India’s Revolutionary Global Contributions That Influenced, Inspired, And Shaped Modern Civilizations
India has greatly contributed to the world in diverse fields from literature and spirituality to mathematics and science to art and philosophy. The country has always played a pivotal role in enriching the culture, knowledge, and innovation of the world as a leader or “Vishwa Guru” since time immemorial. The legacy of the peninsular nation continues to shape and influence the world in various aspects even today. In this article, let us explore how India’s major contributions to the world inspired, influenced, and helped shape modern civilizations.
Mathematics
India’s contribution to the field of mathematics is significant. Without these notable contributions, modern civilization would have been different.
Zero: Zero’s value is nothing but when it is added to the right of any numeric, it increases its value. Ancient Indian mathematician Aryabhata introduced zero (0) which is fundamental to modern mathematics. This contribution revolutionized the concept of mathematics and laid the foundation of modern arithmetic. Without zero, the world might not have explored numerically beyond 9.
Decimal: Decimal is another significant contribution to the world by the Indian mathematician Brahmagupta. The decimal system also plays a crucial role in algebra. Without the decimal system, accounting and computing would have been vastly complex and far more complex.
Pi and Pythagoras theorem: Pi and Pythagoras theorem were invented in India and Indian mathematicians calculated the value of Pi with high accuracy which had a significant contribution towards trigonometry and geometry.
Science and Medicine
Ayurveda: India’s great gift to mankind, Ayurveda is a very ancient branch of science concerning medicine and medical health. Ayurveda’s power of healing spread all over the world from the roots of India. It emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness and health like none else. It popularizes a different lifestyle practice offering a whole new approach to helping illnesses by understanding nature through remedies obtained from natural sources.
Yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation are probably India’s greatest contributions to the world. India has taught the immense mental, physical, and spiritual benefits and transformative power of yoga and meditation over life to people all over the globe. The power of meditation is little understood till now while yoga is already an established branch of science, but the popularity of both has surged across the world like never before.
Sushruta Samhita: Regarded as one of the most ancient foundational works in the history of medicine and surgery. This Indian Vedic treatise by legendary medical practitioner Sushruta has compilations describing even modern plastic surgery, cataract operations, and more.
Astronomy and Navigation
Astronomy: Ancient Indian astronomers like Aryabhata’s contributions to astronomy are significant. Understanding the celestial bodies, calculating the planetary positions, and their movements, lunar eclipse, and the concept of heliocentric laid the foundation of astronomical studies.
Navigation: Ancient Indian sailors developed sophisticated navigation techniques. These techniques of using stars and constellations for maritime navigation were quite useful for sailors from around the world. This facilitated exploration and trade overseas.
Culinary Heritage
Spices: India is known as the ‘land of spices’ to the world because of its storehouse of a unique collection of numerous spices. These spices are famed for their aroma, flavor, and texture attracting the love and attention of traders from across the world.
Vegetarian cuisine: India introduced a diverse range of flavored vegetarian cuisine to the world. The flavored dishes gained worldwide popularity for their health benefits.
Literature and Arts
Poetry and Epics: India boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and tradition. The rich literary tradition includes epics like Ramayana and Mahabharat. Being a land of diverse languages, India has a rich literary heritage and has always been rich in regional literature. The languages have played a crucial role in shaping literature, arts, dramatic and didactic poetry, etc.
Dance and music: India is a socially, linguistically, and culturally diverse country like none else. The rich diversity found here in language, dance, music, tradition, and customs are very unique and vary from place to place. When it comes to dance forms, India has some of the richest array of classical dances with many dating back to ancient times, centuries to millennia old. The splendid display of culture and tradition through the dance forms of Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, and many more have influenced and inspired people across the world over many generations. Similarly, there are scores of Hindustani classical music that have a huge impact on global performing arts.
Conclusion
India’s contribution to the world encompasses a wide range of fields and is profound. The significant contributions reflect its rich diversity in various fields. The legacy of ancient India continues to influence and inspire various aspects of modern civilizations and enrich them.