Indian scholars have contributed significantly towards the development of Geographical knowledge. Indian scholars have made notable advancements in fields like geomorphology, climatology, and oceanography.
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Ancient India:
Early Sanskrit texts like Vedas, Puranas and Mahabharata contain descriptions of regions, rivers, mountains, and kingdoms, contributing to geographical knowledge.
Vedas contain geographical references, showcasing early Indian knowledge of geography. Ancient Indians developed concepts like "Dvipa" (island) and "Bhugol" (earth's surface) indicating understanding of Earth's structure.
The advent of the Mauryan Empire saw the establishment of administrative units and surveys for taxation purposes, advancing geographical understanding.
Medieval India:
Arab geographers like Al-Biruni and Al-Masudi studied Indian geography, contributing to Islamic geographical knowledge.
Islamic scholars translated Sanskrit texts into Arabic, spreading Indian geographical knowledge to the Islamic world.
Medieval Indian scholars like Varahamihira and Aryabhata made significant contributions to astronomy, aiding navigation and cartography.
Travelogues by travelers like Ibn Battuta provide valuable insights into medieval Indian geography, culture, and trade networks.
The Mughal Empire conducted extensive surveys and produced detailed maps, enhancing geographical understanding of the Indian subcontinent.
Modern India:
European colonization led to detailed surveys and mapping of Indian territories, notably by the British East India Company.
The establishment of geographical societies and academic institutions in colonial India facilitated the study and dissemination of geographical knowledge.
Post-independence, India focused on geographic research and education, establishing institutes like the Survey of India and Indian National Science Academy.
Modern Indian geographers have contributed to various fields including environmental geography, urban planning, and GIS technology, enriching global geographical knowledge.
Overall, the contribution of ancient, medieval, and modern India towards geographical knowledge spans a variety of texts, maps, surveys, and scholarly endeavors, influencing global understanding of geography across epochs.
