tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82097087500835456392024-03-12T19:23:09.133-07:00ETERNAL TRUTHRNA:Random News Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752654230885780687noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8209708750083545639.post-76433759621467791852015-01-13T09:09:00.000-08:002015-01-13T09:11:42.487-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Superb Ancestors of India</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Times of India published an article in its edition of the
Saturday the 10th January 2015:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>PLEASE READ</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-editorials/aerial-ancestors-in-ancient-times-the-country-was-already-an-advanced-manufacturing-hub/<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Though the article made an interesting reading but it is felt
that it is totally negating the contribution of Indian Science whatsoever. In
other words <b>the article appeared to be very harsh</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There have been several contributions of Indian Science which
can't be negated today. For instance, if one takes the case of 'Last rites',
the Indian diasporas i.e. the Hindus follow certain rituals as follows </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(The scientific analysis of the ritual has been given in the
next column. This analysis makes sense and appeals even to logically and
sensibly thinking layman).:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ritual<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Possible Scientific Logic<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a) To cremate the
body after death<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Burns the
infectious organisms thus prevents epidemics, saves space<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">b) The son had to
get the head tonsured<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Infectious
organisms can cling to bodily hair<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">c) The son-in-law
was barred from coming closer to body of dead father-in-law<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Son-in-law used to
be from other village, can carry germs from the dead if a person has died from
infection; thus prevent epidemics<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">d) Before setting
the pyre on fire, the son will go around it with a water leaking pitcher<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This will prevent
fire from pyre to spread to nearby fields<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">e) A stick is used
to break the skull of burning body<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Skull with brain
being voluminous will not readily burn otherwise<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">f) The next day
the relatives pick the unburnt bones and then offer them to river<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unburnt leftover
of bones are surrendered to river where even the stones in its bed become round; the bony leftovers will progressively diminish in size. Rivers originating from mountains used to possess anti-infective properties<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">g) Son does not go
out of the house for 13 days<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Usually it is son
(males) of the family who go out for job, this is a sort of self ‘quarantine’<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many more rituals which are followed even today,
thousands of years after when they were formulated. One can also note that
these rituals have been linked to Religion. It makes sense when rituals are
linked to religion because this can ensure compliance. The intention here is
not to hurt the feelings of followers of a particular religion but is to tell
that their ancestors knew how to ensure compliance so that benefits prevail.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Time and again, news appear in the newspapers that: this or
that has been discovered by a particular scientist or research group. Sometimes,
these 21st century findings are those which were discovered in India thousands
of years ago. For instance, it was reported that eating a sugary dish at the
start of the meal prevents obesity. Many of Indian meals/feasts start with a
sugary dish like 'laddoo', etc. There may be many such Indian rituals which
have a scientific basis.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Similarly, due to shortage of space, West now recommends
cremation over burial. Ancient Indians were already practicing the same.
Possibly ancient Indians had more advanced thinking. The lack of written
evidence does not mean that ancient Indians were morons. History is replete
with reports when foreign invaders vandalised Indian schools and burnt their
literature. It is also not hidden that Indians were not given due credit to
their contribution. Even today they face discrimination in certain foreign
countries. Even after thousands of years, Lothal, Mohenjo Daro and Harrapan civilisations are living
evidence of scientific development of Ancient Indians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Coming to next part of the discussion</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is agreed that there may be certain fantasies involved
while describing the achievements of ancient India, but more important thing
is:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Why it can't be reproduced today ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Does the governance has to play a role in how the science is
promoted in a country ?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Answer to this question is: yes. The scientific temper is not
given the deserved impetus. When the countrymen feel that they are left behind
in this world, they look for alternative ways of sustaining the glory of their
country. For instance, people feel a lift when India beats other country in
Cricket or other sports. It is good that sports can be a good means of
entertainment but in the long run it is real development of the country that
matters and for this the scientific temper needs to be nurtured. ‘Runs’ can’t
develop the country but ‘Marks’ can.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is a great shame that majority of Indian scholars who
pursue doctoral course leave the country after obtaining PhD: Doctor of
Philosophy. One will find still today innumerable institutions offering PhD in
Basic sciences and Medical sciences but less than 10% get a job in India. Are
we producing doctorate holders for foreign countries ? One can imagine the
national financial waste if such a talent is not retained. Should we stop this
waste ? Or should we try to use their expertise ?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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RNA:Random News Analysishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08752654230885780687noreply@blogger.com0