Draft:Hindu Science Draft

References

Not to be confused with Vedic Science.

Hinduism is one of the oldest religion in the world with so much contribution towards modern science.

Introduction

Hinduism has a long history of scientific and technological advancements that still influence contemporary thinking. Long before the invention of contemporary labs, India contributed important contributions to science and technology, according to research. Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas are the main pillar or foundation of science in Hinduism. It teaches range of subjects like Cosmology, Mathematics, Science, Astronomy and Medicine.

The roots of modern science has been laid from various concepts created by ancient Indians. The similarities between Hindu philosophy and contemporary science are profound and fascinating, ranging from the cyclical nature of the cosmos as represented in quantum physics to the healing concepts of Ayurveda incorporated into holistic medicine.

“Many of the advances in the sciences that we consider today to have been made in Europe were made in India centuries ago.” - James Grant Duff (British Historian)

The creation song, which examines naturalism, disbelief, and atheism as potential responses to the query, "How did all this begin?" represents the early Vedic mindset, which is best described as pluralism.

"There was neither non-existence nor existence then; there was neither the realm of space nor the sky which is beyond. What stirred? Where? In whose protection? Was there water, bottomless deep? There was neither death nor immortality then. There was no distinguishing sign of night nor of day. That one breathed, windless, by its own impulse. Other than that there was nothing beyond.…Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it? Whence was it produced? Whence is this creation? The gods came afterwards, with the creation of the universe. Who then knows whence it has arisen? Whence this creation has arisen – perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not – the one who looks down on it, in the highest heaven, only he knows – or perhaps he does not know." - Rigveda (10.129)

This passage explores the origins of the universe and is taken from the Nasadiya Sukta, (Hymn of Creation) in the Rigveda. Before creation, it depicts a primordial condition in which ideas like space, time, death, and immortality did not exist and existence or non-existence predominated. The song raises important issues regarding the nature and origin of creation, including what impulse or force started it and which authority or protection it was under. It implies that the beginning of creation is beyond divine comprehension because it admits that even the gods, who are regarded as creators, existed after the cosmos began. By acknowledging that even the ultimate cosmic overseer—often regarded as a supreme deity or universal consciousness—might not fully understand the origins of creation, the passage ends doubt.

In the West, the scientific revolution emerged through the rejection of Divine order, marking a break from religious tradition. In contrast, ancient India witnessed no such divide; science flourished with faith and reason. The Vedic tradition, while respected, was never questioned. Its interpretations and authority were constantly scrutinized both from within and by contemporary critics. This intellectual environment created a culture where faith, reason, and science coexisted. The pluralism and synergy between faith and reason during Vedic times played a vital role in cherish scientific pursuits.

Examples from ancient Hinduism illustrate how early sciences were inspired by Vedic testimony. Linguistics, for instance, emerged due to the importance of understanding and preserving Vedic texts. Other sciences, such as mathematics, geometry, and logic, developed as abstract disciplines, while empirical sciences like medicine and astronomy advanced through observations of phenomena visible to the naked eye. Despite the limitations in tools for investigation, ancient Hindu scholars achieved significant heights by combining investigation with the spiritual and philosophical imperatives of their time.

SCIENCE AND SCIENTIST IN ANCIENT INDIA

MEDICAL SCIENCE IN ANCIENT INDIA

Sushruta

Sage Sushruta, known as the "Father of Surgery," was a pioneer in ancient medicine. He invented and performed rhinoplasty (nose surgery), amputations, cataract surgeries, and even delivered babies. He created 125 surgical tools like scalpels and needles and was the first to study human anatomy through autopsies. His book, Sushruta Samhita, describes over 1,100 diseases, methods to preserve dead bodies for study, and advanced surgical techniques. Sushruta’s work laid the foundation for surgery and medicine in ancient India.

Charak

Charak, known as the "Father of Ayurveda," was a pioneer of the "prevention is better than cure" philosophy. He emphasized the importance of understanding a patient fully before treatment, stating, "A physician who does not enter a patient’s body with the lamp of knowledge and understanding will never be able to treat diseases." He advised considering all factors, including the patient's surroundings, before prescribing medicine. His book, Charak Samhita, is a remarkable work that describes numerous diseases, their causes, and methods of treatment.

Cloning In Ancient India

The Concise Columbia Encyclopedia defines a clone as “a group of organisms descended from a single individual through asexual reproduction.” There are several references suggesting that ancient people were aware of cloning. In the Ramayana, Kusha, the son of Sita, is described as a clone of Lava, created by the sage Valmiki from withered grass (kusha in Sanskrit). Similarly, in the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that the Kauravas were created by dividing a single embryo into 100 parts, each grown in its own container. Ancient Indians not only understood the concepts of cloning and embryo splitting, but they also possessed knowledge of growing human fetuses outside a woman’s body—something modern science has yet to achieve.