Science in Ancient India

First one ever to arrive at several concepts in Mathematics. Value of pi was first calculated by him which is useful in calculating the area and circumference of a circle.
He wrote Sulva Sutra, several years before age of Pythagoras.

Was a fifth century mathematician, astronomer, astrologer and physicist. Wrote Aryabhattiya, which is a summary of mathematics of his time.
Talks about decimal numbers, number theory, geometry, trigonometry, Beejganita (algebra) and astronomy.
Discovery of zero enabled Aryabhatta to find out the exact distance between the earth and the moon.
Disregarding the popular view that our planet earth is ‘Achala’ (immovable), Aryabhatta stated that ‘earth is round and rotates on its own axis.’

In 7th century, Brahmgupta took mathematics to heights far beyond others.
He introduced negative numbers and operations on zero into mathematics.
He wrote Brahm Sphuta Siddantika through which the Arabs came to know our mathematical system.

Was the leading light of 12th Century. He was born at Bijapur, Karnataka.
He is famous for his book Siddanta Shiromani. It is divided into four sections: Lilavati (Arithmetic), Beejaganit (Algebra), Goladhyaya (Sphere) and Grahaganit (mathematics of planets).
Bhaskara introduced Chakrawat Method or the Cyclic Method to solve algebraic equations.

Jain Mahaviracharya wrote Ganit Sara Sangraha in 850 AD, which is the first textbook on arithmetic in present day form.
Current method of solving Least Common Multiple (LCM) of given numbers was also described by him.

He was a sixth century scientist of Vaisheshika School, one of the six systems of Indian philosophy.
He was interested in minute particles called “kana.”
His atomic theory can match modern atomic theory.

Lived in Gupta period, made great contributions in the fields of hydrology, geology and ecology.
He claimed termites and plants could be indicators of presence of underground water.
He gave a list of six animals and thirty plants, which could indicate the presence of water.
He gave earthquake cloud theory, which uses clouds to predict earthquakes.
Made important contribution in Jyotish or Astrology.
One of the nine gems in the court of Vikramaditya.
Varahamihira’s predictions were so accurate that king Vikramaditya gave him the title of ‘Varaha.’

A tenth century scientist, main aim of his experiments was to transform base elements into gold, like the alchemists in the western world.
He succeeded in making an element with gold-like shine. Till date, this technology is used in making imitation jewellery.
His treatise, Rasaratnakara, discusses methods for extraction of metals like gold, silver, tin and copper.

Was known for surgery and his greatest contribution was in the fields of Rhinoplasty (plastic surgery) and Ophthalmic surgery (removal of cataracts).
Susruta Samhita also gives a description of instruments used in surgery.

Considered as father of ancient Indian science of medicine. Was Raj Vaidya (royal doctor) of Kanishka.
Charak also knew the fundamentals of Genetics.