PART 2: Great Inventions by Indians: Games, Tech and Maths
Inventions are a part of human civilization and like every country, India has also contributed to it. Here are some incredible inventions and discoveries by Indians that changed the world.
Chess
When you think of Viswanathan Anand and R Praggnanandhaa, you probably think of chess. But did you know that chess was actually invented in India? It began as a game called Chaturanga during the Gupta period, around the 6th century AD. It was later introduced to England during British rule and then spread to the USA.
Snakes and Ladders
Remember playing Snakes and Ladders? This fun board game, known as Moksha Patam in ancient India, was more than just a game. It was designed to teach the effects of good and bad deeds. Climbing ladders represented good actions leading to liberation (Moksha), while sliding down snakes symbolized bad actions leading to rebirth in lower forms of life.
Carrom
Carrom, a popular game played on a board with family and friends, has a rich history. Although modern carrom has been played for about 200 years, similar games have been around for thousands of years. It is believed that Indian Maharajas invented carrom, and a historic carrom board with a glass surface is still preserved in a palace in Patiala, Punjab.
USB
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a handy device used to store and transfer data. Did you know that the USB was invented by an Indian-American, Ajay V Bhatt? His invention made data transfer much easier and more accessible for everyone.
Zero
The concept of zero is crucial in mathematics and technology. Without zero, we wouldn’t have computers or many other mathematical operations. The idea of zero was first used by the Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. Zero is one of the most important contributions to the world of mathematics.
Water on the Moon
India’s space agency, ISRO, made a significant discovery with its Chandrayaan-1 mission between 2008 and 2009. This mission detected water on the moon, marking an important achievement in space exploration.
Complex Hydraulic Engineering
India's Indus Valley Civilization, over 5,000 years ago, had advanced hydraulic engineering systems. They developed a vast network of canals, irrigation systems, and sewage management. The world's first flush toilets were also used in the Indus Valley, showcasing a level of sophistication in plumbing and sanitation that was advanced for its time.
India’s ancient plumbing and sewage systems were so advanced that they remain superior to those in many developing countries even today. The Indus Valley also had large public baths long before similar structures appeared in other parts of the world.
India’s historical contributions to science, technology, and culture are truly remarkable. Share your thoughts or any other amazing facts you know in the comments!
