MODULE II: INDIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM;

CONTRIBUTIONS OF ANCIENT MATHEMATICIANS;

ADVANCEMENTS IN ASTRONOMY;
ACHIEVEMENTS IN HEALTHCARE PRACTICES;
ARTHA SHASTRA -
KAUTILYA'S UNDERSTANDINGS OF GOVERNANCE
AND ECONOMIC POLICIES IN ANCIENT INDIA

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 Introducti
on
 Attracted scholars like Chinese monk Fa-Hien.(399-414

C.E.)

 Central systems: Vedic and Buddhist.

 Taught in Sanskrit and Pali.

 Focused on physical and mental well-being.

• Supported by kings.

 Promoted harmony with nature, intelligence, and world

respect. 2
 Curriculum

Education focuses on physical and mental development

through a broad curriculum.

Include texts like the four Vedas, six Vedangas, Upanishads,

Darshanas, Itihas, Puranas, and Tarka Sastra( Art of Debate).

Buddhism combines texts like Pitakas, Abhidharma, Sutras,

and medicine.

Topics include warfare, military strategies, politics, and

religion.
3
 Methods of Learning

- Oral instruction, storytelling, and debates for deep understanding.

- Annual examinations to demonstrate mastery.

 Focus on holistic development and respect for nature and elders.

Education Centre

 Education under gurus in Gurukulas and Vidyapeeths.

 Prominent gurukulas: Rishi Kanva, Shaunaka, Agastya.

 Acharyas founded Vidyapeeth, like Sri Shankara, for spiritual

learning.

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 Higher Educational Institutions

Taxila University, near present-day Rawalpindi, Pakistan, flourished

from 600 BCE to 500 CE, among the earliest universities globally.

Offers diverse subjects like medicine, art, politics, and astronomy..

Attracts scholars and students from various regions.

Notable figures include Pāṇini, Cāṇakya, and Jīvaka.

Recognized as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization )World Heritage Site in 1980.

 Ruins reveal monasteries, stupas, and temples.

5
 Figure: 1.“Taxashila University Image - Google Search.” n.d. Accessed April 30, 2024.
https://www.google.com/search?q=taxashila+university+image&oq=taxashila+university+image&gs_lcrp=
EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTE2MDU3ajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=f
WGH4e1VmWyPuM&vssid=l&ip=1

6
 Nalanda University
 Nalanda University, located in Rajgir, Bihar, India, was a
prominent learning centre from the 5th to 12th centuries CE.
 Its extensive curriculum included Vedas, fine arts, medicine,
mathematics, and astronomy.
 Chinese scholar Xuan Zang visited Nalanda in 629–645 CE,
focusing on yoga and philosophy.
 The university had a vibrant community with over 5,000
students and 1,500 teachers.
 Despite its destruction in 1193, its legacy continues through
scholars like Nāgārjuna and Śāntarakṣita.
 Nalanda was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
2009.
 Other prestigious institutes like Vallabhi, Vikramshila, Ujjain,
and Benaras also contributed to India's educational heritage. 7
Figure: “(“Nalanda University Images -
Google Search,” n.d.)

8
 Medieval Education
 Islamic influences emphasized Islamic knowledge and
principles.
 Curriculum included foundational education, Arabic, Persian,
and Quran recitation.
 Practical education focused on real-life situations.
 Educational institutions: Maktabs and Madrasas are in cities
like Delhi, Agra, Jaunpur, and many more.
Colonial Impact
 British rule led to the decline of indigenous schools.
 Thomas Babington Macaulay's 1835 Minute promoted English-
medium education.
 Traditional languages and cultural practices were suppressed
for Western values.
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 Contemporary education
Focuses on theoretical knowledge, and competition may leave students
unprepared for practical challenges.
Current systems often highlight memorization and repeat information
rather than understanding and applying concepts.
It is leading to stress and mental health issues among students.
Therefore,
Teach Practical Skills: Include real-world skills like financial management
and problem-solving.
Promote Emotional Intelligence: Help students understand and manage
their and others' emotions.
Focus on Moral Education: Teach values and ethics through classes and
community service.
Incorporate Mindfulness: Use practices to reduce stress and improve
focus.
This balanced approach will better prepare students for life, helping them
10
 Summary

