Science and Technology in Ancient India – UPSC Notes – Art and Culture

In ancient India, people achieved great things in areas like art, buildings, literature, and philosophy. They also made important discoveries in sciences like astronomy, math, biology, and medicine. Read more about Science and Technology in Ancient India in our comprehensive article!

Lothal had the first dockyard where ships could stop for service. Indians were really good at making metal, as seen in the Delhi iron pillar, which is seven meters tall and never rusted. This shows how advanced their technology was.

Ancient India Achievements in Science and Technology

1. Art and Architecture: Notable accomplishments in artistic expressions and architectural marvels.
2. Literature and Philosophy: Significant contributions in the realms of literature and philosophical thoughts.
3. Natural and Pure Sciences: Flourishing advancements in astronomy, mathematics, biology, and medical sciences.

Technological Marvels:

1. Lothal Dockyard: The earliest-known dockyard for berthing and servicing ships.
2. Advanced Metallurgy: Showcased in the Mehrauli iron pillar of Delhi, standing at seven meters high and never rusting.

Contribution to Modern Science:

1. Foundations of Traditional Knowledge: Ancient practices rooted in scientific reasoning.
2. Diverse Technologies: Early development in stone-working, agriculture, animal husbandry, pottery, metallurgy, textile manufacturing, woodcarving, boat-making, and sailing.

Historical Progress:

1. Stone Tools: Dating back over two million years in the Indian subcontinent.
2. Neolithic Revolution: Triggered by agricultural developments in the Indus and Ganges valleys, leading to advancements in various fields.
3. Metallurgy Impact: Significantly reshaped human society by introducing new weapons, tools, and implements.

Science and Technology in Ancient India – Metallurgy

1. Definition: Metallurgy involves the extraction, purification, alloying, and application of metals.
2. Earliest Evidence: Mehrgarh in Baluchistan provides the earliest evidence of metal in the Indian subcontinent.

Wootz Steel:

1. Origin: First produced in South India around 300 BCE, created by carburising iron under controlled conditions.
2. Characteristics: Wootz steel is primarily iron with a high carbon content (1.0-1.9%).
3. Impact: Associated with Damascus swords and spurred developments in modern metallographic studies.
4. Advanced Properties: Exhibits super-plastic properties, qualifying as an advanced material.

Iron Pillar of Delhi:

1. Composition: Consists of about six tons of wrought iron.
2. Rust Resistance: Phosphorus in the iron contributes to rust resistance, forming a protective coating on the surface.
3. Maintenance: The passive coating reconstitutes if damaged, ensuring long-lasting rust resistance.

Lost Wax Technique:

1. Invention: Invented over 5,000 years ago for detailed sculpting.
2. Process: Metal casting technique involving pouring hot metal into a wax model that is ‘lost’ during the process.
3. Example: The “Dancing Girl” bronze sculpture in Mohenjo-daro was created using the lost wax technique.

Science and Technology in Ancient India – Chemistry:

1. Rasaratna Samuchaya: Vagbhaṭa’s text provides a systematic exposition of principal metals within the alchemical framework.
2. Rasashaastra: The “Science of Mercury” in Ayurveda, tracing its evolution to Sage Nagarjuna.
3. Alchemy in Epics: The Ramayan and the Mahabharata mention weapons with arrowheads coated with various chemicals, revealing knowledge of alchemy.
4. Kanad’s Atomic Theory: The very first atomic theory proposed, contributing to early understanding of atomic concepts.

Medicine

Ayurveda:

1. Definition: Ayurveda is a holistic science of life, emphasizing personalized medicine and overall well-being.
2. Foundations: Grounded in the ancient schools of Hindu philosophical teachings—Vaisheshika and Nyaya.
3. Basic Elements: According to Ayurveda, all objects, including the human body, are composed of five basic elements (Panchamahabhutas): Akash, Vayu, Agni, Jala, and Prithvi.

Siddha System:

1. Scope: Siddha provides comprehensive health care, including preventive, promotive, curative, rejuvenating, and rehabilitative aspects.
2. Origin: Believed to have evolved between 10000 – 4000 B.C., with a Dravidian origin and attributed to the Siddhas.
3. Compositions: Siddha involves life-prolonging compositions, rich in mineral medicines, often prepared in powder form through various procedures, including calcination.

Yoga:

1. Development: Developed as an allied science of Ayurveda for healing without medicine, both at the physical and mental levels.
2. Contributor: Systematically presented by Patanjali, Yoga is recognized for its holistic approach to health and well-being.

Veterinary Science:

1. Historical Evidence: Under the Mauryan Empire, there are indications of veterinary hospitals and dispensaries.
2. Practitioners: Veterinarians, known as salihotriya, drew inspiration from the expertise of Salihotra, a renowned authority on horse medicine in ancient times.

Astronomy and Space

Vedanga Jyotisa:

1. Earliest Text: Attributed to Maharishi Lagadha, dating back to the 6th century BCE.
2. Vedangas Inclusion: Part of the Vedangas, covering topics such as Moon phases, solar and lunar calendars, and planetary positions.
3. Observatories by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II: Constructed five astronomical observatories in northern India (New Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi).
4. Jantar Mantars: Unique structures with specialized functions for astronomical measurements.

Aeronautics

Mysorean Rocket:

1. Historical Context: Rockets or ‘fire-arrows’ in use in Europe by the 15th century.
2. Advancements during Tipu Sultan’s Reign: Mysorean rockets developed during Tipu Sultan’s reign were notably advanced, utilizing iron tubes for propellant containment.
3. Characteristics: Used special gunpowder for a powerful burst, distinct odor, smoke, and a terrifying noise.

