Top 10 Indian Inventions and Discoveries
Although Babylonians first came with the concept of Zero, but Indians
were the first who developed and used it as number. Initially space is used
to symbolize zero. Then in 498 AD, mathematician-astronomer Aryabhata gave
the present symbol for zero (0). He also mentions the use of zero as number
in his book Brahmasputha Siddhanta.
Ayurveda means the `science of life` ( Ayus means Life and Veda means
knowledge ). The origin of Ayurveda links back to 5000 BC. In Hindu
mythology, Dhanvantari is known as the God of Ayurveda. In the early Vedas
also Ayurveda were mentioned. Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Bhela
Samhita are the main three principal texts book that laid the foundation of
Ayurveda in India. The Sushruta Samhita contains remedies and description of
Yoga which means "spiritual discipline", originates in India in the pre-vedic period. But it was flourished during 5th and 6th centuries BC. The word Yoga was first mention in the Rigveda. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Indian yoga gurus bring the Yogas to the West World which starts with Swami Vivekananda when he travels America in 1893.
Chess was developed in India during the Gupta Empire in 6th century AD.
It was known as Chaturanga.
5. Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus
Algebra, trigonometry and calculus originated in India. Indian
mathematician like Brahmagupta, Aryabhata, Bhaskara II, Madhava were
instrumental in developing new theories and branches of mathematics.
Madhava of Sangamagrama was a mathematician from Kerala and is consider
as the founder of the infinite series for pi. Madhava's work on the value of
the Pi is mention in the book Mahajyanayana prakara.
Astronomical Study in India was originated in India in 3rd century BC.
Initially astronomy was used to develop calendars in India. Vedanga Jyotisha
is considered as one of the earliest work on astronomy. Aryabhata,
Brahmagupta, Varahamihira are considered as great Indian astronomer during
Sushruta is known as the "founding father of surgery". His work Sushruta
Samhita, a surgical text described different process of examination,
diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The book also suggests the study of
dead bodies for the student of surgery.
9. Binary Code
The Indian scholar Pingala developed a binary system for analysis of
musical and poetic meters in his book Chandashutram in an around 500 BC.
10. Martial Arts
The first mention of martial art found in the text Dhanurveda, a part of
Veda. One of the Buddhas principle disciple Bodhidharma travel to China from
Kerala where he developed his fighting skill into Kenpo Kung Fu.