India has a very old scientific history. It is believed that Indian mathematicians discovered methods of determining the number of mathematical combinations in the 2nd Century B.C. By the fifth century A.D., Indian mathematicians were using ten numerals and by the seventh century were treating zero as a number.
The theory of squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, fractions, ability to express the number ten to the twelfth power, algebraic formulas, and astronomy had originated some where around 1500 B.C.
Many technological discoveries relating to pharmacology, brain surgery, medicine, artificial colors and glazes, metallurgy, recrystalization, chemistry, the decimal system, geometry, astronomy, language and linguistics took place in India.
The practical application of these discoveries has improved life and has helped in diverse ways. Interest in astronomy in India resulted in the invention and construction of a network of refined, large-scale astronomical observatories known as the Jantar Mantars The arrival of the British, the Portuguese, Dutch, and French led to new scientific developments that added to more native discoveries and developments.
Western education and scientific techniques were added to the already existing Indian technology, giving way to more developments. This resulted in the establishment of the educational system and India came up as the leader in science and technology in Asia.
