Posted: 29 Nov 2009 07:20 PM PST
Admire INDIA
Posted: 29 Nov 2009 05:04 AM PST
It is my request that you go through these facts about ancient Indian
achievers and take pride in being an Indian.
(B+VE - ITS ME.)
Here are a few examples of how great developments in human society were
the contributions of great Bharatiyas (Indians), long before these
discoveries were possible anywhere else. But to truly appreciate and
understand their works and contribution one needs to learn Sanskrit,
otherwise one will remain forever ignorant of these important texts. Who
knows Sanskrit and is willing to research further? Anyone? This is the
problem at its root and this is the true reason why we are so ignorant
of these people and our great Indian heritage.
ARYABHATT
(476 CE) MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN
Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur ( Bihar ), Aryabhatt's intellectual
brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499
CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel
treatise on mathematics called 'Aryabhatiyam.' He formulated the process
of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt
was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its
axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before
Copernicus published his heliocentric theory. He is also acknowledged
for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table
in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician,
Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, 'This value
has been given by the Hindus.' And above all, his most spectacular
contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer
technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the
field of mathematics.
BHASKARACHARYA II
(1114-1183 CE)
GENIUS IN ALGEBRA
Born in the obscure village of Vijjadit (Jalgaon) in Maharastra,
Bhaskaracharya's work in Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry catapulted him
to fame and immortality. His renowned mathematical works called
'Lilavati' and 'Bijaganita' are considered to be unparalled and a
memorial to his profound intelligence. Its translation in several
languages of the world bear testimony to its eminence. In his treatise '
Siddhant Shiromani ' he writes on planetary positions, eclipses,
cosmography, mathematical techniques and astronomical equipment. In the
' Surya Siddhant ' he makes a note on the force of gravity: 'Objects
fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the
earth, planets, constellations, moon, and sun are held in orbit due to
this attraction.' Bhaskaracharya was the first to discover gravity, 500
years before Sir Isaac Newton . He was the champion among mathematicians
of ancient and medieval India . His works fired the imagination of
Persian and European scholars, who through research on his works earned
fame and popularity.
ACHARYA KANAD
(600 BCE)
FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY
As the founder of ' Vaisheshik Darshan '- one of six principal
philosophies of India - Acharya Kanad was a genius in philosophy. He is
believed to have been born in Prabhas Kshetra near Dwarika in Gujarat .
He was the pioneer expounder of realism, law of causation and the atomic
theory. He has classified all the objects of creation into nine
elements, namely: earth, water, light, wind, ether, time, space, mind
and soul. He says, 'Every object of creation is made of atoms which in
turn connect with each other to form molecules.' His statement ushered
in the Atomic Theory for the first time ever in the world, nearly 2500
years before John Dalton . Kanad has also described the dimension and
motion of atoms and their chemical reactions with each other. The
eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook , has said, 'Compared to the
scientists of Europe , Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global
masters of this field.'
NAGARJUNA (100 CE)
WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE
He was an extraordinary wizard of science born in the nondescript
village of Baluka in Madhya Pradesh . His dedicated research for twelve
years produced maiden discoveries and inventions in the faculties of
chemistry and metallurgy. Textual masterpieces like ' Ras Ratnakar ,'
'Rashrudaya' and 'Rasendramangal' are his renowned contributions to the
science of chemistry. Where the medieval alchemists of England failed,
Nagarjuna had discovered the alchemy of transmuting base metals into
gold. As the author of medical books like 'Arogyamanjari' and 'Yogasar,'
he also made significant contributions to the field of curative
medicine. Because of his profound scholarliness and versatile knowledge,
he was appointed as Chancellor of the famous University of Nalanda .
Nagarjuna's milestone discoveries impress and astonish the scientists of
today.
