By Desis, for Desis and Everyone Else!!
What’s a Desi?
The term “desi” is a term that is commonly used by people from the Indian subcontinent to refer to themselves or other people (origin or ancestry) from the region.
The word “Desi” is derived from the Sanskrit word “desh,” which means “country” or “region” or “homeland”. (‘Sanskrit’ word ‘Desh’? What is Sanskrit?)
Did you ever wonder:
What is Indian culture like? Learn more!
Interesting facts about India you didn’t know about!
Explore Indian customs.
Traveling to India? You are in for a treat – Explore here!
Here are a few articles from this site – use the menu at the very top of this page to discover many more…
Desi people can come from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives. The term can also be used to describe aspects of Indian origin culture, including food, clothing, music, and art.
Historical Places
India is a land of rich history and culture, with a vast array of historical sites to see. From the ancient ruins of lost civilizations to the magnificent temples, forts and palaces, India is a treasure trove of historical wonders.
Explore the many historical places to see in India, from the well-known tourist destinations to the lesser-known gems. We will also cover historical places in neighboring countries that are influenced by Indian culture where possible.
Whether you are interested in ancient history or medieval architecture you will find something to interest you in India. So come along with us on a journey through the history of India, from the dawn of civilization to the very recent past.
Legacy of Zero: Its Origins from Ancient India to now
Zero: a simple circle that holds the power to transform mathematics and science. Originating from ancient India, this numeral has shaped the way we understand and interact with the world. Let us look into the origins of zero, exploring its conceptual evolution and its enduring impact on modern technology and mathematics.
The Early Beginnings: Zero in Ancient India
Cultural and Mathematical Foundations
The discovery of the Bakhshali manuscript highlights the early use of zero in India around the 3rd century. This manuscript is not merely an ancient text but a window into the sophisticated mathematical strategies of early Indian mathematicians. Recent research from Oxford University emphasizes its role in developing the concept of zero beyond a placeholder to a number with distinct mathematical properties.
- Historical Significance: The Bakhshali manuscript is one of the earliest records demonstrating the use of zero as a significant mathematical tool.
- Scholarly Analysis: Studies by top academic institutions confirm the manuscript’s authenticity and age, shedding light on the advanced mathematical understanding in ancient India.
- Mathematical Innovations: The manuscript’s content illustrates the use of zero in complex calculations, proving its practical utility in ancient mathematical systems.
Key Source: University of Oxford
Aryabhatta’s Groundbreaking Work with Zero and Beyond
Before exploring Brahmagupta’s formalization of zero, it’s essential to recognize the foundational contributions of Aryabhatta (c. 476-550 CE). This eminent mathematician not only laid the groundwork for understanding zero as a number but also its implementation within the decimal system. His seminal work, Aryabhatiya, significantly advanced mathematical thought by introducing zero as a placeholder, which facilitated complex calculations that are foundational in modern mathematics.
Aryabhatta’s influence extended well beyond zero. He made substantial advancements in algebra and trigonometry and proposed a revolutionary heliocentric model of the solar system, positioning the Sun at the center with Earth rotating around its axis. This concept, remarkably ahead of its time, challenged the prevailing geocentric views and set the stage for future astronomical theories.
Aryabhatta’s early work with zero and his broader contributions to mathematics and astronomy, the collaborative and progressive nature of scientific discovery, paved the way for later scholars like Brahmagupta.
Brahmagupta: The Pioneer of Zero
Formalization of Zero as a Mathematical Entity
Brahmagupta, an influential 7th-century Indian mathematician, was instrumental in defining zero as a number. His works, particularly the “Brahmasphutasiddhanta”, provided the first clear rules for arithmetic operations involving zero, including addition, subtraction, and the results of zero divided by zero.
- Brahmagupta’s Contributions: He formalized zero’s use in mathematical operations, setting a standard for future mathematical texts.
- Legacy and Influence: His mathematical rules are considered groundbreaking, as they introduced a consistent method for using zero in calculations across various mathematical disciplines.
- Further Impact: Brahmagupta’s concepts paved the way for more advanced mathematical theories, including algebra and calculus.
Key Source: Science Museum Blog
The Global Dissemination of Zero
From India to the Arab World and Beyond
The journey of zero from India to the Arab world and eventually to Europe is a testament to its fundamental role in shaping global scientific and mathematical practices. This transmission not only reflects the spread of a numeral but also the exchange of profound philosophical and scientific ideas across cultures.
- Cultural Transmission: The spread of zero highlights the dynamic exchange of knowledge between ancient civilizations, showcasing how Indian mathematics influenced Arabic and later European sciences.
- Impact on Science: By the time zero reached Europe, facilitated by mathematicians like Fibonacci, it had already transformed the landscape of mathematics and science, enabling more complex equations and scientific models.
- Philosophical Changes: The adoption of zero challenged many established norms and philosophical doctrines in Europe, altering the course of scientific thought and methodology.
Key Source: Encyclopedia.com
Zero in Other Ancient Cultures
Comparative Insights Across Civilizations
While ancient India’s use of zero is well-documented and its contributions to mathematics are profound, other ancient civilizations also explored concepts of zero. Notably, the Mayans and the Babylonians developed their own versions of zero, primarily as placeholders in their counting systems, which played crucial roles in their respective numeral systems.
- Mayan Zero: The Mayans, particularly in their calendar systems, used a shell symbol to represent zero as early as the 3rd century BCE. This allowed them to maintain accurate astronomical records and develop complex timekeeping systems.
