8,365
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 8:
Line 8: − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
Ancient Indian Physics (भौतिकविज्ञानम्) (view source)
Revision as of 14:32, 25 November 2025
, 25 Novemberadded content
Physics deals with matter and energy and their interactions. Measurements are central to the growth of physics, and length (space), time, and mass are the three most important physical quantities, called the fundamental quantities. Most other physical quantities are generally expressed in terms of mass, length, and time. For example, speed is measured in miles per hour (or kilometres per hour) and involves a measurement of space (distance) and time.
Physics deals with matter and energy and their interactions. Measurements are central to the growth of physics, and length (space), time, and mass are the three most important physical quantities, called the fundamental quantities. Most other physical quantities are generally expressed in terms of mass, length, and time. For example, speed is measured in miles per hour (or kilometres per hour) and involves a measurement of space (distance) and time.
== Matter and Mass ==
== Source Texts for Physics in India ==
There are many sources of knowledge of physics in ancient Indian texts and a wide range of topic they dealt with.
# [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]] - They were the earliest texts that deal with the [[Srshti Siddhanta (सृष्टिसिद्धान्तः)|concepts of cosmology]], creation of the universe and cosmic cycles. Sutra granthas specifically the [[Shulbasutras (शुल्बसूत्राणि)|Shulbasutras]] gave the fundamentals of mathematics and their application in geometry and architecture.
# [[Upanishads (उपनिषदः)|Upanishads]] - They explain interconnectedness of matter-energy, their relationship and unity, the chemical qualities such as solubility, viscosity etc. Physical
# Darshanas - They put forth the earliest atomic theory, defined matter, their interactions and attributes. [[Vaiseshika Darshana (वैशेषिकदर्शनम्)|Vaiseshika darshana]] elaborates the atomic theory (Paramanu), classified reality into seven padarthas and explained their characteristics.
# Puranas - A great deal of information on light, cosmology is specifically noted in Vishnu, Vayu and Matsya puranas.<ref>Kak, S. (1999). The Speed of Light and Puranic Cosmology. In ''Annals of Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute,'' vol. 80, pp. 113-123, 1999. arXiv:physics/9804020v3 [physics.hist-ph] 15 Jan 2001</ref>
# Vaastu shastra, Shilpa shastra - They discuss the principles of structure, geometry, acoustics, and materials.
# Siddhanta granthas - Surya siddhanta for example describes the planetary motion, eclipses, calculation of time (concept of cyclic time, yugas, kalpas) and trignometric functions.
# Commentaries - Astronomical texts such as [[Aryabhata (आर्यभट्ट)|Aryabhata's]] Aryabhatiya gave the foundational concepts such as rotational motion of earth, celestial body calculations, correct order of planetary orbits and the infiniteness of the universe. Bhaskara II's Siddhanta Shiromani deals with advanced astronomical principles, mechanics and planetary equations. A commentary of Kamasutra by Visvakarma details design of machines.
# Other works - Many texts were lost but we find their references in major texts such as Mahabhashya, Mahabharata, Puranas, Arthashastra and Samarangana Sutradhara.
## Samarangana Sutradhara - Yantras or contrivances useful in creating mechanical objects such as birds, fountains are described in this text. It also describes yantras used in war machines, water-lifting instruments for agricultural uses, and time devices such as water clocks for astronomical measurements.
## Yantrarnava - describes physical concepts such as generation of power/energy or motion through the continuous movement of lever/pulley.
## Natyashastra - describes various musical instruments and their acoustical characteristics
## Agasthya Samhita - describes electrical cells
== Matter and Mass in Vaiseshika Darshana ==
In order to define and distinguish matter, Kanāda divides matter, or substance into [[Padarthas (पदार्थाः)|padarthas]] or six categories (Vais. Sutr. 1.1.4)<ref name=":0" />
In order to define and distinguish matter, Kanāda divides matter, or substance into [[Padarthas (पदार्थाः)|padarthas]] or six categories (Vais. Sutr. 1.1.4)<ref name=":0" />