ACHARYA CHARAK
(600 BCE)
FATHER OF MEDICINE
Acharya Charak has been crowned as the Father of Medicine. His renowned
work, the ' Charak Samhita ', is considered as an encyclopedia of
Ayurveda. His principles, diagoneses, and cures retain their potency and
truth even after a couple of millennia. When the science of anatomy was
confused with different theories in Europe , Acharya Charak revealed
through his innate genius and enquiries the facts on human anatomy,
embryology, pharmacology, blood circulation and diseases like diabetes,
tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. In the ' Charak Samhita ' he has
described the medicinal qualities and functions of 100,000 herbal
plants. He has emphasized the influence of diet and activity on mind and
body. He has proved the correlation of spirituality and physical health
contributed greatly to diagnostic and curative sciences. He has also
prescribed and ethical charter for medical practitioners two centuries
prior to the Hippocratic oath. Through his genius and intuition, Acharya
Charak made landmark contributions to Ayurvedal. He forever remains
etched in the annals of history as one of the greatest and noblest of
rishi-scientists.
ACHARYA SUSHRUT (600 BCE)
FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY
A genius who has been glowingly recognized in the annals of medical
science. Born to sage Vishwamitra, Acharya Sudhrut details the first
ever surgery procedures in ' Sushrut Samhita ,' a unique encyclopedia of
surgery. He is venerated as the father of plastic surgery and the
science of anesthesia. When surgery was in its infancy in Europe ,
Sushrut was performing Rhinoplasty (restoration of a damaged nose) and
other challenging operations. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he prescribes
treatment for twelve types of fractures and six types of dislocations.
His details on human embryology are simply amazing. Sushrut used 125
types of surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, needles,
Cathers and rectal speculums; mostly designed from the jaws of animals
and birds. He has also described a number of stitching methods; the use
of horse's hair as thread and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita
,' and fibers of bark. In the ' Sushrut Samhita ,' he details 300 types
of operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation,
caesarian and cranial surgeries. Acharya Sushrut was a giant in the
arena of medical science.
VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)
EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMERA
renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special
decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King
Vikramaditya in Avanti ( Ujjain ). Varahamihir's book 'panchsiddhant'
holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the
moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to
sunlight. In the ' Bruhad Samhita ' and ' Bruhad Jatak ,' he has
revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation,
science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical
science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants
and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions
to the science of astrology and astronomy.
ACHARYA PATANJALI (200 BCE)
FATHER OF YOGA
The Science of Yoga is one of several unique contributions of India to
the world. It seeks to discover and realize the ultimate Reality through
yogic practices. Acharya Patanjali , the founder, hailed from the
district of Gonda (Ganara) in Uttar Pradesh . He prescribed the control
of prana (life breath) as the means to control the body, mind and soul.
This subsequently rewards one with good health and inner happiness.
Acharya Patanjali 's 84 yogic postures effectively enhance the
efficiency of the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive and
endocrine systems and many other organs of the body. Yoga has eight
limbs where Acharya Patanjali shows the attainment of the ultimate bliss
of God in samadhi through the disciplines of: yam, niyam, asan,
pranayam, pratyahar, dhyan and dharna. The Science of Yoga has gained
popularity because of its scientific approach and benefits. Yoga also
holds the honored place as one of six philosophies in the Indian
philosophical system. Acharya Patanjali will forever be remembered and
revered as a pioneer in the science of self-discipline, happiness and
self-realization.
ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE)
PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an
ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the '
Yantra Sarvasva ' which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries
in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described
three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from
one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another.
3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and
descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His
brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through
techniques described by him:
1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible
through the application of sunlight and wind force.
2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine
visible through the application of electrical force.
3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation
in another plane.
4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what's happening inside another
plane.
Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has
been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.
ACHARYA KAPIL (3000 BCE)
FATHER OF COSMOLOGY
Celebrated as the founder of Sankhya philosophy, Acharya Kapil is
believed to have been born in 3000 BCE to the illustrious sage Kardam
and Devhuti. He gifted the world with the Sankhya School of Thought. His
pioneering work threw light on the nature and principles of the ultimate
Soul (Purusha), primal matter (Prakruti) and creation. His concept of
transformation of energy and profound commentaries on atma, non-atma and
the subtle elements of the cosmos places him in an elite class of master
achievers - incomparable to the discoveries of other cosmologists. On
his assertion that Prakruti, with the inspiration of Purusha, is the
mother of cosmic creation and all energies, he contributed a new chapter
in the science of cosmology. Because of his extrasensory observations
and revelations on the secrets of creation, he is recognized and saluted
as the Father of Cosmology.
Posts
