Between the India’s contributions to civilization We can highlight the most important technical sciences such as mathematics or architecture, as well as social disciplines such as philosophy.
The Hindu civilization developed knowledge, art, disciplines and other contributions that persist to this day, being one of the richest societies in culture. Residence of the Indus Valley culture and historical territory for trade routes and great empires, it has been listed as one of the greatest cultural wealth establishments in the world.
In the valley of the Indus river, 2500 years before Christ, the first civilizations of the so-called Indian subcontinent arose. Among its most important cities were: Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro; where the history of India begins.
India is also called «subcontinent» for having characteristics of the rest. It is home to one of the oldest and most heterogeneous civilizations that exist.
One of the most significant contributions was always highlighted by Albert Einstein, who claimed that the Hindus were the ones who taught other civilizations to count.
According to the scientist, algebra and the general number system came from India. Arybhatta was the first great Indian mathematician and astronomer, who lived between 476 and 550 AD.
Arybhatta was the precursor of 0 and significantly approached the number Pi (3.14). Mathematics reinforced and strengthened the sciences, and today they are used for almost all human activities.
Important contributions of India to humanity
1- Mathematics
As mentioned above, the Hindus were forerunners of mathematics. They elaborated the decimal system that we use to this day and together with the Mayans created the number 0.
The approximate relationship between the circumference and the diameter of the circle, or Pi, was also studied and developed by them.
Arybhatta is India’s best known mathematician. However, India has an ancient mathematical tradition.
Although it is not exactly known about the creation of the abacus, it is known that it was in the Asian continent and possibly the Hindus had their participation.
2- Architecture
Its urban architecture is one of the most picturesque and bizarre known. One of the most reproduced facades are the multi-story adobe brick buildings.
Also the trigonometric combinations of its structures are admired everywhere. And it is that the magnificence of its architecture is one of the sources that attract most of the tourists to India.
3- Fabrics
Cotton fabrics produced in India are some of the best in the world. In fact, these fabrics opened markets for them on the «silk road» whose participation of India was elementary both for the territory and for the marketing of the fabrics.
4- Medicine
The Hindus knew the technique to sterilize and use drugs to cure the sick. An example can be given in accidents due to snake bites, quite common in the Asian country due to the importance of these beings in Hindu culture.
Being so frequent, the Hindus became experts in cures against these bites, based on the preparation of herbal medicines.
Indian medicine, from very early on, was a pioneer in surgeries such as the removal of gallstones and intestinal sutures.
Though with the advent of contemporary medical science, Indian medicine lagged behind.
5- Tongue
Linguists consider that the European languages arose in India. The basis for such an assertion is that there are determining similarities between the four original languages of Europe and the Hindu dialects.
The four oldest languages are Sanskrit, Greek, Latin, and Persian, whose origins come from India.
Grammar scholars argue that Sanskrit complements the phonetic and grammatical systems of European languages.
6- Philosophy
From the West, the mother of philosophy is Greece, but from the East, India leads the thoughtful arts. In fact, Hindu philosophy, synthesized in Buddhism and Sikhinism, is much older than the texts of the Greek classics.
Enrique Dussel assures that Greek thought arises from currents of thought in India and North Africa.
Many scholars are studying Hindu philosophy and many of its premises are being adhered to our ways of thinking. An example of this is mindfulness meditation, whose spread and success are increasing.
Both religion, philosophy and its worldview have influenced great thinkers and academics in the world.
Hindu mythology and cosmogony, as well as architecture is concentrated in the Taj Mahal. One of its most famous and sacred places.
7- Art
The artistic contributions are ancient and originate from other artistic currents in the world. The most important artistic work is the Taj Mahal, which was built between 1631 and 1654 by Emperor Shah Jahan.
But in addition to the Taj Mahal, India has other emblematic works of art such as the Friday Mosque, the Pink City of Jaipur, the Temple of the Sun or the Raj Ghat in New Delhi, built in memory of Mahatma Ghandi.
Hindu artists are motivated by figures such as lions, water, the female figure, the elephant, and the tree.
Hindu art is one of the most admired in the world, especially for its composition, handling of light and shadows.
8-Mining
Diamonds were first collected in the Penner, Krishna and Godavari rivers. It is estimated to have occurred 5,000 years ago and India was the only source of diamonds until they were discovered in Brazil in the 18th century.
References
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Gonzalez, A.; González, B. (1992) India and China. Editorial AKAL. Santiago de Chile.
Litza, L. (2008) Contributions and development of Hindu culture. Recovered from: litzalilibet.blogspot.com.
Panikkar, R. (2012) Hindu Spirituality: Sanatana dharma. Editorial Kairos. Barcelona. Spain.
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