Ancient India's education system was advanced and holistic,

attracting scholars from far and wide. It focused on physical,

mental, and moral development through rich curricula and

interactive teaching methods. Despite the shifts in focus during

the medieval period and the changes brought by British colonial

rule, the legacy of India's educational heritage remains

significant. Today's education systems can learn from the past

by integrating traditional values with modern skills, nurturing

well-rounded individuals equipped to face the challenges of

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 Contributions of ancient Indian mathematicians
“We owe a lot to the ancient Indians, teaching us how to count. Without which most modern
scientific discoveries would have been impossible” ~ Albert Einstein

Indian mathematics, or "ganita," dates back to ancient times,

Contributing to real-world problems solving through algebra,

geometry, trigonometry, and numerical methods.

With notable discoveries in Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain texts.

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Baudhayana (800 BCE)

• Developed geometric concepts.

• Sulba Sutra contains Pythagorean Theorem.

Figure 7. Source: BooksFact. 2013. “Pythagorean (Pythagoras) Theorem in

Baudhayana Sulba Sutra (2000 BCE) - Ancient Science.” BooksFact - Ancient
Knowledge & Wisdom (blog). May 2, 2013.
https://www.booksfact.com/science/ancient-science/pythagorean-pythagoras-theore
m-in-baudhayana-sulba-sutra-200-bce.html
.

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 Pingala- 300 BCE PINGALA
 Ancient Indian Scholar's Contributions

 Renowned for Sanskrit prosody and

mathematics.

 He used two symbols in the Chandah

Shastra to represent short (Laghu) and

long (Guru) syllables in poetry, similar

to 1 and 0 in today’s binary system.

 His approach of combining these

syllables laid the foundation for

modern computer binary numbers. Figure 8. “Pingala, The Creator of Binary System | Sanskriti -
Hinduism and Indian Culture Website.” 2014. February 5, 2014.
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https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/pingala-the-creator-of-binary-sy
stem/
 ARYABHATA

 Indian Astronomer and

Mathematician

 Born in 476 CE.

 Revolutionised mathematical

calculations with the 'zero' symbol.

 Influenced arithmetic and algebra.

 Aryabhatiya, his seminal work,

explains the era's mathematics. Figure: “Ayarbhata - Google Search.” Accessed May 1,
2024.

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 VARAHAMIHIRA-(482–565 CE)

 Discovered Pascal's triangle.

 Improved Aryabhata's sine tables.

 Invented 4x4 magic square.

 Written on mathematical

concepts.

 Contributed to Panchasiddhantika

and Brihat Samhita. Figure: ““Varahamihira - Google Search,”

accessed May 1, 2024,

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Bhāskara I:(600–680 CE) from Vallabhi, Gujarat.

Introduced Hindu-Arabic decimal system and zero symbols in

written numbers.

 Enhanced numerical accuracy in astronomy.

 Promoted to Aryabhata's trigonometry and mathematical

analysis..

 Astronomical treatises like Āryabhaṭīyabhāṣya,

Mahābhāskarīya, and Laghubhāskarīya.

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 Bhaskara II, born in 1114 near Bijjada Bida, Karnataka,

India.

Pioneered the use of the decimal number system in Siddhanta

Siromani.

 Lilavati, Bijaganita, Goladhyaya, and Grahaganita.

 Introduced new equation-solving methods and explored

infinity and planetary movements.

 Honored by the ISRO with the Bhaskara II satellite launch in

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 Astronomy

Indian astronomy, known as "Jyotisha,

Originated from Vedas for Vedic rituals.

 Evolved to study planetary movements and eclipses and aid in

agricultural timing and domestic life.

 Uses a blend of lunar and solar calendars.

 Tracks celestial events influencing governance and daily life.

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  Indian Astronomical Advances.

 Notable Figures: Varahamihira, Nīlakantha Somayāji, Raja

Sawai Jai Singh. .

 These efforts made India a key hub for studying stars and

planets.

