Day 23 – Q 2.Examine the contribution of Vedic literature in the fields of science, geography and medicine.
2. Examine the contribution of Vedic literature in the fields of science, geography and medicine.
विज्ञान, भूगोल और चिकित्सा के क्षेत्र में वैदिक साहित्य के योगदान की जांच करें।
Introduction:
Vedic literature includes sacred ancient writings of Hinduism in Sanskrit belonging to a period from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. They were mainly in oral tradition.
Vedic literature includes
- Four Vedas- Rigveda, Sama, Yajurveda, Atharvaveda.
- Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads.
- Upavedas, Puranas.
Body:
Vedic literature contributed to various fields of knowledge in following way
Medicine:
- Atharvaveda contains chapters relating to medicine, surgery.
- Ayurveda focusing on usage of natural herbs.
- Yoga for holistic development of mind and body.
Science:
- Sulba sutra dealing with geometry. Ex: Budhayana sutras mentions Pythagoras theorem
- Notation of decimal system and use of zero was known to Indians as mentioned in atharvaveda
- Making of dyes from plant sources.
- Upavedas are regarded as basis for modern science. Ex: Dhanurveda- military science.
Geography:
- Gives detail about physical features like rivers Indus, Saraswati, Ganga; mountain systems like Himalayas, Aravallis.
- Information on agriculture and animals domesticated.
- Presence of settlements along river tributaries gave insight that civilizations flourished along river valley.
Being a treasure of knowledge, Vedic literature not only fueled scientific developments in future (Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Varahamihira), also spread knowledge throughout the world (Arabs-Europe).
Conclusion:
In today’s world, binary system which is very backbone of software computer application are fundamentally resting on the concept of zero found in Vedic literature. Yoga remains as a best option for wellbeing in today’s busy world. This way, Vedic knowledge continues to hold relevance even today.
Best Answer: Ankita Munshi
