History of Science
Today we have very few scattered
sources to know and study the extent of scientific contributions made by our
predecessors. Biographical Dictionary of Indian Scientists tells the story of Indian science through the lives and
achievements of men from earliest times to the present day. Biographical
details of ancient and medieval scientists are collected from books,
commentaries, translations, bibliographies and classical documents on history
of Indian science.
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Aryabhata I (Astronomer)
Aryabhata was a great astronomer who wrote Aryabhatiya in 499 A.D. It was translated into Arabic in about 800
A.D. under the title Zil-al-Arjabhar.
He stated that the earth is a sphere and it rotates on its axis. He described
the true theory of the cause of the lunar and solar eclipses and said that
eclipses were not caused by 'Rahu' but by the shadow of earth and moon. He
also laid the foundation of algebra and made many new observations in
geometry.
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Asvin Kumars (Physician)
Twin sons of Vivaswat and Saranyu, Asvins were celebrated as 'divine
physicians' of Vedic period. Rig Veda
abounds in citations of their medical skill and benevolent deeds. Their
skill in therapeutics and surgery is the theme of more than 50 hymns of Rig
Veda. They were celebrated for the skill of restoring youth to old, curing
the sick, weak, blind and the lepers.They were probably the actual human
physicians, who became deified because of their extraordinary skill and
unfailing kindness. In addition to Ayurveda they learnt 'Madhuvidya' the
science of restoring the dead to life from sage Dadhichi.
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Baudhayana (Mathematician -
Geometrician)
Baudhayana was the first great geometrician of the Vedic altars. The
science of geometry originated in India in connection with the construction
of the altars of the Vedic sacrifices. These sacrifices were performed at
certain precalculated time, and were of particular sizes and shapes. The
expert of sacrifices needed knowledge of astronomy to calculate the time,
and the knowledge of geometry to measure distance, area and volume to make
altars. Strict texts and scriptures in the form of manuals known as Sulba Sutras were
followed for performing such sacrifices. Bandhayana's
Sulba Sutra was the biggest and oldest among many Sulbas followed during olden times.Which gave proof of many geometrical
formulae including Pythagorean theorem.
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Brahmagupta (Mathematician)
According to Al-beruni, Brahmagupta was the most distinguished mathematician
of India who gave zero its status. He composed Brahma-Sphuta-Siddhanta, which dealt with algebra, arithmetic, geometry and
astronomy. In the chapter Kutakadhyay (on
algebra) Brahmagupta for the fist time dealt with zero and its operation. He
was the first mathematician to frame the rules of operation for zero. He not
only expressed his own views on these subjects but also compared them with
those of the earlier mathematicians. So his works have a lot of historical
interest in these fields.
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Charaka (Physician)
There is absolute lack of information about the parentage, place and time of
birth of Charaka. According to some scholars Charaka may be placed between
the 3rd and 2nd century B.C. Charaka is regarded as the principal exponent of
the medical system known as 'Kayachikitsa'. He composed Charaka Samhita,
which is the earliest medical treatise recognized in India. The work reveals
the author's extensive knowledge of plant, mineral, and animal resources for
treatment of diseases.
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Dhanwantari (Physician)
According to Hindu mythological stories, Dhanwantari was the son of Gulvana
and Virbhadra and disciple of Bhaskara. He is also considered as an
incarnation of Vishnu and worshipped as such even today. Dhanwantari taught
surgery to Sustruta. He was the god of classical Indian medicine and is still
held in high esteem.
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Medhatithi (Mathematician)
Medhatithi's name is associated with 313 verses of Rig Vedic hymns. Reference
of his name is also found in Athar Veda and Yajur Veda. Numerals are
essentially of Indian origin. His greatest contribution to the science of
numerals is the concept of powers of ten in enumeration. He propounded
concept of numerals in Rig Veda and Yajur Veda as: 'Mithuna'
for two, 'Tri' for three, 'Turiya' fourth or
one-fourth, 'Panca' for five…… 'Sata' for
hundred, 'Sahasra' for thousand, 'Ayuta' for ten
thousand, 'Nityuta' for hundred thousand and 'Paradha'
for a billion.
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Nimi (Ophthalmologist)
Nimi was said to have identified 76 eye diseases. His valuable details
concerning eye diseases are mentioned in several standard medical treatises.
While no work of his individual authority is available now, he was said to be
a master of curing eye aliments including cataract. His views on tastes and
development of foetus are considered valuable.
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Sushruta (Surgeon)
Sustruta was the son of Visvamitra and belonged to the Himalayan region. He
is considered as the 'Father of Indian Surgery' and the compiler of
the first classical book of Indian surgery 'Sushruta-Samhita'.
He is said to have learnt the art and science of surgery from Dhanwantari
in the Himalayan retreat, along with other sages. His book gives details of
101 types of surgical instruments and their handling techniques. The
science of transplanting sensible skin flap is entirely an Indin method,
which is evident from 'Sushruta-Samhita'(Sutrasthanam
Ch.XVI). His practice to give medicated wine to patients before surgery in
order to numb his senses makes him an expert in anaesthesia. Sushruta
described a novel method of stitching the wound after operation,by using
ant-heads as stitching material.'Sushruta-Samhita' was translated in to Arabic as Kitab-ShawShoon-a-Hindi and Kitab-I-Susrud.
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Varahamihira (Astronomer &
Astrologer)
Varahamihira was the best known and the most respected astrologer of India.
He was a resident of Ujjain or Avanti, near Ujjain. He was an authority on
the Brahama-Sphuta Siddhanta of Brahmagupta. He contributed many important works namely Panchasiddhantika, Brhat Samhita, Sama Samhita etc. Among
all these treatises, Panchasiddhantika is the one of
great repute. The Brhat Samhita described
four types of earthquakes as 'Vayumandal', 'Agnimandal', 'Indramandal', and
'Varunamandal', he also gave 'Bhukamp Lakshan' for these four types of
earthquakes.
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Aryabhatt (476 BCE) - 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 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.
