Great Indian Hindu Sages who revolutionised the field of Science
Great Indian Hindu Sages who
revolutionised the field of Science
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 ||
(1114-1183 BCE) – 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 BCE) – 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.
Varahmihir (499-587 BCE) – 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 samadhithrough 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.
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.
N:b: One by one i am share lot of things are done
of our hindu sages...to be continued
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