10 Gifts India Gave to the World

Ayurveda

India's ancient system of medicine, Ayurveda, is a holistic approach that harmonizes mind, body, and spirit. Believed to have originated in the Iron Age, this ancient system of medicine includes herbal medicine, meditation, special diets, home remedies and many more practices.

According to legends, the World's first Surgery was performed in India and the world's first Surgeon was Maharishi Sushruta. Thus it is a major Indian contribution to the world.

Yoga

Well to all the Yoga lovers out there, the practice of yoga originated in ancient India. Throughout history, it has become a global phenomenon, especially in Western nations. Beyond physical postures, Kriya yoga encompasses a spiritual and mental discipline, promoting well-being worldwide. Certainly one of the best gifts India gave to the world

Mathematics: Zero to Infinity

India has contributed immensely to Mathematics and perhaps the most well-known gift India gave to World is the number Zero! Yes, we all learnt in schools that Ayrabhatta invented 0.

The Fibonacci pattern of numbers was first taught by Virahanka (AD 700), Gopala and also by Hemachandra according to Pingala. trigonometric functions sine and versine originated in Indian astronomy

India had invented functions sine and versine of Trigonometry as a part of Indian Astronomy. Varahamihira was also a noted scholar who worked on various Trigonometric equations. Now you get the stereotype right!

Chess

Yes, Chess, known as the game for kings was invented in India during the Gupta Empire and was called Chaturanga. It was brought to the Middle East through the Spice and Silk Routes and during the Crusades, it was introduced to the West.

Martial Arts

Kalaripayattu is the ancient Martial Arts that was the base for Shaolin Kung Fu. Prince Bodhidharma was an Indian Buddhist Monk who travelled to China and formed the Shaolin Buddhist Temple and Chan or Zen Buddhism.

Shampoo

The Shampoo as you know had its origin in India. The word Shampoo is formed from "Champo" the Hindi word dating back to 1762. It was a practice of hair cleansing using natural oils and fragrances back in the Eastern provinces of the Mughal Empire.

Time taken by Earth to orbit the Sun

Ancient Indian Astronomy was miles ahead of its peers during its heyday. Bhaskaracharya in the 7th century calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the sun upon the astronomical model developed by Brahmaputra. Thus India's contributions to the field of astronomy and precision timekeeping are mindblowing

Snake and Ladder

India is also the birthplace of many games including Snake and Ladder which was called Mokshapat, dice games which was called Pakida and card game Kridapatram which became the base for modern Suits games.

Indian Cuisine

Indian Cuisine is famous throughout the world, especially its spicy delicacies. Chicken Tikka Masala is one of the most popular dishes in the UK and US. India also popularised Vegetarian meals to the world.

Takshashila First University

Taxila or Takshashila was the world's first university that promoted the learning of arts and sciences in the ancient world. It had over 200 professors and 10,000 students. It also had over 300 lecture halls, a library and spaces for astronomical experimentation.

Pi (π)

Indian mathematicians, particularly during the Gupta period, made groundbreaking contributions to the determination of Pi (π). Aryabhata, one of ancient India's most prominent mathematicians, estimated Pi at 3.1416, which was incredibly precise for that time. His work paved the way for future mathematical advances, impacting both Indian intellectuals and those from other nations. The advances in Pi's calculation during this time period demonstrate ancient Indian scholars' inventiveness and mathematical prowess, marking a turning point in mathematics history.

Natural Fibers

India has traditionally been a leader in the cultivation and utilization of natural fibers, particularly jute and silk. Jute, sometimes known as the "golden fiber," plays an important role in the development of sustainable textiles and packaging materials. Similarly, India's silk industry, known for its quality and diversity, has been producing gorgeous materials for millennia, impacting the fashion and textile industries around the world. India's rich tradition and expertise in processing natural fibers have propelled it to the forefront of the global market, promoting sustainable and elegant materials worldwide.

Board Games

Ancient games such as Snakes and Ladders and Pachisi originated in India and have had a profound impact on modern board gaming culture. Snakes and Ladders, also known as Moksha Patam, was originally designed to teach morals and karma, whereas Pachisi, the ancestor to Ludo, involved strategic movement and chance. These games not only entertained but also taught life lessons, and their transformation into popular global board games demonstrates their continuing appeal and cultural value.

Plastic Surgery

Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery began in India as early as 2000 BCE. Sushruta, an ancient Indian physician known as the founder of surgery, pioneered these procedures. Sushruta's comprehensive books, particularly the "Sushruta Samhita," described a wide range of surgical techniques, including rhinoplasty (nose reconstruction), earlobe repair, and other reconstructive surgeries. These modern medical methods emphasize India's important contributions to surgery and medicine, which have influenced techniques used around the world.

Bangles and Jewelry

India has a rich and old heritage of creating exquisite jewelry and bangles, which has had a huge impact on worldwide fashion and accessories. The skill and artistry used to create these adornments are unrivaled, reflecting India's cultural heritage and different regional styles. From the intricate craftsmanship of Kundan and Meenakari to the elegance of gold and silver bangles, Indian jewelry is known for its beauty and sophistication. These classical patterns have influenced current fashion around the world, cementing Indian jewelry's status as a timeless and treasured art form.

Bonus

India's Contributions to the world of science and sports are plenty.

C rescograph: Invented by Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose, this mechanical device can measure the growth of plants.

Textiles: India's mastery in textiles and craftsmanship is evident as our nation developed Jute cultivation, cashmere wool industry etc.

USB & IT Chip Movements: Ajay V. Bhatt, is one of the pioneering scientists of the contemporary era who co-invented USB ( Universal Serial Bus), AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Platform Power management architecture as well as PCI.

Hockey: Our beloved Hockey was invented in India and was popularised across the world

As we celebrate these extraordinary gifts, let's recognize India's profound influence on the global stage, shaping cultures, advancing knowledge, and fostering a shared heritage that transcends borders