts like promissory notes and bills of exchange were in use, predating modern banking systems.
9. Architecture and Civil Engineering
Iron Pillar of Delhi: This 1,600-year-old iron pillar demonstrates advanced metallurgical skills, as it has remained rust-free despite centuries of exposure.
10. Yoga and Meditation
These practices, with profound psychological and physical benefits, originated in India and were later popularized in the West, especially in the 20th century.
Misattributions and Rediscoveries
Many of these ideas and technologies were overlooked in historical narratives due to colonial biases or lack of awareness. Over time, modern research has brought attention to India’s significant contributions to global knowledge and technology.
#AskGPT #Indians #IndianHistory #BharatHistory #AngloColonialNarrative #ColonialNarrative
Several discoveries and inventions that were historically attributed to the Western world were later found to have Indian origins or significant contributions from Indian civilization. Here are some notable examples:
1. Mathematics
Decimal System and Zero: The concept of zero and the decimal system were developed in ancient India. Mathematician Aryabhata (476–550 CE) and Brahmagupta (598–668 CE) were among the pioneers. The system was later transmitted to Europe via Arabic scholars.
Trigonometry and Sine Functions: Indian mathematicians like Aryabhata and Bhaskara contributed to trigonometric concepts, including the sine function (called jya in Sanskrit).
2. Astronomy
Heliocentrism: Aryabhata proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis, an idea that predates Copernicus by over a thousand years.
Planetary Models: Indian astronomers like Varahamihira developed detailed planetary models that were later incorporated into Islamic and Western astronomy.
3. Medicine
Ayurveda: Ancient Indian texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita laid the foundation for medicine and surgery. The Sushruta Samhita, written around 600 BCE, described complex surgical procedures, including cataract surgery and plastic surgery, which influenced later medical practices.
Vaccination: Inoculation against smallpox was practiced in India long before Edward Jenner's discovery of the smallpox vaccine in the West.
4. Steel and Metallurgy
Wootz Steel: High-quality steel known as wootz was produced in India as early as the 6th century BCE. It was highly prized in Europe and the Middle East and formed the basis for the famed Damascus steel.
5. Textiles and Dyes
Cotton Spinning and Weaving: India was a leader in cotton production and textile manufacturing. The spinning wheel, critical to the textile industry, originated in India.
Indigo Dye: India was the primary producer of indigo dye, widely exported to Europe.
6. Philosophy and Logic
Foundations of Logic: Ancient Indian philosophers like Kanada, Gautama, and Patanjali contributed to logic and epistemology, influencing later philosophical traditions, including Greek and European thought.
7. Games
Chess: The game of chess originated in India, where it was known as Chaturanga. It evolved as it spread to Persia and then to Europe.
Snakes and Ladders: This game, originally called Moksha Patam, was created to teach moral lessons about virtues and vices.
8. Economic Concepts
Coinage and Banking: Ancient India had a sophisticated system of coinage, trade, and banking. Concepts like promissory notes and bills of exchange were in use, predating modern banking systems.
9. Architecture and Civil Engineering
Iron Pillar of Delhi: This 1,600-year-old iron pillar demonstrates advanced metallurgical skills, as it has remained rust-free despite centuries of exposure.
10. Yoga and Meditation
These practices, with profound psychological and physical benefits, originated in India and were later popularized in the West, especially in the 20th century.
Misattributions and Rediscoveries
Many of these ideas and technologies were overlooked in historical narratives due to colonial biases or lack of awareness. Over time, modern research has brought attention to India’s significant contributions to global knowledge and technology.