Mathematics

Shulba Sutras:

1. Authorship: Baudhyana credited with writing the earliest Shulba Sutras, appendices to the Vedas guiding the construction of Vedic altars.
2. Mathematical Contributions: Illuminate various mathematical formulae, including the value of ‘pi’ and a version of the Pythagorean theorem.

Arithmetic:

1. Indian Origin: Standard results in basic arithmetic, such as the decimal system, place-value, zero, square, and cubic roots, originated in India.
2. Aryabhata I’s Contribution: Developed a system of expressing numbers using consonants and vowels based on the decimal place value principle.

Trigonometry:

1. Evolution: Integral to astronomy, trigonometry found in most astronomical texts with accurate sine tables for quick calculations.
2. Contributors: Brahmagupta, Bhaskara I, and others provided formulas for calculating the sine of any angle without relying on tables.

Ancient Indian Scientists

1. Baudhayana (800 BCE-740 BCE):
   • Known as the ‘Father of Geometry.’
   • Scholar of philosophy, religion, mathematics, and language.
   • Notable works: Shulba Sutra and Shrauta Sutra.
   • Introduced the value of ‘pi’ and formulated the Baudhayana Theorem, an early version of the Pythagorean theorem.
2. Sushrutha:
   • Recognized as the ‘Father of Plastic Surgery.’
   • Compiled ‘Susrutasamhita,’ a monumental treatise on surgery.
   • Pioneered rhinoplasty, contributing to the Golden Age of Surgery.
   • Contributions include innovative surgical tools and classification of bones.
3. Kanada:
   • First proponent of the ‘atomic theory.’
   • Described the atom as indivisible, founding the Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy.
   • Explored gravity and Laws of Motion in Vaishesika Sutras.
4. Charaka:
   • Known as the “Father of Ayurveda.”
   • Wrote ‘Charak Samhita,’ a comprehensive treatise on Ayurveda.
   • Emphasized preventive healthcare and described fundamentals of genetics.
5. Aryabhatta (476-550 CE):
   • Mathematician-astronomer.
   • Works include ‘Aryabhatiya’ and ‘Arya-siddhanta.’
   • Contributed to arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry.
   • Proposed the concept of zero and explained the Earth’s rotation and eclipses scientifically.
6. Aryabhata II:
   • Mathematician and astronomer.
   • Authored ‘Mahasiddhanta,’ an astronomical compendium.
   • Constructed a sine table accurate up to five decimal places.
7. Brahmagupta (598-668 CE):
   • Accomplished mathematician.
   • Introduced zero as a digit.
   • Works include ‘Bahmasphutasiddhanta’ and ‘Khandakhadyaka.’
8. Bhaskara I (7th century CE):
   • Mathematician and astronomer.
   • Contributions in calculus and trigonometry.
   • Wrote ‘Aryabhatiya Bhashya’ and adhered to Aryabhata’s astronomy system.
9. Varahamihira (505–587 CE):
   • Renowned astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer.
   • Notable works: ‘Brihat Samhita’ and ‘Panchasiddhantika.’
   • Described gravity as an attractive force binding things together.
10. Bhaskara II (12th century CE):
    • Astronomer and mathematician.
    • Works include ‘Siddhanta Shiromani.’
    • Calculated orbital periods of celestial bodies accurately.
11. Nagarjuna:
    • Chemist and alchemist.
    • Notable works: ‘Rasaratnakara’ and ‘Rashrudaya.’
    • Focused on alchemy, describing cementation processes and zinc production.

FAQs on Science and Technology in Ancient India

1. How did science and technology develop during the Vedic period?

• In the Vedic period, Chandogya Upanishad mentions the science of numbers, “ganita,” covering astronomy, arithmetic, and algebra. Vedic literature includes six treatises on Vedic geometry from the six Vedic schools.

2. Who were the ancient Indian Scientists and Mathematicians?

• Notable figures include Baudhayan, Aryabhatta, Brahmgupta, Bhaskaracharya, and Mahaviracharya among mathematicians. Scientists include Kanad, Varahamihira, and Nagarjuna.

3. What was the golden age of science in ancient India?

• The fourth to sixth centuries CE, during the Gupta Empire, are considered the Golden Age of science in India due to advancements in mathematics, astronomy, science, philosophy, and religion.

4. What is Alchemy?

• Alchemy, an ancient practice, aimed to turn lead into gold and was shrouded in mystery and secrecy.

5. What contributions did Aryabhatta make to ancient Indian science?

• Aryabhatta developed the concept of zero, trigonometric principles, and calculated pi. His work Aryabhatiya provided insights into planetary motion and solar eclipses.

6. How did ancient Indians contribute to medicine and healthcare?

• Charaka, “Father of Medicine,” emphasized balanced diets and preventive medicine. Sushruta, an early surgeon, described surgical procedures and techniques, including plastic surgery.

7. What were the advancements in metallurgy during ancient Indian civilizations?

• Ancient Indians excelled in metallurgy, demonstrated by the Iron Pillar of Delhi and the development of Wootz steel known for its strength.

8. How did ancient Indians contribute to agricultural practices?

• Ancient Indians developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, focusing on crop rotation, soil fertility, and water management, as documented in texts like Arthashastra.

9. Did ancient India have knowledge of navigation and shipbuilding?

• Yes, ancient Indians had knowledge of navigation and shipbuilding, evident in texts like “Samudrika Shastra” and the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea.

10. How did the concept of “Yantra” contribute to ancient Indian technology?

• The concept of “Yantra” referred to mechanical devices, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of mechanical principles in various fields, including astronomy.

11. What was the role of ancient Indian observatories in the advancement of astronomy?

• Ancient Indian observatories, like Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, played a crucial role in advancing astronomy, featuring large-scale instruments for precise measurements and studies of celestial objects.

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