A Few Hidden Facts That Will Give You An Outline Of Ancient India
Let's dwell the past!
The Ancient India existed from the pre-historic era to the start of the middle age. Located in the southeast of Asia, it has derived its name, `Bharata' from the ancient mythological emperor, Bharata, whose story is told, in part, in the Indian epic Mahabharata. The culture of the traditional India was much simple and sorted as compared to modern India which is way too complex.
The people in Ancient era followed almost all the religions, but the majority of the citizens followed Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Zoroastrianism. Religion played a central and definitive role in the Ancient India. Talking about the culture, each era in the ancient India was unique in its distinctive culture.
Ancient India Timeline: The inhabitation of the human began at 4,00,000 BC and ended in 2500 BC. This period was known at the pre-historic period. The major events that took place in this era were Paleolithic Age, Mesolithic Age, Neolithic Age, and Age in the sub-continent. With the end of the pre-historic age, then came the civilization culture, from the Indus Valley Civilisation to the merging of Indo-Aryan culture to form a Vedic civilization and then finally the rise of religion in ancient India.
Ancient India Geography: The people of ancient India lived in extremes. It was much more extended to the northwest region, which is present day modern Pakistan and Afghanistan. The major rivers flowing were Indus and Ganga. To the north, lied Himalayan and Hindu Kush mountains. The geography of India is one of the great extremes, encompassing desert, mountains, forest, and jungle; though the extreme climatic conditions were the great assets for the development of civilizations.
Ancient India Art: Just like exclusive culture, Ancient India was rich in art and artifacts. The art forms have continuously evolved over thousands of years. In ancient India, various art forms like sculpture, paintings, and architecture advanced. The history of art in ancient India begins with prehistoric rock paintings.
Well, there are some fantasizing facts about ancient India that will give you an insight of how the primitive people lived in India. I've compiled such facts here. Have a look!
1. Slavery never existed in ancient India.
According to Greek Philosophers, India was the only society which never knew slavery. The primitive people were well sufficient and fed their family well. They were occupied in a variety of occupations to earn their bread and butter.
Unlike modern era, that shows how poverty and lack of development exist in India. India was the most affluent country on earth until British came over and started ruling in the early 17th Century. Christopher Columbus was attracted by India's wealth and was looking for a route to India when he discovered American continent by mistake.
2. Achievements in the field of Mathematics in ancient India.
Primordial India is characterized by many achievements in multiple fields be it science, maths, medicines, art, architecture, construction of buildings and many more. Aryabhatta, the great astronomer, and scientist invented the number, zero. Even the number system was originated in ancient India. It was during the 6th century that Budhayana first calculated and introduced the value of pie and explained the concept of Pythagoras theorem.
In the 11th century, Quadratic Equations were presented by Sridharacharya. Indians used numbers that were way too big and complex than European numbers. While the latter restricted themselves to 106, the Indians went a step ahead and used numbers as big as 1053.
3. The advancement in the field of medicines.
Over 2500 years ago, Charaka, the father of medicine consolidated Ayurveda. It is the earliest school of medicine known to humans. Today, Ayurveda is fast regaining its rightful place in our civilization. It is the only system which takes the holistic view of the person being treated.
During ancient regime, over 2600 years ago, complicated surgeries like artificial limbs, cesareans, cataract, urinary stones, fractures, and even plastic surgery and brain surgery were performed. Sushruta was the father of surgery.Primitive people were well aware of the usage of anesthesia. Near about 125 surgical equipment were used.
We still find the detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, etiology, embryology, digestion, metabolism, genetics and immunity in many ancient books.
4. The primitive people used the Sanskrit language.
According to a report in Forbes magazine, July 1987, Sanskrit is considered the mother of all higher languages. Sanskrit is the most precise, and therefore suitable language for computer software. Many English and Hindi words have been originated from this language.
5. The ancient India was called 'The Golden Bird'.
India was known as the golden bird because of her wealth. The later invaders came to India in search of wealth. India was the only source for diamonds to the world till 1896, according to the Gemological Institute of America.
During the period when the Mughals ruled India, the country's income was 17.5 million Pounds, which was greater than the entire treasury of Great Britain. It is interesting to know that India was the world's largest economy between 1 AD and 1000 AD.
6. Games in ancient India.
In the 13th century, a poet-saint named Gyandev invented the interesting game, Snakes and Ladders that we enjoy playing today. Known as Mokshapat during ancient times, the game had a significant and profound meaning. The snakes depicted vices, while the ladders represented good virtues. The essence of the game was that the ladders or good attributes take people to heaven while snakes or vices take people to a cycle of re-births. Even the game Chess was a popular game of ancient India.
7. A few of the learning institutions of the ancient India.
You'll be surprised to know that the world's first university was established in India, in Takshila in 700 BC. It was one of the biggest achievements in the field of education, as more than 10,500 students came from all across the world to receive training in over 60 different subjects. The University of Nalanda was another milestone that was achieved in the field of education in 4th century BC.
8. Science and Navigation in primitive India.
Over 6000 years ago, the art of Navigation was born in the river Sindh. Even the word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word NAVGATIH. And apparently the word navy from Sanskrit 'Nou'.
Ancient Indians had a well-developed concept and network of water harvesting. The earliest reservoir and dam for irrigation was built in Saurashtra. This lake was called Sudarshana and built by the Shaka king, Rudradaman.
Bhaskaracharya, the great astronomer, and mathematician of ancient India was the first person to calculate the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun.
You may also like:
- 3-D GIF’s
- Get link
- Other Apps
- Get link
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment