Explain the points of Ancient Indian
Knowledge on the basis of which India was designated as Vishwaguru
When we hear the word Vishwaguru,
it means teacher of the world. In ancient times, India was not only a
land of kings and warriors but also a land of wisdom, science, and
spirituality. People from many parts of the world came to India to learn. They
came for education, philosophy, medicine, mathematics, and spiritual guidance.
India was respected because of its knowledge, and that is why it was called Vishwaguru.
let us understand the important points of ancient Indian knowledge that made
India the teacher of the world.
1. Education System of Gurukuls and Universities
The foundation of India’s greatness
was its education system. The ancient gurukul method was unique.
Students lived with their teachers, learned not only subjects but also
discipline, respect, and values.
Later, great universities like Takshashila,
Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Vallabhi were built. These were
world-famous learning centers. Foreign students from China, Greece, Tibet, and
Central Asia traveled long distances to study in India.
Subjects taught included:
- Grammar and languages
- Mathematics and astronomy
- Ayurveda and surgery
- Philosophy and logic
- Arts, music, and crafts
These universities had thousands of
students and teachers. For example, Nalanda University had over 10,000
students. This shows how advanced Indian education was.
2. Philosophy and Spiritual Knowledge
India gave the world deep
philosophies. Ancient sages asked big questions: Who am I? What is truth? What
is the purpose of life?
The Upanishads, Vedas,
Bhagavad Gita, and Buddhist texts taught answers to these
questions. These works spread to many countries and influenced world thought.
Key philosophies included:
- Advaita Vedanta
– Oneness of the soul and the universe.
- Buddhism
– Path of compassion, meditation, and non-violence.
- Jainism
– Teaching of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth.
- Yoga
– A way to unite body, mind, and soul.
This spiritual knowledge attracted
seekers from across the world. Even today, yoga and meditation are practiced in
almost every country.
3. Mathematics and Astronomy
Ancient Indian mathematicians were
pioneers. Their discoveries shaped the world.
- Zero (0)
was discovered in India by Aryabhata. This single discovery changed
mathematics forever.
- Decimal system
was developed in India. Without it, modern science and computers would not
exist.
- Aryabhata
wrote about the rotation of the Earth and solar calculations.
- Bhaskara II
worked on algebra, trigonometry, and calculus-like concepts.
- Indian astronomers studied planets, eclipses, and stars
with amazing accuracy.
When this knowledge spread to other
countries, it laid the foundation of modern science.
4.
Medicine and Ayurveda
India was far ahead in the field of
health and medicine. Ayurveda, which means science of life, taught not
only how to cure diseases but also how to live a healthy life.
- Charaka Samhita
explained human anatomy, diseases, and treatments.
- Sushruta Samhita
described surgeries, including plastic surgery and cataract removal.
- Yoga and meditation were part of health care.
- Ayurveda also spoke of diet, lifestyle, and mental
health.
Chinese, Arab, and Greek travelers
carried this knowledge abroad. Even today, Ayurveda is gaining respect in the
world.
5. Science and Technology
India was advanced in many sciences:
- Metallurgy:
The Iron Pillar of Delhi has not rusted for over 1,600 years. This shows
India’s mastery in metal technology.
- Architecture:
Temples, caves, and palaces of ancient India are wonders of engineering.
The Ajanta-Ellora caves and Konark temple still surprise the world.
- Shipbuilding:
India built strong ships and had trade relations with distant lands.
- Textiles:
Indian cotton and silk were world-famous.
This scientific knowledge made India
rich and respected.
6. Arts, Literature, and Culture
India’s cultural knowledge was also
a reason for being Vishwaguru.
- Sanskrit literature
like the Ramayana and Mahabharata gave lessons of duty, courage, and
morality.
- Kalidasa
wrote plays and poetry admired worldwide.
- Natya Shastra
by Bharata explained drama, dance, and music.
- Indian music, dance, and painting influenced other
cultures.
This rich heritage inspired not only
Indians but also foreign artists and scholars.
7.
Economic and Trade Knowledge
Knowledge was also practical in the
form of trade and economics.
- Kautilya’s Arthashastra explained economics, politics, taxation, and
administration.
- Indian traders spread goods like spices, textiles, and
jewels across the world.
- Along with goods, they spread ideas, values, and
wisdom.
This made India not only a rich
country but also a respected guide for others.
8.
Ethics and Values
India’s knowledge was not only about
science or wealth. It was also about living a good life. The values of dharma
(duty), ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and seva
(service) guided society.
Civilizations admired India because
it taught how to live in harmony with nature, society, and self.
9. Global Influence
Because of this vast knowledge,
India influenced many parts of the world:
- Buddhism spread to China, Japan, Sri Lanka, and
Southeast Asia.
- Indian mathematics went to the Arab world and then to
Europe.
- Indian medicine influenced Greek and Arab systems.
- Indian art and architecture can be seen in Cambodia,
Indonesia, and Thailand.
This global reach made India the
true Vishwaguru.
India was called Vishwaguru
because it gave the world not just knowledge of numbers, medicines, and trade,
but also values, wisdom, and spiritual guidance. Ancient India’s contribution
in education, philosophy, science, health, arts, and ethics shaped human
civilization.
Even today, when the world looks towards
yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, and Indian philosophy for peace and balance, it
proves that the spirit of Vishwaguru is still alive.
India’s past as a teacher of the
world is a reminder that knowledge, when shared with humility and compassion,
makes a nation truly great.

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