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Ancient Indian Scientists (Samskrit: शास्त्रज्ञाः महर्षयः) enumerates the scientists of ancient India and elaborates on their contribution in various fields of scientific knowledge encompassing medicine, mathematics, astronomy, technology, architecture, chemistry, metallurgy, etc.<ref name=":0" />

Ancient Indian Scientists (Samskrit: शास्त्रज्ञाः महर्षयः) enumerates the scientists of ancient India and elaborates on their contribution in various fields of scientific knowledge encompassing [[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|medicine]], [[Ganita Shastra (गणितशास्त्रम्)|mathematics]], [[Vedanga Jyotisha (वेदाङ्गज्योतिषम्)|astronomy]], technology, architecture, [[Rasayana Shastra (रसायनशास्त्रम्)|chemistry]], [[Mineralogy (धातुशास्त्रम्)|metallurgy]], etc.<ref name=":0" />

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

Bharata is known for its long standing civilisational history with significant contributions to the fields of science, philosophy, literature, astronomy, architecture, etc.

[[Bharatavarsha (भरतवर्षम्)|Bharata]] is known for its long standing civilisational history with significant contributions to the fields of science, [[Shad Darshanas (षड्दर्शनानि)|philosophy]], literature, astronomy, architecture, etc.

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=== बोधायनः ॥ Bodhayana ===

=== बोधायनः ॥ Bodhayana ===

Bodhayana was a famous Indian mathematician around the 7th-8th century BCE. The ancient most shulbasutra text is known by his name viz. Baudhayana Shulbasutras. The shulbasutras are the oldest texts of geometry.  

Bodhayana was a famous Indian mathematician around the 7th-8th century BCE. The ancient most [[Shulbasutras (शुल्बसूत्राणि)|shulbasutra]] text is known by his name viz. Baudhayana Shulbasutras. The shulbasutras are the oldest texts of geometry.  

Bodhayana is especially known for providing a very close approximation (3.0883) of the value of Pi (π) and a clear enunciation of the so-called Pythagorean theorem as Bhuja-Koti-Karna-Nyaya in his Baudhayana shulbasutras much before Pythagoras.<ref>Mathematics in India: From Vedic Period to Modern Times, NPTEL Course ([https://nptel.ac.in/courses/111101080 Lectures 1-3]), Accessed on 10/08/2022.</ref><ref name=":0" />

Bodhayana is especially known for providing a very close approximation (3.0883) of the value of Pi (π) and a clear enunciation of the so-called Pythagorean theorem as Bhuja-Koti-Karna-Nyaya in his Baudhayana shulbasutras much before Pythagoras.<ref>Mathematics in India: From Vedic Period to Modern Times, NPTEL Course ([https://nptel.ac.in/courses/111101080 Lectures 1-3]), Accessed on 10/08/2022.</ref><ref name=":0" />

=== पिङ्गलाचार्यः ॥ Acharya Pingala ===

=== पिङ्गलाचार्यः ॥ Acharya Pingala ===

Acharya Pingala is an important name in the field of mathematics in ancient India. He lived between 2nd-3rd century BCE. Chandas Sutra also known as the Pingala Sutra is his work through which he contributed to the development of binary number system. He is considered the propounder of binary digits. Acharya Pingala's use of 'laghu' and guru' words later became the basis for the discovery of zero. It is believed that Acharya Pingala used the word Shunya which meant zero (0).<ref name=":0" />

Acharya Pingala is an important name in the field of mathematics in ancient India. He lived between 2nd-3rd century BCE. [[Chandas (छन्दस्)|Chandas Sutra]] also known as the Pingala Sutra is his work through which he contributed to the development of binary number system. He is considered the propounder of binary digits. Acharya Pingala's use of 'laghu' and guru' words later became the basis for the discovery of zero. It is believed that Acharya Pingala used the word Shunya which meant zero (0).<ref name=":0" />

=== आर्यभटः ॥ Aryabhata ===

=== आर्यभटः ॥ Aryabhata ===

The decimal place value system with zero adopted internationally traces its origin to Ancient Bharata. The decimal place value mode recognised in the Vedic Samhitas came to be clearly enunciated in mathematical-astronomical texts beginning with Aryabhata onwards.

The decimal place value system with zero adopted internationally traces its origin to Ancient Bharata. The decimal place value mode recognised in the [[Samhita (संहिता)|Vedic Samhitas]] came to be clearly enunciated in mathematical-astronomical texts beginning with Aryabhata onwards.

