Encyclopaedia of Classical Indian Sciences

India’s contributions to science and technology are among the most ancient and influential in the world. In mathematics, the decimal place value system with zero as a numeral, used universally today, owes its origin to India. The science of Ayurveda, which has been practised for millennia in India, is now gaining wider acceptance even as many ancient remedies are turned into modern drugs. Indian astronomical computations, ritual geometry, brick technology and metallurgical innovations have been among the finest achievements in the world of science and technology. This Encyclopaedia of Classical Indian Sciences is an attempt to provide an authentic account of natural science, technology and medicine as practised by Indians and other South Asians. It also includes biographical articles on many ancient Indian scientists, and some articles (polemic in nature) on the history of Indian science and technology, such as the essay on the effects of colonialism. All articles are contributions of acknowledged authorities on their subject drawn from across the world.