The Influence of Indian Knowledge on Greek Thought

Throughout our educational journey, we learn about the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that in a right-angled triangle, the square of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides. While this theorem is straightforward and widely applicable, it’s important to note that Pythagoras was not its originator.

Ancient Indian texts known as the Shulba Sutras contain several geometrical theorems designed for constructing shapes used in Yajna, or fire rituals. The earliest of these texts, attributed to Baudhayana, outlines methods for creating right-angled triangles. One of its notable verses states:

दीर्घचतुरस्रस्याक्ष्णया रज्जुः पार्श्वमानी तिर्यग् मानी च यत् पृथग् भूते कुरूतस्तदुभयं करोति ॥

A rope stretched along the diagonal creates an area defined by the vertical and horizontal sides.

These principles were a formalization of knowledge that had been passed down orally in India for generations. Baudhayana did not claim to be the first to present these theorems; rather, he documented a body of knowledge essential for various Hindu rituals, which often required the construction of altars in specific shapes and sizes. This practice necessitated intricate geometric manipulations, indicating that mathematics was deeply intertwined with religious life for centuries.

Baudhayana also calculated the value of pi and provided an accurate formula for the square root of 2, showcasing insights that were not yet recognized in the Western world. For instance, he asserted that the diagonals of rectangles and rhombuses bisect each other at right angles and established relationships among various geometric shapes that may seem elementary today but were groundbreaking at the time.

Western historians typically date Baudhayana's Shulba Sutras to around 800 BCE, although some argue it dates back to 1900 BCE. Regardless, this body of knowledge predates Pythagoras, who lived from approximately 570 BCE to 495 BCE.

Two questions arise from this historical context: 1) How did Pythagoras come to learn from Indian knowledge systems? 2) Why is he credited with the invention of a theorem that was already known in India long before his time?

To answer these questions, one must delve into the educational landscape of ancient India, which attracted scholars from across the globe. Renowned Gurus specialized in a wide range of subjects, and ancient universities like Taxila, situated in present-day Pakistan, drew students from regions as far as Babylon, China, Greece, and Syria.

Taxila was a melting pot of cultures and intellectuals, including notable figures like Charaka and Chanakya, whose contributions to various fields laid the groundwork for modern knowledge.

The Greek term "gymnosophists" referred to Indian yogis, emphasizing their minimalistic lifestyle. The Greek philosopher Apollonius of Tyana, who traveled to India, documented encounters with these wise figures, indicating a high regard for Indian knowledge. Philostratus, in his writings, described Apollonius as a Pythagorean seeking wisdom in India, suggesting that Indian philosophy was highly regarded among Greek thinkers.

Similarly, Roman philosopher Lucius Apuleius recounted how Pythagoras's travels to India allowed him to learn from Brahmin gymnosophists, significantly shaping his philosophical views, including his advocacy for vegetarianism—a radical notion for his time.

Pythagoras adopted the Guru-Shishya tradition from India, which emphasized close student-teacher relationships in natural settings, ultimately leading to a more profound understanding of knowledge. Many Greek philosophers followed suit, eager to delve into the wisdom of Indian scholars.

Subsection 1.1.1 The Search for Knowledge

The Quest for Wisdom: The Journey of Greek Philosophers

Following Pythagoras, numerous Greeks sought knowledge from Indian sources. Democritus, considered the father of modern science, traveled to India to deepen his understanding of atomic theory, likely influenced by the teachings of Rishi Kanada, who lived in India around the 6th century BCE.

The extensive influence of Indian thought on Greek scholars—ranging from mathematics and medicine to philosophy—cannot be overstated. The library of Alexandria likely housed many texts from India, showcasing the transfer of knowledge through trade routes that connected these ancient civilizations.

The famed philosopher Voltaire encapsulated this notion succinctly:

"I am convinced that everything has come down to us from the banks of the Ganges, — astronomy, astrology, metempsychosis, etc…"

However, while Greek mathematics primarily focused on geometry, Indian scholars were exploring far more complex mathematical concepts. Unfortunately, the onset of the Dark Ages in Europe stifled the progression of knowledge, as Christianity began to denounce non-Christian teachings, leading to the destruction of many ancient texts.

The Merging of Cultures: The Role of Arabic Scholars

During the 8th century, Arab scholars began to translate and preserve Indian scientific texts, marking a significant revival of ancient knowledge. The establishment of the House of Wisdom in Baghdad facilitated this exchange, allowing for the translation of key Indian works, including texts on medicine and mathematics.

The translations from Sanskrit to Arabic eventually made their way to Europe, sparking a translation revolution that unlocked vast stores of knowledge for the Western world. This exchange, however, often excluded the Indian origins of the texts, leading to widespread misattribution.

As noted by scholars, the cultural backdrop of the time led to a selective recognition of knowledge, favoring Greek attribution over Indian contributions. This historical oversight has persisted, resulting in a legacy that often credits figures like Pythagoras with ideas rooted in ancient Indian thought.

Chapter 2 Title

The first video titled "Pythagoras to Plato: The Ancient Greek Revolution in Human Thought" explores the profound impact of Greek philosophers and their connections to earlier Indian wisdom, highlighting the cultural exchanges that shaped their intellectual landscape.

The second video, "Greek Philosophy 4.3: Pythagoras: Life's Music and Mathematics," delves into Pythagoras's contributions to mathematics and philosophy, emphasizing how Indian knowledge may have influenced his groundbreaking ideas.

In conclusion, while figures like Pythagoras are celebrated as foundational thinkers in mathematics and philosophy, it is essential to recognize the rich tapestry of knowledge that spanned across cultures, particularly the significant contributions of ancient India, which laid the groundwork for many ideas we now attribute to Greek philosophers.