Aryabhata (born in 476 CE) was a great mathematician and astronomer of the 5th century. It is said that he wrote the text 'Aryabhatiya' at an early age of 23 years (in 499 CE). The Aryabhatiya is a book of mathematics and astronomy where Aryabhata mentions the use of decimals among many other things. It is interesting to note the importance of the decimal system and zero in the calculations of planetary distances.<ref name=":3">Dr. Binod Bihari Satpathy, [https://margheritacollege.in/admin_portal/all_mrgclg_files/department_studymat/History%20of%20science%20and%20technology%20in%20India9577.pdf History of Science and Technology in India] (accessed on 10/08/2022).</ref><ref name=":0" />

Aryabhata (born in 476 CE) was a great mathematician and astronomer of the 5th century. It is said that he wrote the text 'Aryabhatiya' at an early age of 23 years (in 499 CE). The Aryabhatiya is a book of mathematics and astronomy where Aryabhata mentions the use of decimals among many other things. It is interesting to note the importance of the decimal system and zero in the calculations of planetary distances.<ref name=":3">Dr. Binod Bihari Satpathy, [https://margheritacollege.in/admin_portal/all_mrgclg_files/department_studymat/History%20of%20science%20and%20technology%20in%20India9577.pdf History of Science and Technology in India] (accessed on 10/08/2022).</ref><ref name=":0" />

== भारतीयाः आयुर्वेदाचार्याः ॥ Indian Ayurveda Acharyas ==

== भारतीयाः आयुर्वेदाचार्याः ॥ Indian Ayurveda Acharyas ==

Did you know that Ayurveda is known as the oldest medicinal system of the world ? Ayurveda literally translates to 'the Science of Life' and is around 5000 years old. Ayurveda is indeed a gift from India to the world. Here is a brief description of the valuable contribution of famous Ayurveda Acharyas in the field of medicine.<ref name=":0" />

Did you know that [[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|Ayurveda]] is known as the oldest medicinal system of the world ? Ayurveda literally translates to 'the Science of Life' and is around 5000 years old. Ayurveda is indeed a gift from India to the world. Here is a brief description of the valuable contribution of famous Ayurveda Acharyas in the field of medicine.<ref name=":0" />

=== आचार्यः चरकः ॥ Acharya Charaka ===

=== आचार्यः चरकः ॥ Acharya Charaka ===

Acharya Charaka is known as the founder of Ayurveda. He was the physician of King Kanishka. He studied diseases, their causes and treatment in detail. And collected all his views in the book Charaka Samhita which is one of the ancient and authentic books of Ayurveda.<ref name=":0" /> It is said that Agnivesha was the composer of the original text and Charaka was the redactor of the same text. However, even after further redaction to the Samhita by Drdhabala, the nomenclature did not change, it continued to be known as Charaka Samhita. This shows that Acharya Charaka not only redacted but also thoroughly revised the text, elaborating it according to the need and on the basis of prevailing authentic knowledge, giving it new shape as a treatise.<ref name=":3" />

Acharya Charaka is known as the founder of Ayurveda. He was the physician of King Kanishka. He studied diseases, their causes and treatment in detail. And collected all his views in the book [[Charaka Samhita (चरक संहिता)|Charaka Samhita]] which is one of the ancient and authentic books of Ayurveda.<ref name=":0" /> It is said that Agnivesha was the composer of the original text and Charaka was the redactor of the same text. However, even after further redaction to the Samhita by Drdhabala, the nomenclature did not change, it continued to be known as Charaka Samhita. This shows that Acharya Charaka not only redacted but also thoroughly revised the text, elaborating it according to the need and on the basis of prevailing authentic knowledge, giving it new shape as a treatise.<ref name=":3" />

The text compiles information on around 2000 medicines and explains diseases of many organs with their treatment. Acharya Charaka believed in removing the cause of diseases and stated that prevention is better than cure. He believed that a physician needs to have knowledge and understanding of diseases to treat the patient.

The text compiles information on around 2000 medicines and explains diseases of many organs with their treatment. Acharya Charaka believed in removing the cause of diseases and stated that prevention is better than cure. He believed that a [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|physician]] needs to have knowledge and understanding of diseases to treat the patient.

Acharya Charaka is also considered the first physician to talk about concepts like digestion, immunity power and excretion. He believed that there are three areas of human body viz. cough (kapha), air (Vata) and bile (Pitta). And an imbalance in them leads a human to fall ill.  

Acharya Charaka is also considered the first physician to talk about concepts like digestion, immunity power and excretion. He believed that there are three areas of [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|human body]] viz. cough (kapha), air (Vata) and bile (Pitta). And an imbalance in them leads a human to fall ill.  