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 KANAD'S ATOMIC THEORY:

 Kanad, an ancient Indian sage, developed

atomic theory around 600 BC.

 Kanad proposed the concept of "anu,"

indivisible particles, and introduced the idea of

diatomic and triatomic molecules. (Dvyanuk (2

atoms form a molecule) & tryanuka (3 atoms

form a molecule)

 In the Western world centuries later, especially

during the 17th and 18th centuries with the

works of scientists like John Dalton.

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Ruler Measurement
Excavations at Harappan sites like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro have revealed
advanced tools and objects.
Archaeologists found ivory and shell rulers with markings matching ancient
South Indian measurement units called hasta.
The discovery suggests a sophisticated measurement and construction system.
It portrays the Harappan civilisation's advanced engineering capabilities.

(Dalton, n.d.)

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IRON AND STEEL PRODUCTION IN ANCIENT INDIA
 Ancient Indians were adept in
metallurgy, especially in iron
and steel production,
 India's economic and industrial
history.
 The Iron Pillar of Delhi, dating
back to around 400 CE, is a
striking example of their
advanced techniques.
 Its remarkable feat of remaining
rust-free for over a thousand
years is a testament to its pawan.kamrani. n.d. “Mehrauli Iron Pillar.” World History
Encyclopedia. Accessed May 22, 2024.
mastery. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/11429/mehrauli-iron-pillar/.

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 WOOTZ STEEL

 Wootz steel of Demascus, derived

from the Tamil word 'Urukh,' made in

Tamil Nadu around the 6th century

BC, is famous for its strong,

patterned appearance and

sharpness.

 It is known for its unique serpentine

pattern and advanced production

methods,
(“Wootz Steel in Tamil Nadu: - Google Search,” n.d.)
 Making it a prized material in

ancient metallurgy.
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 ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

 The Kallanai, also known as the

"Grand Anicut," the term "anicut"
originates from the Tamil words "anai"
meaning dam and "kattu" meaning build.

is one of the oldest irrigation dams

globally, constructed around 2,000
years ago.
 It is situated across the Kaveri River
in Tamil Nadu's Trichy District, South
India,
 Believed to be the world's first
ancient dam built in running water.
 Credited to the Chola king Karikalan
and constructed during the 2nd
century AD, (“Kallanai Dam || Thanjavur Tourism,”
n.d.)
 Celebrated as one of the oldest water
diversion and regulation structures,
still operational today.

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 In the field of Medical Science

In the 6th century BCE, Sushruta, an Indian physician, wrote the Sushruta
Samhita, a key text in ancient medicine.
Covers diseases, plants, medicines, treatments, and surgeries.
Plastic Surgery: Advanced techniques like rhinoplasty (nose
reshaping) were introduced.
-Ophthalmology(study, diagnosis, and treatment of eye disorders and
diseases),
 Performed early cataract surgeries using a Jabamukhi Salaka tool and
focused on careful post-surgery care.
Translations of his work spread his knowledge to other cultures,
influencing Western medicine.
Sushruta's work is an evidence to ancient Indian medical expertise and
continues to impact modern healthcare.
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PLASTIC SURGERY CATARACT SURGERY

(“SUSHRUTA DETAILED RHINOPLASTY - GOOGLE SEARCH,” N.D.)

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 Traditional Healing Practices
The ancient Indian healthcare system was based on achieving four

life goals called purusharthas:

Dharma: Duty and righteousness.

Artha: Wealth and prosperity.

Kama: Desires and pleasure.

Moksha: Liberation or spiritual freedom.

Caraka, a key figure in ancient medicine, highlighted that good health

is essential for achieving these goals.

He believed that diseases are barriers that can restrict one's ability to

fulfil these goals and negatively affect well-being and quality of life.

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 Ayurveda

Ayurveda, from "Ayur,“- life, and "Veda," - wisdom, is an ancient

system of health and healing.

It has been practised for around 5,000 years, focusing on preventing

diseases and promoting positive health.

Ayurvedic principles are found in texts like Caraka-samhita and

Suśruta-samhita.

Health in Ayurveda is about balance between mind, body, spirit, and

environment.

