Introduction to Ancient Indian Technology

This course is designed for undergraduate students, interested in learning about the ancient Indian Technology which is the hallmark of glorious Indian civilization, only living civilization of the world that exists till today. The main emphasis is placed on nature centric aspects of ancient Indian technologies that can be adopted in modern time. As this is an introductory course, care has been taken to present the materials in a gradual manner to instill confidence in the minds of the students. Attempts have been made to keep the deliberation as simple as possible with intriguing questions so that students can take exploratory route to learn more about it in future. Adequate emphasis is given in this course for exposing the students to ancient science and technologies which can be adopted for modern technological development. The tenets of various technologies which are essential for human living are discussed in details to encourage the students to develop a feel for ancient Indian and technologies.

PREREQUISITE :Open to All

COURSE LAYOUT

Week 1. Introduction: Why are ancient Indian science and technology relevant today? What is science? How is it different from technology? Philosophy of ancient Indian technology, how is different from modern technology? Ancient Indian Scientific methods. Glimpses of ancient Indian science and technology?Week 2. Material Technology : Mining, Metals and Metallurgy, Iron Making and craftsmanship, Wootz Steel TechnologyWeek 3. Extraction of Zinc in ancient India, Glass making, Bead making Techniques, Ceramic TechnologyWeek 4. Water Harvesting Technology, Irrigation SystemsWeek 5. Town planning, Building construction, SanitationWeek 6. Agriculture and Textile Technology