Great Indians........

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ARYABHATT

(476 CE) 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 II

(1114-1183 CE)

 

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 CE)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Success is not permanent and

failure is not final