Asia
Commonwealth Inventions: India’s creative legacy that shaped the world
Ruwanthi Abeyakoon
The ancient culture, spiritual traditions and rich heritage is what often comes to our mind when we talk of India. The Taj Mahal, the Himalayas or the Ganges are what most people around the world remember of India. But beneath this culture, spirituality and faith, lies a legacy of invention and discovery that has transformed the world. From the mathematical concept of zero to surgical techniques millennia ahead of their time, Indian innovation has left a lasting global impact. Here are some Indian
Zero & the Birth of the Decimal System
In the 5th to 7th centuries CE, Aryabhata and Brahmagupta – Indian Mathematicians, formalised the concept of zero as both a numeral and a mathematical idea revolutionising number systems worldwide. This innovation became the backbone of the modern digital age paving way for arithmetic, algebra and computing.
Surgery
Ancient Indian physician Sushruta has explained complex surgical tools, nose reconstruction, cataract methods and over 300 procedures in his Sushruta Samhita. Surgical science in the West blossomed much later.
Textiles, Buttons, Cotton & Dyeing
Indian innovations in textiles were also groundbreaking. The cultivation and weaving of cotton dated thousands of years back. Buttons made of seashells were found in Indus Valley sites in around 2000 BCE. Indigo dyeing and fine wool (cashmere) exports were also first created in India. India is considered as one of the earliest textile hubs in the world, due to these developments.
Yoga and Meditation
Long before ‘wellness trends’ became fashionable, India’s spiritual science was thriving. Practices like Yoga and meditation emerged over 5,000 years ago in India, integrating body, mind and spirit which later influenced global health and wellness movements.
Chaturanga to Chess
Now the world knows it as Chess but this was born in India. The early game, called Chaturanga (6th century CE), represented Indian armies with chariots, elephants and cavalry. From Indian royal courts, this game travelled through Persia and eventually metamorphosed into modern chess.
Wireless & Optical Foundations
India’s scientific contributions in more recent times continue to influence global tech. Jagadish Chandra Bose demonstrated early wireless (microwave) communication in Kolkata in 1895, before mainstream radio development. The theoretical underpinnings of fibre-optics are traced to Indian-origin physicist Narinder Singh Kapany who is called “father of fibre optics”. These contributions highlight that India’s inventive reach goes from ancient instruments to modern digital systems.
Mining, Metals & Material Mastery
India also lays claim to early advancements in mining and metallurgy. The world’s earliest known diamond mines were in India, in Golconda region and Indians pioneered cutting/polishing techniques. Metallurgical expertise such as high-grade steel (Wootz) and sophisticated geometric knowledge was also found in the Indus Valley civilization.
From ancient cities with flush-toilets and urban drainage found in Indus Valley to today’s space programmes and digital governance, India’s inventive spirit keeps going forward.
References
- “7 Genius Indian Inventions That Changed the World.” India Today. Roshni Chakrabarty. (2025).
- “List of Things Invented by Indians and Used by the World.” The Daily Jagran. (2025).
- “11 Ancient Inventions & Discoveries of Science That India Gifted to the Rest of the World.” IndiaTimes. (2025).
- “Ancient Indian Inventions that Are Still Relevant Today.” LiveMint. (18 Aug 2025).
- “Greatest Inventions by Indians.” NDTV Web Stories. (2024).
