7 Innovations Exemplifying India’s Genius

Apr 25, 2025, 23:17 IST

Sneha Swaminathan

Aryabhata’s Gift: The advent of zero  The concept of ‘zero’ that underpins modern mathematics owes its origins to the brilliant mathematician Aryabhata, making India the pioneering user of this pivotal numeral. 

Ayurveda: A tradition of well-being   For those who have experienced the therapeutic wonders of Ayurvedic treatments, India stands as the source of this holistic healing tradition that dates back centuries. 

Gaming through the ages: Chess, and Snakes and Ladders  The world of board games, including the globally cherished ‘Chess’ and ‘Snakes and Ladders’, find its roots in India, a testament to the nation’s rich history of strategic and recreational thinking. 

Yoga’s global reach: A gift from India  India’s profound gift to the realm of health and well-being, yoga, has transcended boundaries, offering solace and balance to countless individuals worldwide. 

The button’s ancestry: Tracing back to India  Unassuming yet ubiquitous, buttons trace their ancestry to India’s Indus Valley civilisation around 2000 BCE, showcasing the country’s early contributions to everyday convenience. 

Sushruta’s legacy: Revolutionising surgery  Sushruta, an Indian physician of the 3rd century CE, revolutionised the medical world by pioneering cataract surgery, an achievement for which the globe owes him gratitude. 

Fibres that weave histories: Jute, cotton, and wool  The textiles we wear and cherish, crafted from natural fibres like jute, cotton, and wool, have their origins deeply rooted in India’s age-old textile traditions.