Indeed, the foundation of today's Ayurvedic medical system was laid by Acharya Charaka.<ref name=":0" />

Indeed, the foundation of today's Ayurvedic medical system was laid by Acharya Charaka.<ref name=":0" />

Acharya Sushruta is a great legendary in Ayurveda and has contributed to the field of surgery.<ref name=":3" /> A practical surgeon, he was the first to advocate the dissection of dead bodies as indispensable for a successful student of surgery.<ref>Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1907), [https://archive.org/details/englishtranslati01susruoft/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater An English Translation of The Sushruta Samhita], Calcutta.</ref> It is said that he himself studied the structure and anatomy of human body by dissecting dead human body.  

Acharya Sushruta is a great legendary in Ayurveda and has contributed to the field of surgery.<ref name=":3" /> A practical surgeon, he was the first to advocate the dissection of dead bodies as indispensable for a successful student of surgery.<ref>Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1907), [https://archive.org/details/englishtranslati01susruoft/page/n35/mode/2up?view=theater An English Translation of The Sushruta Samhita], Calcutta.</ref> It is said that he himself studied the structure and anatomy of human body by dissecting dead human body.  

He is the author of Sushruta Samhita and is known as the father of surgery. It is believed that the first surgery of the world was done by him.

He is the author of [[Sushruta Samhita (सुश्रुतसंहिता)|Sushruta Samhita]] and is known as the father of surgery. It is believed that the first surgery of the world was done by him.

Sushruta Samhita is a pool of knowledge. It enumerates about 1100 diseases and elaborates on the usage of about 760 plants and herbs. And most of these herbs are those used day to day in the kitchen. This text also documents about 191 tools used in surgery by Sushruta. And it is interesting to note that the procedure enunciated by Sushruta is similar to modern medical policy.<ref name=":0" />

Sushruta Samhita is a pool of knowledge. It enumerates about 1100 diseases and elaborates on the usage of about 760 plants and herbs. And most of these herbs are those used day to day in the kitchen. This text also documents about 191 tools used in surgery by Sushruta. And it is interesting to note that the procedure enunciated by Sushruta is similar to modern medical policy.<ref name=":0" />

Maharshi Patanjali is known as the compiler of the Yoga sutras, an important collection of aphorisms on Yoga practice. He is also considered as the author of an unspecified work of medicine<ref name=":3" /> (called Patanjali Tantra).<ref name=":0" />

Maharshi Patanjali is known as the compiler of the Yoga sutras, an important collection of aphorisms on Yoga practice. He is also considered as the author of an unspecified work of medicine<ref name=":3" /> (called Patanjali Tantra).<ref name=":0" />

The Yoga Sutras explain human nature and psychology while also being an intensely practical manual for spiritual advancement. Therefore, Yoga is both physical as well as mental. Physical yoga is called Hathayoga. Generally, it aims at removing a disease and restoring healthy condition to the body. While, Rajayoga is mental yoga. Its goal is self realisation and liberation from bondage by achieving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" />  

The Yoga Sutras explain human nature and psychology while also being an intensely practical manual for spiritual advancement. Therefore, [[Yoga Darshana (योगदर्शनम्)|Yoga]] is both physical as well as mental. Physical yoga is called Hathayoga. Generally, it aims at removing a disease and restoring healthy condition to the body. While, Rajayoga is mental yoga. Its goal is self realisation and liberation from bondage by achieving physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" />  

Thus, the science of Yoga, as developed in ancient India, aligned with the science of Ayurveda facilitated healing at the physical and mental level. And the credit of systematically presenting this great science goes to Maharshi Patanjali.<ref name=":3" /> The 106 Yoga sutras given by him form the base of Yoga Shastra. And therefore, Maharshi Patanjali known as the father of Yoga.<ref name=":0" />

Thus, the science of Yoga, as developed in ancient India, aligned with the science of Ayurveda facilitated healing at the physical and mental level. And the credit of systematically presenting this great science goes to Maharshi Patanjali.<ref name=":3" /> The 106 Yoga sutras given by him form the base of Yoga Shastra. And therefore, Maharshi Patanjali known as the father of Yoga.<ref name=":0" />

=== आर्यभटः ॥ Aryabhata ===

=== आर्यभटः ॥ Aryabhata ===

Aryabhata has already been enumerated as one of the most celebrated mathematicians of ancient India. He was also an astronomer ie. one who studies planets and galaxies. It is said that he studied in famous observatories at Nalanda.<ref name=":0" /> In fact, a verse mentions that Aryabhata was the head of an institution at Kusumapura identified as Pataliputra (modern Patna). Since the University of Nalanda, equipped with an astronomical observatory, was in Pataliputra at that time, it is speculated that Aryabhata may have been the head of Nalanda University.<ref name=":3" />

