SCIENCE IN SANKSKRIT

          Sanskrit language is an ancient one.  The word itself means “Pure, Perfect and Refined”.  It is also known as “Deva Bhasha” or “the language of God”.  The foundation of Indian culture is based on this language.  Sanskrit is viewed only as a religious language, but to our surprise, its literature rich in Philosophy, Astronomy, Mathematics and Science etc.   Many scientific ideas like Revolving of Earth around the Sun, Newton’s Laws of Gravitation have already been found to be incorporated in Sanskrit literature. 

          In mathematics, Zero forms an integral part of thousands, millions and trillions.  However, this Zero was already invented by Aryabatta.   The Number “One Lakh” is called “Laksha” in Indian Numerical System, “100 Lakhs” is called “One Crore”, 100 Crores is called “One Arab”, 100 Arab is called “One Kharab”.  100 Kharab is called “One Neel”.  100 Neel is called “One Padma” and 100 Padma is called “One Shank” and 100 Shank is called “One Maha Shank”.  One Maha Shank can be described as “1” followed by 19 Zeros.  Aryabhatta had calculated the value of Pi as 3.1416.  Further, the Pythagoras theorem was known to Indians as “BAUDHAYANA SUTRA” thousands of years ago.

          Like Mathematics, in the field of Astronomy, Aryabhatta, in his book “Aryabhattiya” presented a mathematical system that postulated that the earth rotates on its own axis and revolves round the sun.  Varahamihira presented the theory of gravitation.  Even before the invention of modern instruments like Telescopes, the time and date of solar and lunar eclipses are being predicted based on Vedic calculations.  The Speed of Light of 3X10⁸   was already calculated in Rig Vedas as “2202 Yojanas in Half-a-Minute”.  One Yojana means 9 Miles. 

          In the field of Medicine, Sushruta was known as the “Father of Plastic Surgery”.  In his book, “Sushruta Samhita” he had mentioned in detail about the medicines, surgeries and tools used in surgeries.  The book “Charaka Samhita” is the foundation for Ayurvedic medicines.

          In Engineering, immense progress was made, which is evident from the Great Indian Temples like Sun Temple of Konark.  The references to Construction of Ships, Types of Transport, Alloys and Metallurgy of Iron and Copper were already discussed in “Bhrigu Samhita” and “Yantrarnavam” etc.

          A recent study by Dr.Fred Travis, HOD, Department of Neurophysics, Maharishi Univerisity confirmed that reading Sanskrit verses have profound physiological effects on human brain.  This suggests that physiological state reached during practicing medication and active mental process integrated while reading Sanskrit is similar.

          Thus, we can take pride in the fact that modern invention and theoris have already been incorporated in our ancient language and it is our duty to preserve our pristine heritage.