It believes in the body's natural ability to heal itself. 29

It aims to restore harmony within the body and mind, targeting the

root causes of ailments for lasting results.

 Recognising physical, mental, and spiritual interconnectedness,

Ayurveda fosters overall well-being and prevents future illnesses.

 Ayurveda offers a holistic path to healing and wellness through this

integrative approach.

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Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root 'Yuj', which means 'to join', '

yoke', or 'to unite'. is a holistic practice originating over 5,000 years ago

in northern India,

Aiming to unite the mind, body, and spirit for enhanced wisdom and

physical health.

 Patanjali is credited with founding the philosophical school of yoga,

which focuses on understanding the mind and achieving liberation.

The philosophy suggests that achieving liberation involves a

simultaneous focus on physical, psychological, and moral states. 31

Furthermore, the contribution of ancient Indian mathematicians and

astronomers to zero, algebra, geometry, and celestial movements has

had a lasting impact on modern science and mathematics. As well as

advancements in astronomy and metallurgy, demonstrate the rich

scientific heritage of ancient India. The Iron Pillar of Delhi and the Wootz

Steel production are examples of India's superior metallurgical skills. At

the same time, the Kallanai Dam witnessed ancient Indian engineering

capabilities that continue to inspire modern practices in water

management. In medical science, the Sushruta Samhita and Ayurveda

highlight ancient India's sophisticated medical knowledge, focusing on

holistic health through balance and healing. Ayurveda and yoga offer

valuable physical, mental, and spiritual practices, influencing modern

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health approaches worldwide. By building on their legacy, we can
 Introduction

 Ancient Indian Governance Systems Overview

 Indus Valley Civilization: advanced city planning

 Maurya Empire: Centralized bureaucratic system for efficient

territory management.

 Gupta Period and Beyond with regional kingdoms and rulers.

 Influence of "Raja-Dharma": Governance based on the king's duty

to ensure citizen welfare.

 Societal management, whether through monarchy or democracy.

 Focused on securing resources to meet the needs of citizens and

ensure their well-being.

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List of the text on the Raja Dharma

Figure: (B, RAJAT, and

R.N 2022) 34
 Artha Shastra

 Kautilya's work, written in the 3rd century BCE, covers

governance and public administration.

 It includes law, crime, state employee salaries, and foreign

policy.

 Rediscovered by Shamasastry in 1905,

 It emphasizes the king's knowledge of politics, ethics,

economics, and military strategy for effective rule.

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Kautilya- Regulations of governance

Figure: Figure: (B, RAJAT, and R.N

2022)
36
 The Arthashastra identifies this above four key

knowledge.

 Mastery of these areas helps a king lead a prosperous and

stable kingdom.

 Neglecting citizen welfare can cause rebellion.

37
The Kautilyan
states

38
 
 So, following Arthashastra’s governance principles is key for efficient
rule.

Saptanga Theory in Arthasashtra

 King (Svämin): Protects subjects and territory.

 Minister (Amatya): Advises king on important decisions.

 Territory (Janapada): Land and people governed.

 Fortified Capital (Durga): Stable stronghold.

 Treasury (Koša): Funds state activities and security.

 Army (Danda): Ensures security and law enforcement.

 Ally (Mitra): Supports the state in foreign affairs.

 Guides rulers in practical statecraft and management.

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The theories about ruling and managing societies discussed in ancient
texts like the Arthashastra are still fundamental in today's public
administration and resource management talks. The emphasis on 'artha,'
which refers to material well-being, highlights the necessity of securing
and managing resources to meet societal needs. The concept of 'raja-
dharma,' which means the duty of a ruler, highlights the responsibility to
ensure the security and happiness of the people, a principle that, goes
beyond historical and political settings. Whether in ancient monarchies
or modern democracies, the main goal of ruling—improving societal well-
being through effective resource management—remains unchanged. The
Arthashastra, with its profound insights into governing a state, economic
policy, and military strategy, continues to offer valuable lessons for
contemporary policymakers and scholars, illustrating the enduring
significance of early Indian philosophical ideas in addressing modern
challenges

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