Aryabhata has already been enumerated as one of the most celebrated mathematicians of ancient India. He was also an astronomer ie. one who studies [[Grahas (ग्रहाः)|planets]] and galaxies. It is said that he studied in famous observatories at Nalanda.<ref name=":0" /> In fact, a verse mentions that Aryabhata was the head of an institution at Kusumapura identified as Pataliputra (modern Patna). Since the University of Nalanda, equipped with an astronomical observatory, was in Pataliputra at that time, it is speculated that Aryabhata may have been the head of Nalanda University.<ref name=":3" />

Earlier, it was believed that the earth is fixed at one place. Aryabhata was the first person to correctly insist that the earth constantly rotates about its axis<ref name=":0" /> daily and that the apparent movement of the stars is a relative motion caused by rotation of the earth, contrary to the then prevailing view that the sky rotated. This is indicated in the first chapter of his work, the Aryabhatiya, where he gives the number of rotations of the earth in a Yuga.

Earlier, it was believed that the earth is fixed at one place. Aryabhata was the first person to correctly insist that the [[Prthvi (पृथ्वी)|earth]] constantly rotates about its axis<ref name=":0" /> daily and that the apparent movement of the stars is a relative motion caused by rotation of the earth, contrary to the then prevailing view that the sky rotated. This is indicated in the first chapter of his work, the Aryabhatiya, where he gives the number of rotations of the earth in a Yuga.

The Solar and Lunar eclipses also were scientifically explained by Aryabhata. Instead of the prevailing cosmogony in which eclipses were caused by Rahu and Ketu (identified as pseudo-planetary lunar nodes), he explained eclipses in terms of shadows cast by and falling on earth. He even provided the computation and size of the eclipsed part during an eclipse.<ref name=":3" />

The [[Grahana (ग्रहणम्)|Solar and Lunar eclipses]] also were scientifically explained by Aryabhata. Instead of the prevailing cosmogony in which eclipses were caused by Rahu and Ketu (identified as pseudo-planetary lunar nodes), he explained eclipses in terms of shadows cast by and falling on earth. He even provided the computation and size of the eclipsed part during an eclipse.<ref name=":3" />

The main objective of studying astronomy was to make correct calendar or panchang, identify the correct season for crops etc. that will help people in farming. Aryabhata contributed to this.<ref name=":0" /> The calendric calculations devised by Aryabhata and his followers have been in continuous use in India for the practical purposes of fixing the Panchanga (the Hindu calendar).<ref name=":3" />

The main objective of studying astronomy was to make correct calendar or panchang, identify the correct season for crops etc. that will help people in farming. Aryabhata contributed to this.<ref name=":0" /> The calendric calculations devised by Aryabhata and his followers have been in continuous use in India for the practical purposes of fixing the Panchanga (the Hindu calendar).<ref name=":3" />

=== भास्कराचार्यः ॥ Bhaskaracharya ===

=== भास्कराचार्यः ॥ Bhaskaracharya ===

Bhaskaracharya's contribution in the field of Mathematics has already been enumerated. He also gave many astronomical calculations. For eg. Bhaskarcharya calculated accurate time of a year, that is, the time taken by earth to complete a revolution of the Sun.<ref name=":0" />

Bhaskaracharya's contribution in the field of Mathematics has already been enumerated. He also gave many astronomical calculations. For eg. Bhaskarcharya calculated accurate time of a year, that is, the time taken by earth to complete a revolution of the [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Sun]].<ref name=":0" />

The Ganitadhyaya and Goladhyaya of his work Siddhanta Shiromani are devoted to astronomy.<ref name=":3" /> It deals with distance of planets, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, phases of moon etc. and other essential knowledge of ancient Indian astronomy. He also writes about space, movement of planets, phases and its calculation etc in this book.<ref name=":0" /> In fact, his book Siddhanta Shiromani surpassed all the ancient books of astronomy in India.<ref name=":3" />  

The Ganitadhyaya and Goladhyaya of his work Siddhanta Shiromani are devoted to astronomy.<ref name=":3" /> It deals with distance of planets, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, phases of moon etc. and other essential knowledge of ancient Indian astronomy. He also writes about space, movement of planets, phases and its calculation etc in this book.<ref name=":0" /> In fact, his book Siddhanta Shiromani surpassed all the ancient books of astronomy in India.<ref name=":3" />  

