Hindu Contribution to Mathematics & Science - Archna Sahni

Contribution of Ancient Hindus to
Math, Science, and Medicine

• Question: Did “science” as we understand it originate in the
West?

• Standard answer: Yes. Most school and college textbooks in
East and West maintain this ‘Eurocentric’ viewpoint.

• What does scholarly evidence have to say about this? That
this is untrue. Science did NOT originate in the West. In
fact, it came VERY LATE to the West. The following slides
clearly show that ancient Indians propounded Heliocentrism
(attributed to Copernicus & Galileo) and understood Gravity
(attributed to Newton) centuries before Europe, and had
reached the peak of mathematical and astronomical
knowledge in the twelfth century.

According to Indian historian of science C.K. Raju, the Western
origin of science was fabricated in three stages:

1. During the Crusades a Greek origin of science was fabricated
for all worthwhile secular knowledge, which was derived from
Arabic books, which in turn were translations gathered from
India, Persia and China
2. During the Inquisition, non-Western knowledge was again
appropriated by Europeans who dared not acknowledge it
3. Later-day racist and colonial historians built on this legacy of
glorifying themselves and belittling others
quoted and adapted from C.K. Raju, Is Science Western in Origin?
(2009), p. 53. See:
http://ckraju.net/books/Is-Science-Western-in-Origin.html

Why mathematical knowledge could not have
come from Greece and Rome
“Greek/Roman numerals…are clumsy: the small
number 1788 requires 12 symbols, and is written as
MDCCLXXXVIII. This system is hopeless for large
numbers, such as 1053, which the Buddha was asked
to name (by an opponent, who sought to test his
knowledge)….The unavoidable inference is this: the
Greeks and Romans used this primitive system of
numeration just because they never encountered
large numbers, and never did the complex
calculations required for astronomy and science.”
(C.K. Raju, Is Science Western in Origin? p. 21)

Scientific Contributions of Hindu
Civilization to the World
• The Hindu civilization has made scientific
contributions to the world that have either been
ignored, not acknowledged, or appropriated as
being Islamic or Western in origin.
• The following slides present some key
contributions of ancient and medieval
India, which had a major influence on the
mathematics, science, and medicine in the
Islamic world, which in turn was transmitted to
Europe and was instrumental in bringing about
the European Renaissance and Scientific
Revolution.

Ancient Hindus have made contributions to world
civilization in the following fields. The following slides
present highlights from some of these areas:
• Mathematics
• Medicine
• Astronomy
• Navigation
• Botany
• Metallurgy
• Civil Engineering
• Science of Consciousness (Psychology &
Philosophy of Yoga)

Invention of Zero

• India invented the Zero, without which there
would be no binary system, no
computers, and counting would be
cumbersome.

• The earliest recorded date, an inscription of
Zero on Sankheda Copper Plate was found in
Gujarat, India (585-586 CE).

Indian Numeral System –
Basis of Modern Numeral System

The present-day decimal numeral system in use all over the world was
developed by Indian mathematicians between the 1st and 5th
centuries (but was in use since 500 BCE).

It was adopted by Persian (Al-Khwarizmi’s circa 825 book On the
Calculation with Hindu Numerals) and Arab mathematicians(Al-Kindi’s
circa 830 volumes On the Use of the Indian Numerals), and was
transmitted by them to Europe in the Middle Ages (11th to 13th
century). The numeral system came to be called "Arabic" by the
Europeans because at that time they were only aware about the
transmitters, not the originators. See excerpt from BBC’s The History
of Mathematics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gulApUKih2w&feature=related

ARYABHATT (476 CE)
MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN

-
Heliocentric theory - 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.

-Influenced Islamic astronomy: Aryabhatasiddhanta circulated mainly in
the northwest of India and, through the Sasanian dynasty (224–651) of
Iran, had a profound influence on the development of Islamic astronomy.

-Influence on Arabic math: - Calculated value of Pi to four decimal
places, namely, 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 Hindus.

See http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/37461/Aryabhata-I

BRAHAMAGUPTA (598 - c. 665 CE)
MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN

-Gave the first rules for dealing with zero as a number.

-His “Brahma-sphuta-siddhanta” (628) ,an astronomical work , was translated
into Arabic in Baghdad as Sindhind (c. 771) and had a major impact on Islamic
mathematics and astronomy. Its 25 chapters contain several unprecedented
mathematical results, and laid the foundations for algorithms and algebra.

Discovered Law of Gravity:

"Bodies fall towards the earth as it is in the nature of the earth to attract
bodies, just as it is in the nature of water to flow."

