Algebra originated in India around 2000 BCE!

India’s contributions to human civilisation are vast and profound. We know the country’s contribution when it comes to philosophy, art and architecture, literature, and science and technology. We also are well aware that we gave the concept of zero, the decimal system, and place value notation were all invented in India! Not only have this but we have given so much more to the world – Algebra, shampoo, and even the popular board game – Snakes and Ladders!

Algebra

The word algebra comes from the Arabic word al-jabr, which means “the reunion.” This refers to the way that algebra solves equations by combining like terms. It originated in India around 2000 BCE. The earliest known algebraic texts are the Sulba Sutras, which were used to design and construct altars for Hindu rituals.

Indian mathematicians made significant contributions to the development of algebra. For example, the mathematician Brahmagupta (598-668 CE) developed the quadratic formula, which is used to solve quadratic equations.

Algebra was introduced to Europe in the 12th century by Arab scholars. It quickly became one of the most important branches of mathematics, and it continues to be used today by scientists, engineers, and mathematicians all over the world.

Shampoo

The next time you shampoo your hair, remember that the concept developed in your country. The word shampoo comes from the Hindi word chāmpo, which means ‘to massage’. Shampoo was invented in India around 1500 BCE. The earliest known shampoo recipe is found in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Indian medical text. This recipe called for a mixture of herbs, oils, and water to be used to cleanse and condition the hair.

Shampoo was introduced to Europe in the 18th century by British colonists returning from India. It quickly became popular in Europe and North America.

Snakes and Ladder

We have all grown up playing the board game Snakes and Ladder with the snake at 99 to bite you and bring you down all the way! The game is said to have originated in India around 2000 BCE. The earliest known version of the game was called Moksha Patam, which means ‘the path to salvation’. It was a moral instruction game that was used to teach children about the consequences of their actions. The squares on the board represented virtues and vices, and the ladders and snakes represented rewards and punishments.

The game was introduced to Europe in the 19th century by British colonists returning from India. It quickly became popular in Europe and North America, and it remains one of the most popular board games in the world today.

What else have we given to the world?

1.       Trigonometry     2. Calculus     3. Ayurveda     4. Yoga     5. Buttons     6. Chess     7. Cataract surgery     8. Flush toilet systems     9. Ruler     10. Weighing scale     11. Chintz (fabric) 12. Cashmere     13, Calico     14. Gunpowder     15. Steel     16. Navigation     17. Textile weaving 18. Astronomy