Question

Write about the development in chemistry achieved by ancient India.

Answer 1

Instructions:

Introduce the use of chemistry in ancient India

1. Talk about Acharya Nagarjuna.
2. Talk about Nalanda University.
3. Talk about feats in chemistry by citing examples of Buddha statue and the iron pillar of Delhi.

Solution:

India has a rich heritage in the field of chemistry and its practical uses -

• One of the most important figures of ancient India in the field of chemistry was Acharya Nagarjuna. He was a learned buddhist from Nalanda University. He wrote ‘Rasaratnakara’ and ‘Arogyamanjari’ in which he wrote about different chemical properties of various elements.
• In ancient India, Nalanda University was known worldwide for its school of chemistry. The university even had a furnace for research.
• The Buddha Statue from Sultanganj is seven and half tonne tall and weighs over 1 tonne which is an example of the use of chemistry in ancient India. Another famous example is the iron pillar in Delhi which has not rusted standing for more than 1500 years.

These examples tells us about the advancement in the field of chemistry in ancient India.