Indian Contribution – History of Geographical Thought YouTube Lecture Handouts

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Indian Contribution: History of Geography Thought

  • Bhugol (Bhu + Gol = Study of Earth – term in Suryasiddhanta) & Khagol (Study of Astronomy)
  • Sources: Ramayana, Mahabharata, Vedas, Puranas, Buddhist & Jaina texts
  • Varahamihira: Avanti (Ujjain) – wrote Brahit Samhita
  • Brahmagupta: Brahmaputsiddhanta & Khandakhadyaka – source of light (Dinkara) & source of warmth (Bhaskara)
  • Aryabhatta: wrote Aryabhattiya (summary of Hindu Maths)
  • Bhaskarachayara: wrote Siddhanta Siroman in 4 parts

Views of Ancient Indian Scholars

  • Universe (Brahmand)
  • Earth:
  • Indian Subcontinent:

Universe

  • Artistic Origin:
  • Mechanical Origin:
  • Philosophical Theory of Cosmology:
  • Instrumental Origin:

Earth

  • Facts related to size and dimension of earth were near accuracy & contribution of zero
  • Latitudes (Akshansa) and Longitudes (Deshantra)
  • East as land of Gods – similar to Arab (T in O maps)
  • 4 Directions in Rigveda
  • Later 10 directions
  • Bhukampas (earthquakes)
  • Rigveda – 5 seasons
  • Ramayana – 6 seasons
Illustration: Earth

Dwipas (Continents)

Puranas: Earth into the seven dwipas (continents)

  • Jambu Dwipa:
  • Kusa Dwipa:
  • Somali Dwipa:
  • Plaksa Dwipa:
  • Kraunca Dwipa:
  • Puskara Dwipa:
  • Saka Dwipa:

Indian Subcontinent

  • Medieval Period: Map-making under Todarmal and Sher Shah Suri for revenue collection
  • 1767: Survey of India

For details on these topics refer postal course - Geography Coaching Program For Competitive Exams By Examrace: Correspondence Courses, Ebooks

Manishika