Varahamihira belonged to Ujjain and is famous for two of his works namely, Pancha Siddhantika and the Brhat Samhita. The Pancha Siddhantika is a treatise on the five astronomical canons. A work on mathematical astronomy, itn its five parts it summarises five earlier astronomical treatises namely,

Varahamihira belonged to Ujjain and is famous for two of his works namely, Pancha Siddhantika and the Brhat Samhita. The Pancha Siddhantika is a treatise on the five astronomical canons. A work on mathematical astronomy, itn its five parts it summarises five earlier astronomical treatises namely,

# Surya Siddhanta

# [[Surya Siddhanta (सूर्य सिद्धांता)|Surya Siddhanta]]

# Vasishtha Siddhanta

# Vasishtha Siddhanta

# Paulisha Siddhanta

# Paulisha Siddhanta

=== महर्षिः कणादः ॥ Maharshi Kanada ===

=== महर्षिः कणादः ॥ Maharshi Kanada ===

Maharshi Kanada is the founder of the Vaisheshika school of Indian philosophy<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">Chandradhar Sharma (1962), [https://ia800804.us.archive.org/25/items/IndianPhilosophyACriticalSurvey/Indian-Philosophy-A-Critical-Survey.pdf Indian Philosophy: A Critical Survey], U.S.A.: Barnes & Noble, INC.</ref> which incorporates within itself the ancient Indian tradition of physics.<ref name=":5">Roopa Narayan, [https://www.ece.lsu.edu/kak/roopa51.pdf Space, Time and Anu in Vaisheshika], Accessed on 13/10/2022.</ref>  

Maharshi Kanada is the founder of the [[Vaiseshika Darshana (वैशेषिकदर्शनम्)|Vaisheshika]] school of Indian philosophy<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4">Chandradhar Sharma (1962), [https://ia800804.us.archive.org/25/items/IndianPhilosophyACriticalSurvey/Indian-Philosophy-A-Critical-Survey.pdf Indian Philosophy: A Critical Survey], U.S.A.: Barnes & Noble, INC.</ref> which incorporates within itself the ancient Indian tradition of physics.<ref name=":5">Roopa Narayan, [https://www.ece.lsu.edu/kak/roopa51.pdf Space, Time and Anu in Vaisheshika], Accessed on 13/10/2022.</ref>  

It is said that Maharshi Kanada was thus named because, as an ascetic, he used to live on the grains picked up from the fields. Interestingly, 'Kana' also means a particle and therefore, Kanada suggests one who spoke about particles.<ref name=":4" />

It is said that Maharshi Kanada was thus named because, as an ascetic, he used to live on the grains picked up from the fields. Interestingly, 'Kana' also means a particle and therefore, Kanada suggests one who spoke about particles.<ref name=":4" />

He authored the Vaisheshika Sutras also known as Kanada Sutras. He was the first person to talk about Anu ie. the most fundamental particle of matter. He believed that the smallest unit of physical world is not perceivable to the naked eyes. And cannot be divided or destroyed. However, it is capable of conjunction and hence, he states that the whole world is made up of these Anu-s. And such visible gross matter can be divided until it reaches the final indivisible entity ie. the Anu.

He authored the Vaisheshika Sutras also known as Kanada Sutras. He was the first person to talk about Anu ie. the most fundamental particle of matter. He believed that the smallest unit of physical world is not perceivable to the naked eyes. And cannot be divided or destroyed. However, it is capable of conjunction and hence, he states that the whole world is made up of these Anu-s. And such visible gross matter can be divided until it reaches the final indivisible entity ie. the Anu.

This principle putforth by Maharshi Kanad seems far ahead of its times in comparison to the present principles of molecule or nucleus. But it is interesting to note that the idea of tanmatra which is viewd as a kind of potential out of which materiality emerges in the cosmology of Samkhya prevalent in those times has features similar to that of Anu in the Vaisheshika Darshana.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" />

This principle putforth by Maharshi Kanad seems far ahead of its times in comparison to the present principles of molecule or nucleus. But it is interesting to note that the idea of tanmatra which is viewd as a kind of potential out of which materiality emerges in the cosmology of [[Samkhya Darshana (साङ्ख्यदर्शनम्)|Samkhya]] prevalent in those times has features similar to that of Anu in the Vaisheshika Darshana.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" />

=== नागार्जुनः ॥ Nagarjun ===

=== नागार्जुनः ॥ Nagarjun ===

<references />

<references />