Peer-reviewed work by our researchers, bridging Indian Knowledge Systems and modern science.
5 papers
Mohit Gour, Kartik Iyer, Govind Maurya
Journal of Dharma Studies
In Indian intellectual traditions, śūnya developed across Vedic literature, Sanskrit grammar, and classical mathematics, acquiring meanings associated with absence, non-manifestation, numerical representation, and equilibrium. This study examines the concept through a textual and comparative analysis of selected Sanskrit sources, including the Ṛgveda, Yajurveda, Pāṇini’s Aṣṭādhyāyī, Āryabhaṭa’s Āryabhaṭīya, Brahmagupta’s Brahmasphuṭasiddhānta, and Bhāskarācārya’s Bījagaṇitam. Particular attention is given to the terms khaṃ, lopaḥ, adarśana, abhāva, and śūnya and their respective textual contexts. In Indian mathematics, śūnya is examined through its treatment as a numerical state, including Brahmagupta’s formulation of the sum of equal positive (dhana) and negative (ṛṇa) quantities. In Pāṇinian grammar, lopaḥ is examined as non-appearance within a rule-governed linguistic system. By bringing these textual traditions into comparative dialogue while maintaining their historical distinctions, the study explores śūnya as a multi-layered concept involving numerical representation, functional non-manifestation, and equilibrium.
Pranjal Shukla, Harendra Dudi, Mohit Gour, Govind Maurya
Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy
The Indian Vedic practice of yajña involves the combustion of a mixture of medicinal herbs (samagri) accompanied by Vedic chanting. Traditionally revered for its psychological and environmental benefits, yajña has increasingly gained scientific interest for its potential biomedical and ecological impacts. This study presents a comprehensive and critical review of modern scientific literature exploring the environmental cleansing effects and antimicrobial properties of yajña fumes and by-products. Recent findings suggest that yajña fumes contain bioactive compounds which include phenols, terpenoids, and flavonoids, produced during the controlled combustion of pharmacologically significant herbs such as Cinnamomum camphora, Syzygium aromaticum, Santalum album, Sesamum indicum, Commiphora wightii, etc. These compounds have been shown to reduce airborne pathogens, selectively eliminating harmful bacteria while allowing beneficial strains such as the Bacillus genus to persist. The volatile organic compounds released during yajña are further noted for their natural abilities to purify air, degrade pollutants, and enhance soil microbial activity through nutrient-rich ashes. Despite a growing number of individual studies pointing to yajña’s effects on air quality and ecosystem health, there remains a lack of consolidated, holistic research using standardised scientific methodologies. This paper addresses these gaps, synthesises available evidence across disciplines, and proposes a framework for future research to better understand how yajña could be integrated into modern eco-health and sustainable environmental practices.
Kartik Iyer, Mohit Gour, Govind Maurya
Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy
In the history of human civilisation, light is one of the most fascinating topics in the fields of science and philosophy. The present study critically examines whether the speed of light was conceptually known in pre-Rømer India or whether its correspondence with modern values reflects a forced interpretation. In medieval India, the reputed commentator Sāyaṇācārya mentioned a formula in his commentary on the Ṛgveda that has been interpreted to represent the speed of light. While some scholars have supported this reading, others dismiss it as a forced interpretation. Drawing upon primary texts such as the Sūryasiddhānta and the works of Āryabhaṭa, Bhāskara II, and Brahmagupta, as well as the Mahābhārata, Manusmṛti, and Purāṇas, the study examines traditional units such as nimeṣa and yojana. These values are then analysed quantitatively and compared with modern measurements. Variations across textual traditions arise from differing reference values for these units, not from conceptual error. The study shows that Sāyaṇācārya’s numerical value for the speed of light, when analysed using traditional units, shows notable numerical proximity to the modern value under certain traditional assumptions.
Harendra Dudi, Mohit Gour, Govind Maurya
Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals
Glassmaking technology has a long history in India. This study examines the classical Indian texts, archaeological excavations, and scientific analyses to explore glassmaking methods in ancient India. Glass, as mentioned in works such as the Arthaśāstra, Rasataraṅgiṇī, Suśruta Saṃhitā, and Rasaratna Samuccaya, represents a valuable asset, used in ornaments, surgical instruments, ceremonial objects, and other valued applications. Chemical compositional studies reveal that Indian silica glasses contain high concentrations of Al2O3, Na2O, and K2O, which contribute to high viscosity and durability, especially in humid environments. Analyses of glass artefacts from various sites show differing chemical compositions, indicating regional diversity in glassmaking techniques, while theoretical oxide compositional studies estimate corresponding differences in melting points and viscosity. Indian glassmakers also used additives such as Cu2O, Sb2O3, and PbO to produce red, white, and other coloured opaque glasses under controlled atmospheric conditions. These findings demonstrate an advanced understanding of glass composition control, colour chemistry, distillation techniques, moulding, and adaptation to environmental conditions. By integrating insights from archaeology, ancient texts, and chemical analysis, this study provides a comprehensive account of glassmaking technologies in ancient India, emphasising their technological and scientific complexity.
Harendra Dudi, Mohit Gour, Pranjal Shukla, Govind Maurya
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
This study explores the evolution of India's metallurgical knowledge, which may open promising avenues. Beginning with the Indus Valley Civilisation, the archaeological evidence and classical Indian texts are explored and analysed in a modern purview. Indian artisans exhibited remarkable expertise in metallurgy and achieved significant advancements in metal extraction, purification, smelting, annealing, casting, alloying, etc. They established fundamental concepts that are still relevant in contemporary scientific and industrial frameworks. Notable metallurgical achievements—such as the production of copper idols, zinc alloys, Wootz steel, and corrosion-resistant iron—demonstrate the artisans' sophisticated command over materials and processes. The research highlights how these innovations were integrated into the broader technological and cultural development of India.