Saturday, April 16, 2016

N for Numbers



Welcome to the "Believe it or Not- That's Incredible India!" series. India is home to some of the most astonishing wonders in the world. The rich culture, heritage, food, scriptures, architectural marvels and scores of known and unknown facts come together to create this multicolored melange that is India. Throughout this month, read about the various believe it or not facts about India and know what goes into the making of this incredible country!


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Albert Einstein famously said,

“We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.”

He wasn’t simply making an emotional statement; there was plenty of data to back that up. Here are some interesting number facts-

As early as the 8th century B.C. the Indian mathematician Budhayana had calculated the value of ‘pi’ and he explained in detail what we now know as the Pythagoras Theorem. This was long before the European mathematician gave us the concept.

The study of Algebra (Bija Ganitam), Geometry (Rekha Gamitam), Trigonometry, and Calculus originated in India.

The ‘place value system’ was developed in India in 100 BC.  

Sridharacharya studied and explained the Quadratic equations in the 11th century.

The largest numbers used by the western world was 106 whereas Indian scholars used numbers as big as 1053  with specific names as early as 5000 BC during the Vedic period .
Even today the largest number used is Peta which is 1015.

Talking of Vedic mathematics, it is an ancient system of Mathematics developed by Indian scholars. The technique was so advanced that the scholars were able to compute most complex arithmetical problems mentally without the use of paper or pen.
When the excavation of ancient site at Harappa was done, weights and measures with decimal values were found. Scales with precise markings and measurements were also found at the sites and were used to ensure proper implementation of town planning. This showed that the decimal system was in place much before it was developed and introduced in the modern world.
Interesting, isn’t it?

Believe it or not – That’s incredible India!


10 comments:

  1. Very informative and well researched post.. India is truly incredible.
    http://kavisthoughts.blogspot.in/2016/04/n-for-now.html

    http://kavisthoughts.blogspot.in/2016/04/m-for-mom-z-challenge-april-2016.html

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  2. Talk about progress and advancement...I really wonder about how our ancestors made such breakthrough discoveries so early on and we are still not upto speed with most of it! This numerical ability is the inherent trait in Indians that makes them much smarter than the rest of the world! Reading about all these extraordinary discoveries by Indians makes me prouder....Jai Ho!
    @KalaRavi16 from
    Relax-N-Rave

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  3. I would say...be very proud India and lead the way for discoveries.

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  4. I never knew about vedic mathematics during my study years... in fact I found out about it less than a year ago and as you said, was surprised by how people were doing math so brilliantly in their head.

    My Recent Entries for the #AtoZChallenge -
    Tv Shows: M - MASH
    Tv Shows: N - New Gril

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  5. Vedic math truly helps students in doing fast calculations. It's super amazing that our ancestors could do all such complex calculations easily!

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  6. I wonder how this was lost... Our ancestors were brainiac for sure, they achieved so much, yet it never got passed on.
    Once again, another great post :)

    A Whimsical Medley
    Twinkle Eyed Traveller

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  7. I didn't about the Vedic Mathematics but I did know about the other things and them being originated in India!
    It really is wonderful to read something or the other everyday :)

    Cheers
    Geets

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  8. We Indians and numbers do go a long way back!

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  9. I don't think I'd heard about Vedic mathematics, though I knew algebra originated in India. I think I also knew India invented the decimal place system.

    Welcome to My Magick Theatre
    Onomastics Outside the Box

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  10. That's the power of India who taught how to count before the world takes notice:) A great post as always, Titli:)

    https://vishalbheeroo.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/rave-and-run/

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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person..deep gratitude for those who have lighted the flame within me!! your comments will be appreciated..

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