Science and Technology in Ancient India Gallery

Indigenous Knowledge

• Indigenous people are the first settlers in a specific location, with a distinct culture and belief system, such as local Tribal, Native, First, or Aboriginal populations.
• Indigenous knowledge is dynamic, methodical, and universal, transmitted verbally rather than in writing.
• It is based on teachings and knowledge experience passed down from generation to generation and is holistic in nature.
• Indigenous knowledge can give people credibility and is based on observational experience, making it beneficial for decision-making.
• It governs the use of resources.

Traditional Systems of Medicine

• The Siddha medical system originated in southern India during the 10th to 15th century and uses pulse reading to diagnose ailments.

• This system is based on the concept of imbalance of three humors – bile (pitta), wind (vayu), and phlegm (kaph).

• It emphasizes individualistic treatment, taking into account the patient's age, sex, habitat, appetite, mental frame, physical condition, and surrounding environment.

• The Tibetan medical system flourished in the trans-Himalayan region, especially in Tibet, Ladakh, and Lahaul-Spiti.

• It also follows the procedure of pulse reading, with the number of pulse beats during one respiratory cycle indicating the status of health.

Indian Science and Technology

• Indian Civilization has a long recorded history of scientific culture, dating back over 5000 years.
• Indians developed one of the earliest written scripts (the Indus Scripts), built urban towns with residential complexes and wastewater systems around 2500 BC.
• They smelted zinc on an industrial scale, producing thousands of tons of zinc over hundreds of years.

Indian Culture

• Every state in India has its own unique cultural heritage and traditions, making Indian culture a synthesis of various state cultures.
• The Namaste greeting, also known as namaskar or namaskaram, is a well-known custom in Indian culture.
• Guests have always been given utmost importance in Indian culture, with the proverb "Atithi Devo Bhava" translating to "the guest is equivalent to god".
• Joint families in India are common, where all members reside together, including parents, wives, kids, and distant relatives.