Physics in Ancient India

Ancient Indians were very advanced in Physics, specially in quantum mechanics. There was concept of theory of relativity as well. We shall pointwise discuss each case. 1. CONCEPT OF ATOM : We all know that concept of atom was first given by Dalton. But it was known to the Indian scholars of ancient time (much before Dalton's time). Maharshi Kannad first gave the concept of anu or paramanu. It is often thought by western scholar that both are same, but it is not. Anu is molecule and Paramanu is an atom. Although he misterpreted atoms in inertial frame of reference, Upanishad gives an idea of Heisenberg's uncertainty perinciple. ( Upanishads are older than Kannada's concept, hence it proves lack of link between the two civilizations, the Aryavatrya and Dravid).

2. MASS-ENERGY EQUIVALENCE : The ancient Indian scholars proposed the concept of mass-energy quivalence as well. In Upanishads God/Brahamana has been compared with an energy that controls the universe. And, Atman has been considered an individual soul which is nothing but energy derived after cremation of a body. Hence it says that a mortal being (mass) is converted into energy that becomes a part of Brahamana if universe is taken as a system. In Bhagavad Gita this energy or atman has been proposed as indestructible and immortal (nainam chidanti sastrani / nainam dahati pavakah / na cainam kledaintya apo / na sosayati marutah). 3. CONCEPT OF BIG BANG : The Shaktivada or Shakti philosophy soley emphasies on essence of energy. It imagines energy beyond genesis on universe as a woman named Durga. The energy has been imagined as a woman as woman are ones who reproduce and ensures continuity of species. The Goddess has many rupas or forms which are the manifestation of different forms of energy. Again we all know that Aryabhatta invented the use of zero but do we know how he was inspired. He was inspired by Shunyavada (of Nagarjuna Buddha) that says that universe expanded from a shunya or zero. This is also an indication that the Indians were aware of concept of Entropy.

4. THEORY OF RELATIVITY : Time has been proposed as a relative event. In Hindu scriptures one can find that time in Heaven runs slow than that on Earth and if one travells from Heaven to Earth, centuries would pass. So this is how time has been said to be relative.

5. ESSENCE OF ENERGY : To peep into concept of energy in Vedic era we will again have to turn to Shaktivada. It says that Enrgy is the greatest truth it cannot be neglected. It says that all particles are composed of energy. In Chandi we can find a verse saying "Ya devi sarvabhutesu shakti rupeno shanksthita" i.e. the Goddess who resides in all matter (bhut) as the manifestation of energy.

THIS IS THE REASON WHY OPPEHEIMER, SCHRODINGER, NEIL BOHR AND OTHERS WERE VEDANTISTS.

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