10 Amazing Facts About Ancient India That You Should Know About Top
Here are the top 10 amazing facts about ancient india that you should know about:
1. Arabic numbers were invented in India
The decimal number system, consisting of 0 to 9, known as Hindu-Arabic numerals, was believed to have originated in India around the 6th or 7th century. These numerals were later introduced to Europe through the writings of Middle Eastern mathematicians in the 12th century. The term "Arabic numbers" is used due to their transmission through the Arab world. The introduction of these numerals revolutionized mathematical calculations and paved the way for the development of algebra.
2. Ancient India developed the world's oldest universities
India is known for establishing some of the oldest universities in the world. Nalanda, located in present-day Bihar, was a renowned Buddhist learning center from 427 to 1197 AD. It is believed that Nalanda had the largest library in the ancient world at the time. Another prominent ancient university was Taxila, founded in the 10th century BCE, as mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana.
3. Shampoo originated and was widely used in ancient India.
The earliest known shampoo was made by boiling soapberries (Sapindus) with dried Indian gooseberry (Amla) to obtain a strained extract. The word "shampoo" entered the English language from the Indian subcontinent during the colonial era. The term originated from the Hindi word "Champo," derived from the Sanskrit word "Chapayati," meaning "to soothe."
4. Homosexuality was acceptable, and sexual freedom was not frowned upon
Sanskrit texts from ancient and medieval India indicate that homosexuality and the acceptance of the "third gender" were prevalent in Indian society. The Kama Sutra, an ancient Hindu text from the 2nd century, mentions the existence of lesbians called "Swarinis" who married each other and raised children together. Gay men, referred to as "Klibas," were also acknowledged, often representing men with "homosexual tendencies."
5. Even in ancient times, women had authority
Women in ancient India enjoyed a high degree of freedom and autonomy. They had the liberty to discuss topics considered inappropriate in modern society and had the privilege to choose their husbands through practices like Svayambara. Svayambara involved a girl of marriageable age selecting a husband from a group of suitors. This practice was prevalent in ancient Indian society, and the chosen husband would be garlanded, followed by an immediate marriage ceremony.
6.Navigation was originated in India
The art of navigation has its origins in India, with evidence dating back approximately 6,000 years. Navigation techniques were developed to sail the Indus River. The word "navigation" itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "Navgatih." The early Hindu astrologers used a magnet to determine directions, fix the North and East, and lay foundations during religious ceremonies. The Hindu compass, known as the "Maccha Yantra" or fish machine, was an iron fish that floated in oil and pointed to the North.
7. Snakes & Ladders and Chess were played in ancient times
India is credited with the origin of both chess and Snakes & Ladders. The earliest forms of chess were played around the 6th century AD during the Gupta Period. Snakes & Ladders, originally known as Moksha Patam, dates back even further to the 2nd century BC.
8. The ancient Indians utilised advanced sanitary systems
The Indus Valley Civilization, which existed around 2,800 BC, implemented sophisticated toilet systems. Archaeological evidence suggests that each house had private toilets connected to a well-planned sewage system. Harappa, an ancient city in the Indus Valley, had houses with private toilets linked to covered drains outside.
9. One of the biggest empires in world
During its peak, the Mauryan Empire (322–187 BC) of India covered an extensive territory of approximately 5,000,000 square kilometers (around 1,930,510 square miles) and governed over 50 to 60 million subjects. This vast empire is considered one of the largest empires in history. Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Dynasty, successfully drove out the governors of Alexander the Great from the Indus Valley, establishing his reign.
10. Calculated the value of π (pi)
Baudhayana, an ancient Indian mathematician who lived between 800 BC and 740 BC, is credited with one of the earliest approximations of the value of π (pi). In his work called the Sulbha Sutras, Baudhayana presented several values for π that were used to construct circular shapes. One of his approximations was close to the value of π recognized today. Another notable mathematician, Aryabhatta, calculated a more accurate value of π as 3.1416 in 499 AD. These early Indian mathematicians made significant contributions to the understanding of π and its applications.