This topic is to discuss about how science and technology has proven so many facts, which originated as fiction or passed through somebody’s mind as a dream.
Let us begin with a sneak peek into the understanding of what is science and technology.
Science is the effort to discover, and increase understanding on what and how everything works, through controlled methods and use of observable physical evidence, collect data, and analyze this information to explain. Knowledge in science is gained through research.
Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt to its environment. Though a strict definition is elusive; "technology" can refer to material objects of use to humanity, such as machines, hardware or utensils, but can also encompass broader themes, including systems, methods of organization, and techniques.
With this let us move into the works of fiction that were proven later in Science and Technology.
Let me first talk about Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences and with everlasting discovery even today. As late as 1930 our science was talking about 8 planets and our great scientists went on with discovery of 9th planet, Pluto. However, in 2006, when for the first time the term “planet” was defined, Pluto did not fit into the definition.
In Contrast, Indian Mythology was talking about 9 planets or navagrahas, which dates back to unknown times. This number includes the Sun and the Moon. So restricting planets to seven. Now adding earth to it makes it eight which is now accepted by our astronomers. Not only was there a matching of numbers but also the characteristics defined.
For instance, planet Mercury, termed “Chevvai” in Mythology is defined as the most fuming planet and we see in our science that it as the closest to the Sun and stay at highest temperature.
Here methodology described in astrology is the very same as the technology proved in astronomy
Secondly, In Ramayana, Ravana was using an air bound vehicle called ‘Pushpakavimanam’. Consider Ramayana a mythology, which is believed to have been written by Valmiki around 4th Century BC. Since then there are evidences of kite flying used as a punishment in China around 5th Century AD. There are evidences of desire to fly in many paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, who lived in 15th Century. But actual efforts for flight were taking place only as late as 18th Century.
The wright brothers made the first most successful record of flying only in the 20th Century.
In this case, although the concept of flight was evident in the Ramayana, the technology used in modern flying is different.
Moving on to the next great epic of India, The Mahabaratha, in which Kunthi’s gave birth to all her 6 Children by non conventional methods.
In the late 20th Century all of us had the shock or may be surprise of our lives when we came to know about the IVF or more commonly termed as test tube babies. Today any of the three major requirements of pregnancy, Sperm, Egg, Uterus can be provided by a third person and the person providing it need not even be known to the owner of the process.
In Mahabaratha, which is believed to have been writted in 9th Century BC, the Heroes, Pandavas and their step brother Karna were given birth by Kunti through a boon obtained from The God.
There is no reference of any technology in Mahabaratha. However, when we see that there is an unconventional method of child birth, that sparks discoveries by our technologists.
Also there are so many aspects in our ancient literature, accepted now, Ayurveda and Yoga to name a few.
Though there are so many proven facts from the mythology or literature, which gets proven by our Science, there are still a lot of unexplored avenues that might be of great use to the human community. Let me share some of the areas of my interest where there has not been much of proof to believe the myths and fiction.
The 27 stars named in Hindu mythology or even in the Tamil Calendar. The existence of these and reason for mythology to leave out so many other stars that we see on sky.
The physical qualities described for the ancient sages in controlling the mind and body and the resultant exhibition of the powers called Sithu
A super human creation or may be a robot, matching a Hanuman from Ramayana or more recent fantasy Superman or He-Man.
Witchcraft or Wizardry as depicted by Ms Rowling in Harry Potter Series
To concur with the definition of Science and what Tirukural Says, unless there is proof of fact supported by data analysed in proper method, nothing is true. It should be our endeavor to know how and know why for so many things that we see, hear or read.
As Dr.Abdul Kalam said, you have to dream before your dreams come true, any invention starts as a dream.
Let us begin with a sneak peek into the understanding of what is science and technology.
Science is the effort to discover, and increase understanding on what and how everything works, through controlled methods and use of observable physical evidence, collect data, and analyze this information to explain. Knowledge in science is gained through research.
Technology is a broad concept that deals with a species' usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects a species' ability to control and adapt to its environment. Though a strict definition is elusive; "technology" can refer to material objects of use to humanity, such as machines, hardware or utensils, but can also encompass broader themes, including systems, methods of organization, and techniques.
With this let us move into the works of fiction that were proven later in Science and Technology.
Let me first talk about Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences and with everlasting discovery even today. As late as 1930 our science was talking about 8 planets and our great scientists went on with discovery of 9th planet, Pluto. However, in 2006, when for the first time the term “planet” was defined, Pluto did not fit into the definition.
In Contrast, Indian Mythology was talking about 9 planets or navagrahas, which dates back to unknown times. This number includes the Sun and the Moon. So restricting planets to seven. Now adding earth to it makes it eight which is now accepted by our astronomers. Not only was there a matching of numbers but also the characteristics defined.
For instance, planet Mercury, termed “Chevvai” in Mythology is defined as the most fuming planet and we see in our science that it as the closest to the Sun and stay at highest temperature.
Here methodology described in astrology is the very same as the technology proved in astronomy
Secondly, In Ramayana, Ravana was using an air bound vehicle called ‘Pushpakavimanam’. Consider Ramayana a mythology, which is believed to have been written by Valmiki around 4th Century BC. Since then there are evidences of kite flying used as a punishment in China around 5th Century AD. There are evidences of desire to fly in many paintings of Leonardo Da Vinci, who lived in 15th Century. But actual efforts for flight were taking place only as late as 18th Century.
The wright brothers made the first most successful record of flying only in the 20th Century.
In this case, although the concept of flight was evident in the Ramayana, the technology used in modern flying is different.
Moving on to the next great epic of India, The Mahabaratha, in which Kunthi’s gave birth to all her 6 Children by non conventional methods.
In the late 20th Century all of us had the shock or may be surprise of our lives when we came to know about the IVF or more commonly termed as test tube babies. Today any of the three major requirements of pregnancy, Sperm, Egg, Uterus can be provided by a third person and the person providing it need not even be known to the owner of the process.
In Mahabaratha, which is believed to have been writted in 9th Century BC, the Heroes, Pandavas and their step brother Karna were given birth by Kunti through a boon obtained from The God.
There is no reference of any technology in Mahabaratha. However, when we see that there is an unconventional method of child birth, that sparks discoveries by our technologists.
Also there are so many aspects in our ancient literature, accepted now, Ayurveda and Yoga to name a few.
Though there are so many proven facts from the mythology or literature, which gets proven by our Science, there are still a lot of unexplored avenues that might be of great use to the human community. Let me share some of the areas of my interest where there has not been much of proof to believe the myths and fiction.
The 27 stars named in Hindu mythology or even in the Tamil Calendar. The existence of these and reason for mythology to leave out so many other stars that we see on sky.
The physical qualities described for the ancient sages in controlling the mind and body and the resultant exhibition of the powers called Sithu
A super human creation or may be a robot, matching a Hanuman from Ramayana or more recent fantasy Superman or He-Man.
Witchcraft or Wizardry as depicted by Ms Rowling in Harry Potter Series
To concur with the definition of Science and what Tirukural Says, unless there is proof of fact supported by data analysed in proper method, nothing is true. It should be our endeavor to know how and know why for so many things that we see, hear or read.
As Dr.Abdul Kalam said, you have to dream before your dreams come true, any invention starts as a dream.
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