Encyclopaedia on India

Chilka Lake, located in the eastern state of Odisha, holds the distinction of being the largest coastal lake in India. More precisely, it is a vast brackish water lagoon formed at the mouth of the Daya River, where freshwater meets the saline waters of the Bay of Bengal. Spanning across the Puri, Ganjam, and Khurda districts of Odisha, Chilka Lake stands as a unique ecological and geographical marvel, supporting a diverse range of flora, fauna, and human settlements. Geographical Overview Chilka Lake is classified as a lagoon rather than merely a lake due to its connection with the Bay of Bengal and the mixture of saltwater and freshwater creating a brackish environment. The lake covers an extensive area, with its waters stretching over a complex system of channels, islands, and peninsulas. The formation of Chilka Lake is a result of silting action primarily near the southern mouth of the Mahanadi River . Over time, northerly currents in the Bay of Bengal have contributed to the de...

Ancient India, with its rich heritage of medical science, developed a profound understanding of health and therapeutics, as reflected in the classical system of Ayurveda . Central to this system was the knowledge of various forms of medicines, carefully prepared to ensure efficacy, palatability, and proper dosage. These medicinal forms were devised from natural ingredients—herbs, minerals, metals—and their preparation techniques optimized to enhance therapeutic value and patient compliance.   Churna (Powders) One of the simplest and most commonly used forms of medicine was Churna, or powders. These were finely ground dry herbs or mixtures of herbal and mineral substances. Powders facilitated easy digestion and absorption, and allowed precise dosage measurement. They could be administered alone or combined with various carriers like honey, ghee, or water to ease ingestion and enhance therapeutic effects. Svarasa (Expressed Juice) Svarasa referred to the fresh expressed juic...

The history of surgery is as old as human civilization itself, and few ancient cultures contributed as profoundly to the art and science of surgical practice as ancient India. Often considered one of the cradles of medical knowledge, India laid the foundations of surgery long before many of the techniques known in the modern world were developed. Central to this pioneering work was Sushruta, an ancient Indian sage and physician, who lived around 600 BCE and is often honored as the "Father of Surgery." His seminal work, the Sushruta Samhita , epitomizes ancient Indian surgical expertise, much of which can be compared remarkably with modern surgical methodologies. The Context of Ancient Indian Medicine and Surgery Ancient Indian medicine, or Ayurveda, is a comprehensive system that encapsulated not only health and healing but also surgery, pharmacology, and wellness. Ayurveda traditionally categorizes medical knowledge into eight branches ( Ashtanga Ayurveda ), of which sur...

The ancient Indian theatre stands as one of the most sophisticated and culturally rich manifestations of early dramatic art in human history. Central to the understanding of this tradition is the Natyashastra by Bharata Muni, a comprehensive and detailed treatise on dramatic theory, performance, and theatre architecture. Composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE, the Natyashastra is unparalleled not only in the Indian classical tradition but also across global theatre histories for its depth and systematic approach to drama and performance arts. It offers extensive insights into the mythical origins of theatre, the structure and functions of theatre buildings, the art of acting, the role of music and dance, and the aesthetics of dramatic presentation. Mythical Origins and Cultural Foundations According to the Natyashastra, theatre is a celestial art bestowed upon humanity by the gods, specifically Brahma , the creator deity, who invented drama to educate and entertain people while also...

  Ancient Indian mathematics is a remarkable chapter in the history of human knowledge, characterized by its originality, depth, and lasting impact on global mathematical thought. Synonymous with the rich tradition of Vedic Mathematics, this ancient discipline highlights the profound intellectual achievements of India, deeply intertwined with its spiritual and cultural heritage. The foundation of this mathematical tradition lies in the Vedas, especially through their ancillary texts—the Vedangas—among which Jyotisha holds particular significance as the science of astronomy and mathematics. This essay endeavors to explore the multifaceted contributions of ancient Indian mathematics, emphasizing its origins in Vedic literature, the evolution of key mathematical concepts, and the eminent scholars who propelled this tradition forward. At the heart of ancient Indian mathematics are the powerful tools known as the 16 Sutras and 16 Upasutras of Vedic Mathematics. These concise aphorism...