Page 85 - SST Class 06
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Science AD, it has remained exposed to sun and rain for
All branches of science made rapid progress over 16 centuries. However, no rust has formed
during this period. The science of mathematics, over it. Gold coins of the Guptas were also
astronomy, metalluragy and medicine were very excellently designed.
advance. Medicine : In the field of medicine too, there
was great progress. Doctors attended to patients
in the many hospitals which were built during
the Gupta period. Many books on medicine were
written. Dhanvantari was the greatest physician
of this time. Veterinary science also developed.
Seated Buddha from Sarnath
Astronomy : Two well-known mathematicians
and astronomers of the time were Aryabhata and
The Iron Pillar, Delhi
Varahamihira. Aryabhata said that the earth
moves around the sun and at the same time, it STATUS OF WOMEN
moves on its own axis. His theory was not The status of women continued to decline. In a
believed at that time. However, now we know patriarchal set-up the men began to treat women
that it is true. He wrote Aryabhatiyam, in which as items of property and so much that a woman
was expected to follow her husband to the next
he gave solutions to many mathematical prob-
world. The practice of sati (self-immolation at the
lems.
funeral pyre of the husband) gained approval of
Varahamihira was another leading scientists. He
the jurists.
wrote Brihat Samhita, which is an encyclopaedia
of science. But, it seems to have been confined to the upper
classes. The first memorial of a sati dated
Mathematics : The numeral system was also
510 CE, is found at Eran in Madhya Pradesh.
very advanced. The Arabic numerals were first Lawgivers of the period, almost unanimously
used by the Indians. This system was later advocated early marriage; some of them pre-
adopted by the Arabs and then by the ferred even pre-puberty marriage. Celibacy was
Europeans. Indian mathematicians knew the use to be strictly observed by widows.
of the zero. They used the decimal system
Women were denied any right to property except
extensively. for stridhana in the form of jewellery, garments,
Metallurgy : Metallurgy was also very and similar other presents made to the bride on
advanced. This is clear from the Iron Pillar at the occasion of her marriage. They were not
Mehrauli, in Delhi. Built in the fourth century entitled to formal education.
Social Science-6 85