See http://www-groups.dcs.st-
and.ac.uk/~history/Projects/Pearce/Chapters/Ch8_3.html
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/77073/Brahmagupta
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmagupta

BAUDHYANA (850 BCE)
INVENTOR OF “PYTHAGORAS THEORUM”

It was Baudhāyana who first discovered the “Pythagoras theorem.”
This theorem in explained in his book called Baudhāyana Śulbasûtra (800
BCE), one of the oldest books on advanced Mathematics. The actual shloka
(verse) in Baudhāyana Śulbasûtra that describes “Pythagoras theorem” is given
below -

dīrghasyākṣaṇayā rajjuH pārśvamānī, tiryaDaM mānī, cha yatpṛthagbhUte
kurutastadubhayāṅ karoti.

(The diagonal of a rectangle produces by itself both (the areas) produced
separately by its two sides.)

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baudhayana

BHASKARACHARYA II (1114-1183 CE)
GENIUS IN ALGEBRA AND ASTRONOMY,
CONTRIBUTOR TO WORLD MATH

“In many ways, Bhaskara represents the peak of mathematical and astronomical
knowledge in the twelfth century. He reached an understanding of
calculus, astronomy, the number systems, and solving equations, which were not to be
achieved anywhere else in the world for several centuries.”

He wrote "Bijaganita“, a treatise on algebra, in which he derived a cyclic, 'Cakraval'
method for solving equations of the form ax2 + bx + c = y, which is usually attributed to
William Brouncker (1657).

His book “Lilavati” covers many branches of
mathematics, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and mensuration, and his
treatise "Siddhant Shiromani" on astronomy contains several results in trigonometry and
integral and differential calculus.

See http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Projects/Pearce/Chapters/Ch8_5.html
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/64067/Bhaskara-II
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Bh%C4%81skara_II

BHASKARACHARYA II (1114-1183 CE) – his other contribution

• Described Universal Gravitation in his treatise
Siddhantha Siromani (1150 CE):

• Bhaskaracharya describes that the earth attracts the solid
objects in the sky by its own force towards itself. He further
discusses the forces between the celestial bodies using a
question: Where can the celestial bodies fall since they attract
each other?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_gravitational_theory

ACHARYA KANAD (600 BCE)
FOUNDER OF ATOMIC THEORY

-Founder of Atomic Theory: Acharya Kanad as 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.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanada

NAGARJUNA (100 CE)
WIZARD OF CHEMICAL SCIENCE

-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.

-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 (5th century CE to 1197 CE ), one of the
first great universities in recorded history.

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.

-Charak revealed the basic facts on human anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, blood
circulation and diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, etc. He knew the
funadamentals of genetics.

-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. His ideas on the correlation of spirituality and physical health contributed greatly
to diagnostic and curative sciences. His principles, diagnosis, and cures retain their
potency and truth even after a couple of millennia.

-Ethical Charter - He prescribed an ethical charter for medical practitioners two
centuries prior to the Hippocratic oath (see next slide).

Excerpts from the Ethical Charter (Oath taken by the physician) in
Charak Samhita:
During the period of study I shall live a life of self control, piety and discipline.
Submitting myself to my Guru (teachers) with complete dedicated feeling, I shall
act like a son/daughter for his/her welfare and happiness. My action shall be
guarded, service oriented and free from indiscipline and envy...I shall always use
my knowledge for the welfare of living mankind.

I shall always be ready to help patients, even when I am extremely busy and
tired. I shall not harm any patient for the sake of money or selfish gain nor shall I
entertain a desire for other women/men or wealth. Immorality should not figure
even in my thoughts….

I shall constantly endeavour to accomplish the newest development of
knowledge….

When examining a patient, my discretion, attention and senses should be
concentrated on the cure of the disease…
http://www.vssmedical.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6
&Itemid=9

SUSHRUT (600 BCE)
FATHER OF PLASTIC SURGERY

-Acharya Sudhrut detailed 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 12 types of fractures and 6 types of dislocations, details 300 types of
operations. The ancient Indians were the pioneers in amputation, caesarian and cranial
surgeries.

-Sushrut used 125 types of surgical instruments including
scalpels, lancets, needles, Cathers and rectal speculums, which are the basis of
modern surgical instruments used today.

Transmission of Indian medical science
to Islamic World and Europe
• The medical works of physicians Sushruta and Charaka were
translated into Arabic language during the Abbasid Caliphate (750
AD), and made their way into Europe via intermediaries.

• British physicians travelled to India to see rhinoplasty [plastic
surgery] being performed by native methods. Joseph Constantine
Carpue spent 20 years in India studying local plastic surgery
methods, and was able to perform the first major rhinoplasty in the
western world by 1815.

