In this post, we will count down the Top 10 Inventions by Indian geniuses that not only represented the scientific might of Indians but also changed the world for the better. Be it a small invention like a button or something as skilled as plastic surgery, Indian inventions have been helpful to mankind. In the following countdown, we are sharing a list of things invented by Indian geniuses that we have picked and rated based on their impact on mankind or the sheer brilliance behind them corresponding to the times they were invented.

We have deliberately excluded the inventions made by Indians while they were working for foreign companies or things invented by Indians but not in India.

Without wasting any more time, let us start our countdown.

#10 – Buttons

Our top-10 list of inventions by Indian geniuses begins with an invention that might sound irrelevant or unimportant to many. But buttons as a fastening device have been very useful. They are not only an integral part of our clothing but also various forms of it are used in many devices and machines.

Buttons can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization in 2000 BCE. From being used for ornamental purposes initially, to fasteners, buttons were made of seashells and were carved into different geometric shapes. Today, buttons are made with numerous materials and are used all over the world.

#9 – Shampoo

This one on our list of things invented by Indian people might come as a surprise. We owe our smooth silky hair to India and we have Indians to thank for our great hair. Shampoo, which we use on a daily basis today originated in ancient India.

During the reign of the Mughal Empire in 1762, it was more like a head massage oil which later evolved as a Shampoo. The word Shampoo comes from the Hindi word ‘chāmpo’, meaning massage. Earlier it consisted of various herbs and their extracts, particularly, gooseberry, soapberries, also shikakai, hibiscus flowers, ritha were used. 

#8 – Yoga

As the world celebrates ‘International Yoga Day on 21st June every year, India is proudly being the country where it originated.

It is believed to be introduced in the pre-vedic Indian traditions, in the Indus valley civilization around 3000 BC. Yoga includes not just physical exercise but also states the importance of meditation and spiritual practices.

Today, Yoga is practised worldwide for healthy living. It indeed deserves to be on any list of inventions by Indian people.

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#7 – Plastic Surgery

A surgery dealing with the restoration, reconstruction or alteration of the human body, known as Plastic surgery was first performed in India dating back to 800 BC. Many would find this surprising that plastic surgery is one of those things invented by Indian ancient physician.

Sushruta, a physician and Charaka are known for their valuable contribution to the field. Later the techniques were adopted by many countries. His work on the subject, the Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta’s Compendium) is considered one of the oldest texts in the world on plastic surgery.

#6 – Ayurveda

Ayurveda, an alternative medicine system has its origins rooted in India since prehistoric times. Ayurvedic therapies usually consist of herbal compounds, minerals and metal substances.

It also provides teachings on surgical techniques such as rhinoplasty, kidney stone extractions and some more. With commercial marketing and increased awareness, Ayurveda has been gaining huge popularity. Being in existence since prehistoric times shows the brilliance of Indian inventors and their ability to research even during those times. The mere prehistoric roots of Ayurveda are enough to get it in this Top-10 list of things invented by Indian geniuses.

#5 – Natural fibres

Natural fibres such as cotton, jute, wool, etc. get the fifth spot on our list of things invented by Indian geniuses. The utter genius of converting these fibres into threads and then into fabric has given us great fabrics today.

The inhabitants of the Indus Valley Civilization grew cotton during the 5th millennium–4th millennium BCE and converted the cotton into threads, which were later used in fabrics. Also, since ancient times, India has been growing jute (a plant fibre) and exporting raw jute to the West.

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#4 – Mysorean Rockets

Mysorean rockets were an Indian military weapon. The first iron-cased rockets were successfully deployed for military use. The Mysorean army, under Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, used the rockets effectively against the British East India Company during the 1780s and 1790s.

Their conflicts with the company exposed the British to this technology, which was then used to advance European rocketry with the development of the Congreve rocket in 1805. This is one of the most useful things invented by Indian ruler that changed the future of weaponry as well as space science forever.

#3 – Crystallized Sugar

Sugar remained relatively unimportant until the Indians discovered methods of turning sugarcane juice into granulated crystals that were easier to store and transport.

Crystallized sugar was discovered by the time of the Imperial Guptas, around the 5th century CE. Today, India is one of the top sugar-exporting countries in the world.

#2 – Wireless Communication

Wireless communication has become a part of our life. Be it using wireless internet, or a mobile phone, wireless communication is almost essential to our day-to-day life.

The credit for inventing Wireless Communication goes to Jagadish Chandra Bose, an Indian scientist. In November 1894 in Calcutta, he put forward his first public demonstration of the use of radio waves. 

It is one of those things invented by Indian scientists that will power the communication tech for ages to come.

Honourable Mentions

Diamond Mining

If you take a look at portraits of Indian historic royalty, the love that Indians have for diamonds will be made apparent. The Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds is of Indian origin. Dating back to antiquity, diamond mining has been a part of India and was the only source of diamonds until the 1700s. Mining is one of those things invented by Indian people that would help future generations forever.

Our Top Pick For things invented by Indian geniuses

Zero

Yes, An Indian invented zero!

The number ‘Zero’ gets the top spot on our list of Inventions by Indian geniuses. Zero was a very significant invention by Aryabhata, considering the history of mathematics as it would not have been possible to create a binary system leading to the computer. The concept of zero in the place value system was developed in India and can be dated back to the 5th century during the Gupta period.

We hope you liked our Top-10 list of things invented by Indian geniuses. Please let us know your view in the comments below. You can also tell us more countdowns you would like to see. Please share this post on your social media.