In the second piece of this article series, the outstanding contributions made by Rishi Kanad, Rishi Kapil, Rishi Baudhayana, and Rishi Nagarjuna are discussed in greater detail. Their contributions to Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Geometry, Medicine, and Metallurgy are outstanding. The Western world has exploited this knowledge to boost its scientific and technical capabilities. Ancient knowledge is combined with sustainable development that prioritizes environmental and animal health. The Western world uses this knowledge solely for material gain. It is every Bharatiya’s responsibility to apply this information for overall growth while keeping the environment and the health of humans and animals in mind.
Maharishi Kanada: First Scientist who explained Atomic Structure
In the ancient Bharatiya scientific tradition, Maharishi Kanad’s name is recorded as the father of nuclear science. About 600 years before Christ, when most of the world was ignorant of the mysteries of the structure of matter, Maharishi Kanad propounded the Atomic Theory. The foundation of the theory known as Dalton’s in modern science was actually laid by Maharishi Kanad. He proved that the basic unit of every substance is Param Anu. Which he himself named ‘Paramanu’.
Maharishi Kanada not only presented atoms as the most minute and indivisible unit, but he also explained that two similar types of atoms can combine to form a combined unit, which he called “Dvinuk”. This Dvinuk corresponds to the concept of a binary molecule in modern chemistry. This view of Maharishi Kanada was the first scientific analysis of atomic structure and molecular science, which he presented in a systematic form of a philosophy.
Maharishi Kanada propounded the principles of atomic science in detail in his treatise Vaisheshik Darshan. His philosophy centred on the fact that every element of the universe can be understood as an atom. He described the laws of structure, motion and change of matter, which appear to be parallel to the principles of modern physics and chemistry. According to Kanada, atoms are not only the basic elements of the physical structure, but their motion and combination produce the diversity of the world.
Maharishi Kanada not only explained the structure of the atom, but also formulated the Laws of Motion, which are described in detail in his Vaisheshika philosophy. According to him, the nature of every object is to be in motion, and this motion is produced due to external forces or internal tendencies. This theory later played an important role in the development of modern theories of motion and force.
Maharshi Kapil
Maharishi Kapil was one of the leading sages of Bharatiya philosophy who propounded the Sankhya Darshan. Sankhya Darshan is a profound knowledge system based on elements, in which Maharishi Kapil described the subtlest forms of elements to understand the origin and nature of the universe. He accepted that it is difficult to tell the exact shape of the elements from which the universe is made, but those elements are so subtle that their presence can be known only by their qualities.
The most important contribution of Maharishi Kapil is the Triguna Siddhanta, according to which this world is based on three qualities – Satvaguna, Rajoguna and Tamoguna. These three qualities control the structure, functioning and development of the world.
Sattva Guna symbolises light, peace and balance.
Rajo Guna symbolises energy and turmoil.
Tamo Guna symbolises ignorance, inertia and stability.
These three Gunas together define the totality of the universe and all the activities of the world are governed by their balance.
Kapil was the first to present a systematic theory of the origin of the universe. He saw the world as a sequential development process in the origin of the universe from three eternal elements – Paramatma, Jivatma and Prakriti. Maharishi Kapil made it clear that the world is created by the combination of these three elements, and these three elements influence, control, and govern the universe.
“Kapilsmriti” is an important scripture written by Maharshi Kapil, in which he expounded religious and spiritual principles in detail. Kapilsmriti not only gives the rules and guidance of religion, but also explains the deep mysteries of life. This scripture is an invaluable source for understanding the Dharmic and social structure of ancient India.
The proof of Maharshi Kapil’s greatness is that he is also mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita. According to the Gita, Maharshi Kapil was the first to systematically propound the creation of the universe and the mysteries of life. He observed and explained the creation of the world with a profound vision, which gives him a leading place in the history of Indian philosophy.
Maharshi Baudhayana
Maharshi Baudhayana was a great mathematician of ancient Bharat and the author of Shulva Shastra. Baudhayana’s contribution to Shulva Shastra, which was then called Geometry, is unique. Baudhayana’s work is considered to be the main pillar of the Indian mathematical tradition, and his contribution is recognised worldwide. It is considered important throughout the world.
Origin of Pythagoras’ Theorem Baudhayana: The oldest written description of the theorem, which is known today as Pythagoras is found in the Shulva Sutras of Maharishi Baudhayana. Baudhayana presented this theorem related to the right-angled triangle, which says that the area of the square formed on the diagonal of a right-angled triangle is equal to the sum of the squares formed on its sides.
This theorem was presented by Baudhayana as follows: if a rope is stretched on the diagonal of a right-angled triangle, then the area of the square formed on it is equal to the sum of the squares formed on the vertical and horizontal sides. This statement is one of the most ancient and accurate geometric principles in history as the “Baudhayana Theorem”.
Baudhayana discovered this theorem centuries before Pythagoras. Although Pythagoras was born around the 8th century before Christ, Baudhayana’s theorem was being taught in Bharat since the 15th century before Christ. Knowing this fact, it is clear that the Pythagoras theorem is actually the contribution of Baudhayana and shows Bharat’s leading position in the field of mathematics and geometry.
Not only the Pythagorean theorem is found in Baudhāyana’s Shulva Sutras, but many other important theorems related to mathematics and geometry are also found. These include the approximate value of the square of 2 and elementary mathematical theorems. Baudhāyana’s mathematical Siddhānta and theorems are still considered an important basis for the study of mathematics.
Rishi Nagarjuna
Sage Nagarjuna is known as the greatest chemist and metallurgist of ancient Bharat. He did extensive research on chemistry and metallurgy and made unique contributions to this field in his time. Many of his works contain unique principles of chemistry, of which ‘Rasa Ratnakar’ and ‘Rasendra Mangal’ are especially famous. These texts explained the complex topics of chemistry in a simple way and highlighted his approach to science.
Nagarjuna’s medical ability and understanding made him an expert in preparing medicines for incurable diseases. He also made invaluable contributions to medicine manufacturing and medical science. Some of his major medical texts include ‘Kakshaputtantra’, ‘Arogya Manjari’, ‘Yoga Saar’, and ‘Yogashtak’. In these texts, he not only described various therapies, but also explained in detail the process of preparing Ayurvedic medicines.
He also developed the techniques of refining various metals and preparing mixtures. He worked on the methods of refining mercury and other metals. He also described in detail the processes of refining Maharasas.
Nagarjuna developed the Samadhi techniques of converting metals into gold or silver, which are still considered as a wonderful discovery of ancient science. The refining of mercury developed by him was not only used for metal transformation but also for making people healthy and long-lived. Nagarjuna’s contribution is not limited to chemistry and metallurgy, his medical methods and medicinal discoveries give a new dimension to medical science. His research and theories even today show us how advanced and profound the science of ancient Bharat was. Nagarjuna lived a life dedicated to science, and the research work done by him enriched the field of chemistry and medicine.
Let us go extensively into the various principles, thoughts, and hypotheses presented by our great scientists from ancient times. More such scientists will be featured in future articles.
