Mar 13, 2024, 07:50 AM IST

Greatest Indian inventions and discoveries

Jaisal Kaur

Buttons: Buttons were used for the first time in Mohenjo-daro, the civilization of the Indus Valley, in 2000 BC. 

Chess: Founded under the name Chaturaṅga which translates as 'the four divisions', meaning infantry, cavalry, elephantry, and chariotry, in the Gupta Empire in the 6th century. 

Ruler: Made of ivory, the oldest ruler was discovered in the Indus Valley civilization in 1500 BC. 

Shampoo: It was first used as a hair massage for the governors of Bengal during the Mughal Empire of India, in 1762.

Ayurvedic: This medicine is considered to be the oldest health science, originated in India about 5000 years ago.

Cotton farming: The Indians started to cultivate cotton in the 4th or 5th millennium BCE during the Indus Valley civilization.

Zero: The Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata created the symbol for zero, and since then the number was recognized as a suitable digit.

Cataract surgery and cosmetic surgery: Indian physician Sushruta was the first to surgically operate on cataracts, in the 6th century. 

Ink: Indians were the first to use carbon pigments in southern India in the fourth century BC.