Summary
Chapter-10
The Iron Pillar and Craftsmanship: The Iron Pillar at Mehrauli, Delhi, crafted over 1500 years ago, astounds with its 7.2m height and 3-ton weight. Despite its age, the iron remains corrosion-free, showcasing remarkable Indian craftsmanship.
Stupas and Architectural Brilliance: Stupas, mounds with common elements like relic caskets and decorative railings, demonstrate ancient architectural prowess. Amaravati, depicted on Map 7, housed a magnificent stupa adorned with carvings dating back 2000 years.
Building Temples and Stupas: The construction of stupas and temples involved meticulous steps, from selecting quality stone to shaping, carving, and precise placement. Financial support often came from royals, and devotees contributed gifts for embellishment.
Artistic Marvels in Ajanta: Ajanta, an artistic haven with caves, showcases vivid paintings executed in torchlight, retaining vibrancy even after 1500 years. The unknown artists left an enduring legacy of creativity and cultural richness.
Epics, Literature, and Verses: Tamil epics like Silappadikaram narrate tales of love, betrayal, and vengeance. Renowned works like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, written about 1500 years ago, delve into heroic sagas, gods, and philosophical discourses.
Everyday Stories and Cultural Narratives: Jatakas and Panchatantra capture stories, poems, and plays told by ordinary people. A story of a monkey king illustrates wit and sacrifice, depicted in sculptures like the one found at Bharhut.
Scientific Advancements: Aryabhata, a mathematician and astronomer, contributed significantly with the Aryabhatiyam, explaining phenomena like day-night cycles and eclipses. India’s mathematical innovations included the introduction of zero, influencing global numeral systems.
Health Sciences and Ayurveda: Ancient Indian health science, Ayurveda, thrived through renowned practitioners like Charaka and Sushruta. Their treatises, Charak Samhita and Susruta Samhita, provided extensive knowledge on medicine and surgical procedures.
Legacy of Zero and Global Impact: India’s invention of zero revolutionized numeral systems, adopted by Arabs and eventually influencing global mathematics. Notable mathematicians like Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskaracharya continued making groundbreaking discoveries.
Contribution to Literature and Verses: Kalidasa, a Sanskrit writer, left an indelible mark with poems like Meghaduta, portraying nature’s beauty and human emotions. The epics, Puranas, and literary works became repositories of cultural and religious stories.
Cultural Preservations and Rediscoveries: Lost epics like Silappadikaram and Manimekalai were rediscovered a century ago, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural narratives. The stories engraved on stupas and paintings at Ajanta offer glimpses into ancient tales.
Scientific Wisdom: Aryabhata, Charaka, and others exemplify India’s scientific prowess, from explaining astronomical phenomena to advancing medical knowledge. The concept of zero and innovations in mathematics shaped global intellectual landscapes.
In conclusion, ancient India’s rich tapestry of craftsmanship, literature, art, science, and cultural narratives significantly contributed to the world’s intellectual and creative heritage.