10 Lesser-Known Inventions That Originated In India Or Were Invented By Indians

Apr 25, 2023

By: NewsPoint

Buttons

The history of buttons dates back to around 2000 BC in the Indus Valley civilization. The first buttons were made of shells and were used mainly for decoration rather than functional purposes.

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Chess

Chess originated in India as Chaturaṅga, meaning 'the four divisions' in the 6th century. It was later introduced to Europe by Arabs. King Balhait ordered its creation to promote intelligence and values.

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Ruler

Oldest ruler made of ivory dates back to 1500 BC in the Indus Valley civilization. It has accurate subdivisions of the decimal system calibrated to 1/16 inch.

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Shampoo

Shampoo comes from chāmpo, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Chapayati’ meaning massage or knead. It was first used as a hair massage for Bengal governors in 1762.

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Zero

Zero as a number, not just a symbol or empty space, originated in the ninth century BC and was recognized globally after Indian mathematician Aryabhata created its symbol in 458 AD.

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Cataract And Cosmetic Surgery

Sushruta, an ancient Indian physician, pioneered cataract surgery in the 6th century, drawing visitors from Greece and China. He also practiced cosmetic surgery, based on local techniques dating back to 2000 BC.

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Diamond Mines

Before the discovery of diamond mines in Brazil in the 1700s, the world's only source of diamonds for over 5,000 years was central India.

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Ink

Musi ink, using carbon pigments, was developed by the Indians in the fourth century BC and widely used in southern India. It was the first of its kind.

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The USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Ajay V. Bhatt, an American-Indian computer architect, created the USB, a game-changing data storage device. He didn't profit from his invention but aimed to drive innovation in technology.

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Yoga

Yoga is an ancient physical and mental discipline introduced by Indians, dating back to 10,000-5,000 BC. Its evolution saw it become a softer exercise, moving away from trying to impose power on the Gods to trying to transform oneself into a God.

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