Briefly discusses the chemistry techniques in ancient India. Describe the contribution of ancient Indian scientists in the field of chemistry. The development of chemistry in ancient India started in the Vedic period. This blog is written by one of my students, Ritika Rathore, a B.Sc first-year student. Thanks, Ritika
Briefly discusses the chemistry techniques in ancient India.
In the Kautilya era, the chemistry was linked with economics. (300 BCE): At least 12 metals were extracted from their ores (minerals) during that period, for which crucibles, furnaces, and other equipment were invented.
Various forests were identified with plants to find out the possibilities of a mine of a particular element. If the soil is like camphor, quartz or butter, then silver is the likely metal in that soil. were based on substances derived from the animal or plant kingdom.
If a particular area has heavy, soft and clay soils, it must contain copper, lead or tin. The stone used to test the purity of gold was obtained from the Tapti River and the state of Kalinga.
Briefly discusses the chemistry techniques in ancient India.
Alloys were manufactured in the Kautilya era, some of their brass, bronze and bell metals. The first written literature on chemistry was Nagarjuna’s “Rasa-Ratnakara”. was. He also had a degree in Chemical Laboratory.
There were at least 10 substances that were identified as strong poisons. Organic acids such as citric acid, tartaric acid, acetic acid, etc. were extracted from various plants. Lactic acid was extracted from curd.
The term ‘Kshar’ was given to substances that corrode the tissues/cells of animals. The caustic alkali KOH was also known by ancient people. All the pigments on the Ajanta murals were prepared from minerals.
Nagarjuna also prepared. Indelible ink using myrobalan, marking walnut, oleander, and lamp black. The manufacture and use of so many cosmetics are described in ‘Gandhasara’ and Varahamihira’s Brihat-Samhita. Chakrapani 900AD invented beauty soap, Anjan (kajal), and Surma.
Atharvaveda describes in detail the science of Ayurveda which includes the preparation of medicines for various diseases. Old literature includes descriptions of various building materials such as mortar and cement. The position of the glass industry was also developed.
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