Great Indian Hindu Sages who revolutionised the field of Science
Aryabhatt (476 BCE) - Master Astronomer and Mathematician
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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
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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
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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
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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.