History of Science and Technology in Ancient India (From Harappan Civilization to 7th Century CE)

By Dr. Arti Chowdhary | Banaras Hindu University

Learners enrolled: 134

ABOUT THE COURSE:

The legacy of ancient Indian science and technology reflects unparalleled innovation and intellectual brilliance, significantly shaping global knowledge systems. This course explores these historical achievements, offering insights into their influence on human progress and their relevance to modern scientific thought. Covering diverse fields such as archaeology, anthropology, astronomy, mathematics, health, and wellness, it seeks to deepen our understanding of these advancements. It aims to inspire curiosity and promote scholarly discussions. Additionally, it fosters collaborations, paving the way for future research and contributions.

INTENDED AUDIENCE: UG, PG, Ph.D, Independent learners

INDUSTRY SUPPORT: It is being taught in the most of the Universities and Colleges

Summary

Course Status :	Upcoming
Course Type :	Elective
Language for course content :	English
Duration :	12 weeks
Category :	Humanities and Social Sciences Arts History
Credit Points :	3
Level :	Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Start Date :	21 Jul 2025
End Date :	10 Oct 2025
Enrollment Ends :	28 Jul 2025
Exam Registration Ends :	15 Aug 2025
Exam Date :	25 Oct 2025 IST
NCrF Level	5.5 — 8.0

Note: This exam date is subject to change based on seat availability. You can check final exam date on your hall ticket.

Page Visits

Course layout

Week 1: Introduction to the course, Definition of Science and Technology, Objectives, Discussion on the Sources.

Week 2: Science and Technology in Harappa Civilization.

Week 3: Chalcolithic Culture and Copper Hoards Culture.

Week 4: Iron Age Culture.

Week 5: Science in Vedika Literature, Part I

Week 6: Science in Vedika Literature, Part II

Week 7: Sciences in the Kautilya Arthshastra.

Week 8: Health Care and Surgery in Ancient India.

Week 9: Mathematics and Astronomy in Ancient India.

Week 10: Origin and Development of Chemical Science.

Week 11: A brief survey of agricultural practices and knowledge of Biodiversity in ancient India.

Week 12: Feedback, Discussion, and doubt-clearing session

Books and references

Agarwal, D. P., Ancient Metal Technology and Archaeology of South Asia, 2000, New Delhi
Agarwal, D. P., J.S. Kharakwal, Bronze and Iron Ages in South Asia, 2003, New Delhi
Agarwal, D. P., The Indus Civilization: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, 2007, Aryan Books International, New Delhi.
Bhardwaj, H.C., Metallurgy in Indian Archaeology, Varanasi, 2000
Bose, D. M. et. al., Concise History of Science in India (New Delhi, INSA,1971)
Chakrabarti, Dilip K, History of Ancient India: Volume II: Protohistoric Foundations, 2014, Aryan Books International, New Delhi.
Pant, Rajnikant, Prachin Bharat me Vigyan evam Taknik, Jaipur, 2007.
Prakash S, Prachin Bharat me Rasayan ka vikas, Delhi, 1970
Ray, P. History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Calcutta, 1956
Upadhyay, P. Mineral and Mining in Ancient India, Varanasi, 2007
Sen. S. N. Vigyan ka Itihas. Patna, 1972
Singh, R. N, Ancient Indian Glass: Archaeology and Technology; Delhi, 1989
Tripathi, V., History of Iron Technology in India, New Delhi, 2009

Instructor bio

Dr. Arti Chowdhary

Banaras Hindu University

Dr Arti Chowdhary- I am Dr Arti Chowdhary, Assistant Professor in the department of AIHC and Archaeology at Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya (Banaras Hindu University) Kamachha, Varanasi. I have been teaching at VKM since 2020. During my academic career, I have had the privilege of visiting esteemed institutions such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Belgrade, and Leipzig University in Germany. I have also undergone specialized training in archaeological soil sample analysis at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, and the Department of Chemistry, Banaras Hindu University (BHU). I have published thirteen research papers in UGC Care listed and Peer reviewed Journals and presented my work at various national and international conferences. My area of specialization lies in archaeology and the history of science and technology in India. I have been awarded Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi project titled “Archaeology and Science: Redefining the Harappan Hinterlands of Rakhigarhi (Haryana, North- West India)”. Additionally, I have done many explorations in UP, Bihar and Haryana. I have participated in seven seasons of archaeological excavations and exploration in Rakhigarhi hinterland, Haryana, which has significantly contributed to my expertise in the field.

Course certificate

The course is free to enroll and learn from. But if you want a certificate, you have to register and write the proctored exam conducted by us in person at any of the designated exam centres.

The exam is optional for a fee of Rs 1000/- (Rupees one thousand only).

Date and Time of Exams: 25 October 2025 Morning session 9am to 12 noon; Afternoon Session 2pm to 5pm.

Registration url: Announcements will be made when the registration form is open for registrations.

The online registration form has to be filled and the certification exam fee needs to be paid. More details will be made available when the exam registration form is published. If there are any changes, it will be mentioned then.

Please check the form for more details on the cities where the exams will be held, the conditions you agree to when you fill the form etc.

CRITERIA TO GET A CERTIFICATE

Average assignment score = 25% of average of best 8 assignments out of the total 12 assignments given in the course.

Exam score = 75% of the proctored certification exam score out of 100

Final score = Average assignment score + Exam score

Please note that assignments encompass all types (including quizzes, programming tasks, and essay submissions) available in the specific week.

YOU WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A CERTIFICATE ONLY IF AVERAGE ASSIGNMENT SCORE >=10/25 AND EXAM SCORE >= 30/75. If one of the 2 criteria is not met, you will not get the certificate even if the Final score >= 40/100.

Certificate will have your name, photograph and the score in the final exam with the breakup. It will have the logos of INI and BHU.

Only the e-certificate will be made available. Hard copies will not be dispatched.

Once again, thanks for your interest in our online courses and certification. Happy learning.

- INI team

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