Chemistry is the branch of science which deals with the nature, interaction, involvement of elements and compounds. We know who is the father of chemistry? Who gave which law of chemistry? But do we know about the magnificent achievement of ancient Indians in the field of chemistry?
We use chemical laws in our daily life be it washing a dirty shirt or preparing a glass of lemonade. Chemistry is associated with us in every second of life even when we are not doing anything. The whole living world survives in a simple chemical reaction that is photosynthesis. Chemical reactions govern our body functions. Chemistry is the reason for many natural phenomena. Building home to destruction of mountains with bombards use chemistry. Ok till now we have discussed the importance of chemistry, let’s have look at our ancient phenomenal works of chemistry in those days. Panch dhatu vishist natraj idol, asta dhatu vishist Nilachakra situated above srimandir indicates the use of metals in ancient India but before using metal in anything metal needs to be purifying from their ore; from this fact we can conclude that ancient Indians knew how to purify metal. Another example is rust free Iron pillar of Delhi which stands since thousands year: from which we can conclude that they knew about the stainless mechanisms. The used for temple making was another magnificent example of chemical solution. Let’s discuss about some Alchemist of ancient India.
A famous novel named THE ALCHEMIST showed that alchemy was the person who converts lead into gold. Ok this is only in story but do you know an Indian scientist did that in past which we call today is gold plating. The scientist we are talking he is none other than Acharya Nagarjuna. He was budhist monk and marvellous inventor of his time. He had done many experiments in his lab or Rasashala. He invented many techniques metallurgical purification. He formulated many formulas for conversion of a metal from their base metal. He prepared a elixir which can increase lifespan. He was the first to distillate alcohol. In his book Rasaratnakara he properly described about metallurgical process. The description of metals was described in Vedas also. Many European and Arabic scientist and philosophers recognize his woks and praised him.
An art which is restricted to certain operations, drugs, and compound medicines, most of which are taken from plants. Its principles restore the health of those who were ill beyond hope, and give back youth to fading old age..." is called Rasayan and Acharya Nagarjuna is called the father of rasayan. Using rasayan a different department of Ayurved was established that is Rasashastra. Rasendra Mangala, Rasa Hridaya Tantra, Rasarnava, Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Rasendra Chudamani, Rasa Ratna Samuccaya etc were considered to be important texts of Rasashastra. Rasashastra can be compared with modern Pharmaceutical department. It deals with the preparation and validation of ayurvedic medicines. Shodhan is one of the methods to eliminate toxicity from any metal likewise different procedures are also described in this. Medicines can be derived from three substances i.e. from animals, from plants or from minerals. The extraction and preparation of different type of medicines are described in these books. Due to lack of preservation these priceless procedures got destroyed, for example Rasendra mangala originally contains 8 chapters but we have only 4 chapters as manuscripts.
Agadatantra deals with various natural and artificial toxic substances and poisons in detail along with their antedotes , the signs and symptoms and also the management of poisoning resulting from the bites of snakes, insects, spiders, rodents etc as well as from the combinations of various other poisons &fatal doses of various poisons. It can be compared to modern toxicology department. This department also deals with medicine validation and medical ethics. Rishi Kashyapa is considered as the father of agadatantra. This science prepares many toxic substances from plants as well as animals. It is also a magnificent example of uses of chemistry in ancient India.
What do you think? Structure of atom and behaviour of atom or subatomic particles is under which branch of science? As I am a student I can conclude that it is included in both Physics and Chemistry. Do you who were the first to describe about these? He is Acharya Kanada,. Acharya kanad belong to different branch of chemistry that is subatomic particle. Point to be noted here that his real name was not kanad but after his interest in subatomic particle his name was changed to kanad. He explained atomic structure very descriptively much before the discovery of cathode ray. He also identified proton and neutron. His Research was so accurate that on the basis of his reading he also explained the behaviour and combination of atom. His research works was not only limited to subatomic particle. He gave laws of motion which are still similar to Newton’s laws of motion.
Due to lack of publication, awareness and transportation in that days these priceless Research work was never unveiled in front of world. In later days the translation and re discoveries of these results were recognised by world. Stay tuned with hungry researcher for more such things.
Hungry and Foolish