India has a rich tradition of knowledge, mathematics, and science that dates back thousands of years. Some of the earliest recorded mathematical discoveries were made in India, including the concept of zero and the decimal system, which revolutionized mathematics and made complex calculations much easier.

In addition, India has a long history of scientific achievements in fields such as astronomy, medicine, and metallurgy. For example, the ancient Indian text, the Sushruta Samhita, contains detailed descriptions of surgical techniques and is considered one of the earliest texts on medicine. Indian astronomers made significant contributions to the study of astronomy, including the calculation of the length of the solar year and the development of early astronomical instruments.

India’s tradition of knowledge and science has been preserved through the centuries through various texts, such as the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, as well as through the teachings of ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila. Today, India continues to be a hub of scientific and technological innovation, with a strong focus on research and development in various fields.

Colonization has had a significant impact on India and its education system. During British rule, the education system in India was heavily influenced by British ideals and values. The British introduced a system of education that was designed to produce clerks and administrators to serve the British Empire, rather than to promote indigenous knowledge and learning.

As a result, traditional Indian education, which was based on ancient texts and emphasized spiritual and moral values, was largely ignored or devalued. The British education system focused on Western-style education, with an emphasis on science, mathematics, and technology. English was also made the medium of instruction in schools, which further eroded the use of Indian languages and scripts.

After India gained independence in 1947, efforts were made to reform the education system and promote indigenous knowledge and learning. The Indian government introduced policies to promote education for all and to expand access to education, particularly in rural areas.

However, the legacy of British rule and the influence of Western education remain significant factors in the Indian education system. The focus on science, technology, and English-language proficiency continues to dominate the curriculum, and traditional Indian knowledge and values are often overlooked or marginalized.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to incorporate traditional Indian knowledge and values into the education system, as well as to promote multilingualism and diverse learning approaches. Efforts have been made to incorporate Indian philosophical and cultural values into the curriculum, particularly in areas such as ethics, spirituality, and sustainable development.

Ihe Indian government has launched various initiatives to promote the use of Indian languages in education, particularly at the primary level. This is seen as a way to promote linguistic diversity and preserve India’s rich cultural heritage.

The impact of colonization on India’s education system has been significant, but efforts are being made to reform and modernize the system while also incorporating traditional Indian knowledge and values.

Indian scientists and mathematicians such as Brahmagupta, Aryabhatta, Varahamihira, and Kanad are often overlooked in Western education systems. This is due in part to the Eurocentric bias of these systems, which tend to prioritize the contributions of European scholars over those of non-European scholars.

Efforts have been made in recent years to promote the inclusion of non-Western perspectives and contributions in education systems around the world. In India, there have been initiatives to incorporate traditional Indian knowledge and learning into the curriculum, particularly in the areas of mathematics, science, and philosophy.

There are Indian education systems that do emphasize the contributions of Indian scientists and mathematicians, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. In these systems, students are introduced to the works of Indian scholars such as Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, and others alongside their Western counterparts.

It is important for education systems to recognize and appreciate the contributions of scholars and thinkers from all cultures and traditions, in order to provide a comprehensive and balanced education for students.

9 Indian Universities from Ancient times – (Vishwa Guru – Vishwayala)

1. Ratnagiri: Located in modern-day Bihar, Ratnagiri is believed to have been established during the Gupta Empire (4th to 6th century CE). It was a center of learning for various fields, including Buddhism, astronomy, and medicine.
2. Vikramashila: Founded in the late 8th century CE, Vikramashila was one of the most important centers of Buddhist learning in India. It was located in present-day Bihar and was known for its focus on Madhyamaka philosophy.
3. Jagaddala: Jagaddala was a university in present-day Bangladesh that was active from the 11th to 13th century CE. It was known for its expertise in the field of astronomy and is believed to have been a center for the study of Hindu and Buddhist philosophy.
4. Pushpagiri: Located in present-day Odisha, Pushpagiri was an important center of learning for various subjects, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and literature. It was founded during the rule of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 4th century CE.
5. Adantapuri: Founded in the 8th century CE, Adantapuri was located in modern-day West Bengal and was known for its expertise in the fields of logic and Buddhism.
6. Somapura: Located in present-day Bangladesh, Somapura was a renowned center of Buddhist learning and was known for its vast library and collection of manuscripts. It was active from the 8th to the 12th century CE.
7. Nalanda: Nalanda is perhaps the most well-known of the ancient Indian universities. Founded in the 5th century CE, it was located in present-day Bihar and was a center of Buddhist learning. It was known for its vast library and its expertise in various fields, including philosophy, astronomy, and medicine.
8. Takshashila: Takshashila was one of the earliest universities in India, with origins dating back to the 6th century BCE. It was located in present-day Pakistan and was known for its expertise in various subjects, including mathematics, astronomy, and politics.
9. Valabhi: Valabhi was an ancient university located in present-day Gujarat. It was founded during the Gupta Empire and was known for its expertise in various fields, including law and medicine. It was also known for its extensive library and collection of manuscripts.

Photo: Foto von Charles Ag. Tegart: https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/indien-museum-sonnenlicht-kultur-10818318/