10 Greatest & Unpopular Indian Inventions | Keerthi History

Summary

This video script delves into the rich history of India, highlighting significant discoveries and inventions that have shaped the world. From the ancient trade of diamonds to the pioneering metallurgy techniques, the script uncovers India's contributions to science, mathematics, and technology. It also touches on cultural aspects like yoga and the fashion industry, emphasizing India's continuous influence on global heritage. The narrative is a testament to India's innovative spirit and its role as a cradle of civilization.

Takeaways

• 💎 India has a rich history of discovery and invention, including being the original source of diamonds and having a significant impact on the world's history.
• 📚 Ancient Indian texts, such as those of Ramanujan and CV Raman, have greatly influenced the field of mathematics and science.
• 👗 The button, as we know it, was invented in India and has played a significant role in the fashion industry, which is today estimated to be worth 1.7 billion dollars globally.
• 🚽 India has a long history with toilet and sewage systems, dating back to 5000 years ago with the Indus Valley Civilization, which had advanced urban planning and sanitation.
• 🍬 Sugarcane and the process of sugar crystallization originated in India, with evidence of sugar production dating back to the Gupta period.
• 📈 India's cotton cultivation and textile industry have a deep history, with archaeological evidence suggesting it began around 7000 years ago.
• 🏫 The concept of a university as an institution for higher learning has roots in ancient India, with the first such university, Takshashila, established around the 5th century.
• 🧘 Yoga, as a holistic practice, was first discovered in India and has since become an integral part of Indian culture and a globally recognized form of exercise and meditation.
• 🤹‍♂️ Ancient Indian metallurgy was highly advanced, with evidence of iron working dating back to 1800-16,000 BCE and sophisticated techniques for casting metals.
• 🏰 The concept of zero in mathematics was developed in India, which has been crucial for the development of modern mathematics and technology.
• 📊 India's history of innovation and discovery is often underrepresented, but it has been a leader in various fields such as metallurgy, mathematics, and textiles for thousands of years.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main criticism about school history books?

The speaker believes that school history books do not do enough justice to historical figures from India, focusing mostly on Western figures like Isaac Newton instead of Indian geniuses like Ramanujan and C.V. Raman.

What significance does the speaker attribute to diamonds in India's history?

The speaker highlights that India was the only source of diamonds in the world until about 300 years ago and that diamonds were found and traded in India as early as the 4th century BCE.

What is the historical importance of buttons according to the speaker?

The speaker states that buttons were invented in India, with the earliest known buttons made from curved seashells found in the Indus Valley Civilization. They initially served as ornaments before being used to fasten clothing.

How does the speaker describe the ancient Indian drainage and toilet systems?

The speaker mentions that the Indus Valley Civilization had advanced drainage and toilet systems that were similar to modern septic tanks, with waste being flushed by water through terracotta pipes and collected in cesspits.

What does the speaker say about the invention and significance of sugar in India?

The speaker notes that India was the first to crystallize sugar from sugarcane juice, a process that dates back to the Gupta period. The word 'sugar' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'sarkara,' and refined sugar was already being produced in ancient India.

What is the historical relevance of steel and metal works in India according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that ancient Indians were highly skilled in metallurgy, as evidenced by the rust-free Iron Pillar of Delhi and the production of wootz steel. India had a systematic copper smelting industry dating back thousands of years.

What early forms of measurement tools were discovered in the Indus Valley Civilization?

The speaker mentions that rulers and measuring instruments made of ivory were found in the Indus Valley Civilization. These tools had markings as small as 1.6 mm, indicating advanced knowledge of measurement.

How does the speaker highlight the origin of cotton cultivation and weaving in India?

The speaker states that cotton was first grown in the region now known as Pakistan around 7,000 years ago, and the Indus Valley Civilization began cultivating cotton about 5,000 years ago. Indian cotton was highly valued in ancient times.

What was the world's first university according to the speaker?

The speaker claims that the world's first university was Takshashila, established in the 5th century BCE in India. It had 300 lecture halls, a library, a research tower, and attracted students from various regions, offering courses in multiple disciplines.

What is the significance of the number zero as described by the speaker?

The speaker explains that the concept of zero was invented in India and is essential for modern mathematics, including algebra and calculus. The invention of zero facilitated complex calculations and technological advancements.

How does the speaker describe the origins and significance of yoga in India?

The speaker states that yoga originated in India and has been practiced for thousands of years. Advanced yoga practices were already in place during the Indus Valley Civilization, and yoga continues to be an integral part of Indian culture.