Ideas in Science and Mathematics

sr-due: 2022-12-20 sr-interval: 1 sr-ease: 130

Ideas in Science and Mathematics

2020-04-27 12 :09: 25 #review

![[10.10 Literature, Scientific Literature#Astronomy]]

![[10.10 Literature, Scientific Literature#Medical Knowledge]]

![[10.10 Literature, Scientific Literature#Mathematics]]

PYQs and Answers

How far is it correct to say that the Indians of the ancient period indulged only metaphysical things and not in development of pure sciences? [19 2.10 Literature, Scientific Literature#Literature Scientific Literature]] [[12.3 Major Philosophical Thinkers and Schools#Major Philosophical Thinkers and Schools]]]

While it is true that Indian philosophy was rich in metaphysical speculations, it is also true that Indian civilization made significant contributions to various fields of pure sciences, such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, metallurgy and engineering123.

Some examples of ancient Indian achievements in pure sciences are:

The law of gravity discovered by Bhaskaracharya around 11th century CE, which stated that objects fall towards the earth due to a force called gurutvakarshan4.

The calculation of the earth’s circumference by Aryabhata around 5th century CE, which estimated it to be 24,835 miles (close to the modern value of 24,901 miles)4.

The concept of zero and decimal system developed by Brahmagupta around 7th century CE, which revolutionized arithmetic and algebra5.

The Pythagorean theorem proved by Baudhayana around 8th century BCE, which stated that the square of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides6.

The system of medicine known as Ayurveda developed by Charaka and Sushruta around 6th century BCE, which dealt with anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, treatment and surgery47.

The technique of making crucible steel (wootz) invented by ancient metallurgists around 3rd century BCE, which produced high-quality steel with carbon nanotubes6.

The science of architecture known as Vastu Shastra codified by Vishwakarma around 6th century BCE, which prescribed principles for designing buildings according to cosmic harmony7.

The concept of heliocentrism proposed by Aryabhata around 5th century CE, which suggested that the earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the sun[^7].

Discuss the scientific and technological developments in ancient India. [199

[[10.10 Literature, Scientific Literature#Literature Scientific Literature]]]

Trace the scientific and technological developments in India up to c. A.D. 750. [1

[[10.10 Literature, Scientific Literature#Literature Scientific Literature]]]

Examine the proficiency of the ancient Indians in various crafts, science and mathematics. [20[[10.10 Literature, Scientific Literature#Literature Scientific Literature]]]

The proficiency of the ancient Indians in various crafts, science and mathematics was remarkable and admirable. They developed and mastered various skills and techniques that reflected their creativity, innovation and excellence. Some examples of their achievements are:

In crafts, they excelled in wood carving, stone masonry, painting, metal work, textiles, pottery, papier-mache, carpet weaving and many more123. They used natural materials like wood, stone, clay, metal, cotton, silk and wool to create beautiful and intricate objects of art and utility. Some of the famous examples of ancient Indian crafts are:

The rock-cut temples of Ellora and Ajanta that showcase the exquisite wood carving and painting skills of the artisans4. The terracotta sculptures and temples of Bankura that display the fine craftsmanship in clay modelling2. The silver filigree work of Cuttack that involves delicate twisting and soldering of silver wires into intricate patterns2. The brocade fabrics of Varanasi that feature rich silk weaving with gold and silver threads1. The blue pottery of Jaipur that is made from quartz stone powder and glazed with cobalt oxide5. In science, they made significant contributions to various fields like astronomy, medicine, metallurgy, engineering and architecture678. They applied their scientific knowledge to make accurate astronomical predictions, invent medical systems, produce high-quality metals, design complex structures and devise mathematical concepts. Some examples of ancient Indian achievements in science are:

The atomic theory developed by Rishi Kanada around 6th century BCE, which postulated that all matter is composed of indivisible atoms (anu) that can combine in different ways to form complex substances6. The law of gravity discovered by Bhaskaracharya around 11th century CE, which stated that objects fall towards the earth due to a force called gurutvakarshan.

! Other scientific achievements mentioned above.

Discuss the major stages in the evolution of architecture during the ancient period. [2006

[[12.2 Major-Stages-in-Evolution-of-Art-and-Architecture#Major Stages in Evolution of Art and Architecture]]

Discuss the types of lands and the Science of agriculture mentioned in the literature and epigraphs of ancient India. [2011, 20m]

Types of Land (i) Krishta: Cultivated Land (ii) Akrishta: Uncultivated Land (iii) Sthala: High And Dry Ground (iv) Kedara: Fields Having Crops (v) Arama: Grooves of Trees (vi) Shanda: Plantation of Fruit Trees (vii) Mula-vapa: Fields and Farms Growing Ginger and Other Roots. (viii) VATA: Plantation of Sugarcane
Works like Dakar Bachan and Khanar Bachan
- Have popular saying from bengal
- Talks about influence of rain during various times of year on King, his kingdom
- How to sow seeds, which crops should follow, pattern type
- Temp wind effect on crops
Inscriptions in South Karnataka mentions Hadalu, Hadavalu a type of low lying land, Jalakabhumi : always supplied w/ water
EpiG in Orissa mention types of food, fruits, vegetable, Knowledge - Kheda Ksheta was arable land, Mala suffix for Hill/ mountain, Nadu in TN epigraphs
Epigraphs in these regions mentions names of Cereals, Legumes, Oil Seeds, Sugarcane, Spices,Vegetables
Krishi Parashara - agri rituals, go parva, ceremonial first ploughing, before harvesting festival pushya yatra, various dieties mentions Indra, Marut etc
Nayanjot Lahiri’s study of early medieval inscrip in Assam, settlements conc near valleys