The first thing that comes to mind when anyone thinks about India is the varied tradition, warmth and hospitality of the people, multiple cultures, differing mouth watering cuisines and the harmony by which all of these things co-exist to form a country. This in itself is a mind blowing fact.
But what are some of most interesting facts about India that a majority of us may not be aware of? Let’s take a look:
#1- Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies, that originated in India-
With Science and Technology seeing an almighty boom and Mathematics being in the middle of all that, we should recollect that it was our ancestors who started with all the complex calculations with Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus. The zero’s that we so adore in our salaries, also was a brainchild of our very own Brahmagupta!!! Budhayana was the mathematician to calculate the value of “pi”. He also explained the concept of the famous “Pythagorean Theorem” in the 6th century long before Europeans.
#2- Takshila in 700 BC had the built the world’s first university-
At a time where it is a fad to move abroad to continue one’s higher education, Ancient India’s Takshila (a city in modern day Pakistan) established the world’s first university that hosted around 11000 students from all around the world. The famous Nalanda university will remain one of the greatest achievements of Ancient India.
#3- Origins of early medicine existing in India- “Ayurveda”-
Charaka, the father of medicine had consolidated Ayurveda around 2500 years ago. Ayurveda, also came to be known as the earliest school of medicine.
#4- Martial Arts were first created in India-
Combat practices used for various reasons suh self defence, military and law enforcement first originated in India, contrary to beliefs that they originated in East Asian countries.
#5- Bandra Worli Sea-link is made up of steel wires that is equal to the circumference of the earth-
Every Indian is aware of the engineering marvel that is the Bandra Sealink at Mumbai. But few would be aware of the fact that the amount of steel wires used is equal to the circumference of the Earth!!! Also it took a total of 25700000 man hours for completion and weighs as much as 50000 African Elephants.
#6- India is home to the largest number of vegetarians in the world-
Be it religion or a personal choice or both, roughly around 20-40% of Indians are vegetarians.
#7- Shani Shingnapur has no doors or locks-
Yes Shani Shingnapur is a village in Maharashtra, where the houses don’t have any locks nor doors. The residents believe that Lord Shani stands guard to their village and sleep soundly.
#8- Temple of rats-
Yes, this can happen only in India. The Karni Mata temple in Rajasthan is home to thousands of rats that the devotees consider to be their ancestors. This is one of the strangest facts and attraction in India.
#9- Mumbai- A city of seven islands-
What? Yes, you read that right my dear friends. Hornby Vellard, an engineer was responsible for coalescing Mumbai into a single mass post 1784. Before that it consisted of seven islands (Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, Little Colaba and Bombay Island)
#10- Varanasi-
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and also the oldest continuously inhabited city in central Asia. This in itself is a wonderful fact about this beautiful city.