• Instruments described in the Sushruta Samhita were further
modified in the Western World. Even today the paramedian
forehead flap is referred to as the Indian flap.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sushruta

VARAHAMIHIRA (499-587 CE)
EMINENT ASTRONOMER

-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, Varahamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting
plants and trees. The rishi-scientist (sage-scientist) survives through his unique
contributions to the science of astronomy.

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 prescribed the control of prana (life breath) as the means to control the
body, mind and soul.

-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 ultimate bliss or self-realization through the disciplines of:
yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dhyana and dharna (see next slide for
meaning of these terms).

-The Science of Yoga has gained popularity because of its scientific approach and
benefits, and for its deep understand of human psychology.

The “Eight Limbs” of Yoga Philosophy

From Yoga Sutras by Patanjali
(c. 200 B.C.)

Summary of Key Contributions of
Hindu Civilization:
• Indian Numeral system, decimal system, zero
• “Pythagoras theorum” – mentioned by Baudhayana 200 years
before Pythagoras
• Originators of Algebra, Trignometry & Calculus - Aryabhata
(476 CE), Brahmagupta (598 CE - 665) & Bhaskaracharya
(1114-1183 CE)
• Plastic surgery - Sushruta (600 BCE)
• Heliocentric theory, relativity of motion - Aryabhata (5 CE)
• Universal Gravitation- Brahmagupta (598 - c. 665
CE), Bhaskara II (1114-1183 CE)
• Atomic Theory- Kanad (600 BCE)

Nalanda University (5 CE to 1197 CE)

-Has been called "one of the first great
universities in recorded history".

-Attracted scholars and students from as far
away as China, Korea, Greece, and Persia.

-Accommodated over 10,000 students, 2,000 teachers, and taught every branch of
learning: from science, astronomy, medicine, and logic to metaphysics, philosophy
(native and foreign), Samkhya, Yoga-shastra, the Veda, and the scriptures of
Buddhism.

-Nalanda was ransacked and destroyed by Turkic Muslim invaders under Bakhtiyar
Khilji in 1193. The Persian historian Minhaj-i-Siraj, in his chronicle the Tabaquat-I-
Nasiri, reported that thousands of monks were burned alive and thousands
beheaded; the burning of the library continued for several months and "smoke from
the burning manuscripts hung for days like a dark pall over the low hills.“
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda

“Why, one might ask, did Europe's take over thousand years to attain the level of
abstract mathematics achieved by Indians such as Aaryabhata? The answer
appears to be that Europeans were trapped in the relatively simplistic and
concrete geometrical mathematics developed by the Greeks. It was not until they
had, via the Arabs, received, assimilated and accepted the place-value system of
enumeration developed in India that they were able to free their minds from the
concrete and develop more abstract systems of thought. This development thus
triggered the scientific and information technology revolutions which swept
Europe and, later, the world. The role played by India in the development is no
mere footnote, easily and inconsequentially swept under the rug of Eurocentric
bias. To do so is to distort history, and to deny India one of it's greatest
contributions to world civilization.”

-Dr. David Gray, “Indic Mathematics: India and the Scientific Revolution”
http://www.infinityfoundation.com/ECITmathframeset.html

Useful YouTube Links
• The Story of Numbers
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gulApUKih
2w&feature=relate

• Science of Mathematics in Ancient
[actually, Medieval] India
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiKoB8nli
d0&feature=related

Further Reading: Influence of Indian
Math on Islamic and European Math
• David Gray, “Indic Mathematics: India and the Scientific
Revolution”
http://www.infinityfoundation.com/ECITmathframeset.html
• Alok Kumar, “What Eleventh Century Spain Knew About
Indian Science and Math,”
http://www.infinityfoundation.com/ECITkumarframeset.htm
• C.K. Raju, “The Indian Origins of the Calculus and its
Transmission to Europe Prior to Newton and Leibniz.”
• http://ckraju.net/papers/calculus_abstract_2.pdf
• See website of C.K. Raju, Indian historian of science:
• http://ckraju.net/index.html

History of Sciences in India
• Subhash Kak, “History of Indian Science, an Essay in
Grolier Encyclopaedia, 2000”
• http://www.infinityfoundation.com/ECIThistoryindia
nscienceframeset.htm
• History of Physical Sciences in India
• http://india_resource.tripod.com/physics.htm
• Vinod Kumar, “Alberuni on Pre-Islamic India's
Science, Math, and Architecture”
• http://www.infinityfoundation.com/ECITalberunifra
meset.htm

Hindu Contribution to Mathematics & Science - Archna Sahni

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Hindu Contribution to Mathematics & Science - Archna Sahni