Amazing Facts about India

India is great in spirit & stature, in expanse and economy, in geography and history, in nature's beauty and technological knowledge. Many of you probably know these facts, nonetheless these are some of the most amazing facts that gives an insight into the advancements of medicine, mathematics, philosophy and astrology during the ancient times.

1. When many cultures in the world were nomadic forest dweller Indians established the harappan culture in Sindhu valley (Indus civilization). The architecture and drainage system of the cities were way ahead of their times.
2. India invented the number system. Aryabhatta introduced the concept of zero. The decimal system was also developed in India.
3. The world's first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. According to researchers more than 10,000 scholars studied more than 60 subjects.
4. Ayurveda is the earliest text on medicine known to humans and probably the oldest to be still in use and as a topic of research.
5. Sushruta is the father of surgery. 2500 years ago he and the health scientists of his time performed surgeries on caesareans, cataract, fractures and urinary stone.
6. Although the present Indian GDP may be abysmal but the gross domestic product of Mughal India in 1600 was estimated at about 24.3% the world economy, the second largest in the world.
7. The art of navigation was first born in river Sindh 5000 years ago.
8. The chola dynasty in southern India had trade relations with countries like Java, Bali and sumatra. Indian influence in these countries can still be found.
9. The great mathematician Budhayana calculated the value of Pi and explained the concept of what is today known as Pythagorean theorem.
10. Sridharacharya first calculated the solution of quadratic equations.
11. The Indian merchants were also the pioneers of concepts of banking.
12. The concept of atom was first given by Maharishi Kannada in the form of "Anu". He was the first to conclude that the sound propagates in the form of waves. He theorized that Gurutva (Hindi/Sanskrit for Gravity) was responsible for the falling of objects on the Earth.
13. According to gemmological institute of America up until 1896, India was the only source of Diamonds to the world.
14. Chess was invented in India. Polo and Badminton also probably originated in India.
15. India is the birthplace of four religions. The land of Vedas is also the site of one of the world's largest mosque Jama Masjid.
16. The Santhome Basilica - considered one of the three tombs of Apostles to be located & preserved in India.
17. In terms of geographical area, India occupies only 2.4% of the world's total land area, yet it is home to around 60% of the world's biodiversity. 500 species of mammals out of which 21 are not found anywhere else in the world. Altogether more than 2000 species of birds can be seen in India. The whole of North America excluding Mexico, is 15 times larger than India, yet contains no more than 775 species.
18. India has the largest number of Post Offices in the world.
19. Until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds in the world.
20. The Indian Railways is the largest employer in the world.
21. The Bailey Bridge is the highest bridge in the world, located in Ladakh valley between Dras & Suru rivers. It was built by Indian Army in 1982.
22. The Place Value System and the Decimal System was developed in India in 100 B.C.
23. The world's highest cricket ground is in Himachal Pradesh. The cricket pitch is 2444 metres above sea level.
24. Although sex may be considered the biggest taboo in India, the book of love "Kamasutra" is the gift of India to the world.
25. According to the report released by Indian Finance Ministry, estimated number of taxpayers for financial year 2011-12 stands at just 3.24 Crore people. That means, less than 3 people in 100 pay taxes.
26. India's first rocket was brought on cycle in 1963.
27. India's first satellite was brought on bullock cart in 1981.
28. Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill located near Leh in Ladakh, India. The hill is alleged to have magnetic properties strong enough to pull cars uphill and force passing aircraft to increase their altitude in order to escape magnetic interference. You can see for yourself vehicles moving up at a speed of 20 km/hour with the engines off.
29. A dead Indian soldier "Jaswant Singh Rawat" is getting the treatment of a living army-man to honour his valour and courage for the motherland. At the spot where he fought, a small temple has been built in his memory. This temple is known as Jaswant Garh. Indian Army personnel passing by that route traditionally pay their respects here, irrespective of rank. Jaswant is treated as if he is alive, his boots shined and his uniform and accouterments cared for by Army personnel posted at the temple. He has received all his promotions in time, and has reached the rank of Honorary Captain.
30. India's electorate is of 714 million (larger than the electorate of the European Union and United States combined) it had the largest democratic elections in the world to date.
31. India is a country blessed by nature which is aptly located in the vicinity of ocean and glaciers and rare natural calamities.
32. Vasco da Gama did not discover India instead he was escorted to India by Indian Traders from Cape Town. This is in Vasco Da Gama's own journal.
33. Indian were first to distill Zinc.
34. Indian knew Earth was round before 5000 B.C
35. Indian knew the concept of Big Bang and is very well depicted in Rig-Veda.
36. Every single historical temple in India is an engineering marvel like none other in the world.