Insight

  Gravity in Indian Knowledge Tradition The concept of gravity, while scientifically formalized in the West by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century, has been subtly alluded to in ancient Indian scriptures and philosophical texts. Indian sages and scholars, through their keen observation of nature and cosmic phenomena, recognized the forces that govern the attraction between objects. Key References to Gravity in Indian Texts: Surya Siddhanta (Astronomy): Surya Siddhanta , an ancient astronomical text dated around 4th-5th century CE, provides insights into gravitational forces. It mentions that the Earth is self-sustaining due to its inherent force, which pulls all objects towards itself: "Bhu-kruti akrishya shakti," meaning Earth has a force that pulls objects towards it. This implies an understanding of gravitational attraction and explains why celestial bodies remain in their orbits. Varahamihira (6th Century CE): In his work Panchasiddhantika , Varahamihira described the i...

  Ayurveda Ayurveda, often referred to as the "science of life" (from the Sanskrit words ayur meaning life and veda meaning knowledge), is an ancient Indian holistic system of medicine that emphasizes the balance of mind, body, and spirit for health and well-being. It is believed to have originated over 5,000 years ago and is rooted in the Vedic culture of India. Core Principles of Ayurveda: Tridosha Theory : Ayurveda postulates that health is governed by three fundamental bio-energies or doshas : Vata (Air and Space): Governs movement, including breathing, circulation, and nerve impulses. Pitta (Fire and Water): Controls digestion, metabolism, and energy production. Kapha (Earth and Water): Provides structure, lubrication, and energy storage. Prakriti (Constitution): Every individual is believed to have a unique balance of these doshas , which determines their physical, mental, and emotional traits. Diagnosis: Ayurvedic practitioners assess health through: Observation...

  3  Kautilya's Arthashastra  Arthashastra (Economics) was written by Kautilya, who inspired Chandragupta Maurya to become king and rule the state. Kautilya's Arthashastra encompasses four branches of knowledge: philosophy (Anviksiki), the three Vedas (Trayi), economics (Vartta), and political science (Dandaniti). It is also included in the eighteen branches of knowledge (Ashtaadasha Vidya). Kautilya, also known as Chanakya and Vishnugupta, composed this great treatise on economics at a time when the form of government was monarchy and rulers were expected to not only protect their territories but also expand their regional boundaries through war and victory. Kautilya gave the 'theory of public administration' which includes division of work, unity in directions, centralization of power and responsibility, priority ...

   2  Science and Technology in Ancient India Agriculture A sentence is inscribed at the Udaipur Agricultural University: “The line drawn by the tip of the plow is the dividing line between savagery and civilization in human history.” The earliest mention of agriculture with pride is found in the Rig Veda, the world's oldest scripture. अक्षैर्मा दीव्यः कृ षिषर्त् कृ िस्व षित्ते रर्स्व बहुर्न्यर्मनः । “ Do not gamble, do farming, and earn money with respect” कृ षिर्ान्यम कृ षिर्ेध्यम जन्तूनमां जीिनां कृ षिः । कृ षि पमरमशर “ Agriculture gives wealth and intelligence. Agriculture is the basis of human life” Agriculture began as humans progressed towards civilization. In India, agriculture developed as a science. Its history is briefly described in the book 'A Concise History of Science in India'. In the Vedic period, there were many agricultural practices such as sowing seeds, weeding, etc., too...