- Babylonian Zero: The Babylonians used a placeholder in their cuneiform number system around 300 BCE, which helped in maintaining positional values in their calculations.
- Comparative Development: Unlike these systems where zero acted mainly as a placeholder, in Indian mathematics, zero was conceptualized as a number with its own properties and arithmetic operations.
Impact on Modern Mathematics:
- Legacy in Modern Systems: The concept of zero as developed by the Indians—enabling arithmetic operations and algebraic formulations—directly influenced modern mathematical and scientific practices. In contrast, the Mayan and Babylonian zeroes, while sophisticated, did### Conclusion
The story of zero is not merely about the evolution of a numeral but about a cultural and scientific revolution that began in ancient India and spread across the globe. Comparing the development and use of zero in different ancient civilizations underscores the unique role that Indian mathematicians played in transforming zero from a simple placeholder to a dynamic and integral part of mathematics. This transformation has had a lasting impact, influencing modern computational systems, scientific calculations, and beyond.
The Decline of India’s Ancient Cotton Trade
The decline of the Indian cotton industry marks a significant shift in the global textile landscape. Once a dominant force in global trade, Indian cotton textiles faced numerous challenges that led to their downfall, especially during the British colonial period. This article is the second in the series in an attempt to trace the journey of Indian cotton from its origins to its decline, highlighting the factors that contributed to this transformation.
The Rise of the Indian Cotton Trade
The East India Company’s Influence on Indian Cotton Trade
Indian cotton cultivation began around 3000 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization. This early start allowed India to develop sophisticated techniques for spinning and weaving cotton, which became central to its economy and culture. Indian textiles were highly prized for their quality and intricate designs, establishing India as a global leader in the cotton trade.
The East India Company, established in 1600, initially focused on trading spices but shifted its attention to cotton and silk due to competition with the Dutch East India Company. By the 1700s, the Company had grown so powerful that it dominated the global textile trade and had amassed its own army to protect its interests. This military might enabled the Company to control major trading hubs in India, such as Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta.
The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked a significant turning point. The East India Company, under Robert Clive, defeated the Nawab of Bengal and secured extensive taxation powers and administrative control over Bengal. This victory allowed the Company to extract substantial wealth from Bengal, which was often shipped back to Britain. The Company’s control over Bengal not only enriched its coffers but also tightened its grip on the Indian economy.
British Policies and Their Economic Impact
At its peak, Indian cotton dominated global textile markets. Indian artisans were renowned for their skill in creating high-quality fabrics using natural dyes such as indigo and madder. The fame of Indian cotton textiles spread far and wide, reaching markets in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Rome by 1000 BCE. The intricate designs and superior quality of Indian cotton made it a highly sought-after commodity.
However, the Industrial Revolution in Britain brought about significant changes. The advent of mechanized spinning and weaving drastically reduced the cost of producing textiles in Britain. British factories began producing cotton textiles more cheaply and efficiently than the hand-woven textiles of India. This shift had a profound impact on the Indian cotton industry. The British imposed heavy tariffs on Indian textiles entering Britain while allowing British textiles to enter India duty-free or with minimal tariffs. This trade policy created an uneven playing field, making Indian textiles more expensive and less competitive in both domestic and international markets.
Furthermore, British policies turned India into a supplier of raw cotton for British factories. Raw cotton was exported from India at low prices, processed into textiles in Britain, and then sold back to India and other markets at higher prices. This exploitative economic model significantly impacted the traditional textile industry in India, leading to its decline. Indian weavers were forced to sell their goods at lower prices due to the monopolistic practices of the East India Company, which further weakened the industry.
Decline of Indian Textiles: A Tale of Exploitation
Despite its global popularity, the Indian cotton industry faced numerous challenges that led to its decline. Geographical barriers and political instability made trade difficult. However, the most significant factor was the impact of British colonization. The British East India Company established control over the Indian cotton trade, imposing tariffs and regulations that favored British textiles over Indian ones. This led to a decline in Indian textile production and trade.
The British policies turned India into a supplier of raw cotton for British factories. Raw cotton was exported from India at low prices, processed into textiles in Britain, and then sold back to India and other markets at higher prices. This shift significantly impacted the traditional textile industry in India, leading to its decline.
The British imposed heavy tariffs on Indian textiles entering Britain while allowing British textiles to enter India duty-free or with minimal tariffs. This trade policy created an uneven playing field, making Indian textiles more expensive and less competitive in both domestic and international markets. Additionally, Indian weavers were forced to sell their goods at lower prices due to the monopolistic practices of the East India Company.
Economic Impact of the Decline of Indian Cotton
The decline of the Indian cotton industry had severe economic repercussions. The industry, which once provided employment to millions, faced a massive downturn. The imposition of British tariffs and the introduction of British textiles into Indian markets led to a decline in demand for Indian cotton. This shift caused widespread unemployment and economic hardship in India, drastically affecting the livelihoods of those involved in the cotton trade.
The de-industrialization of India, driven by British policies, turned a once-thriving textile industry into a shadow of its former self. Indian artisans and weavers, who had once been at the forefront of global textile production, found themselves out competed and marginalized. The economic impact was profound, leading to a significant loss of income and social status for those involved in the cotton trade.
Despite these challenges, the Indian cotton industry showed resilience. Movements like Swadeshi (part of the Indian independence movement) encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and revived interest in traditional crafts. Post-independence, the Indian government made efforts to revive the textile industry through various policies and initiatives.
British Colonization and the Downfall of Indian Cotton
The British colonization of India played a crucial role in the downfall of the Indian cotton industry. The British introduced policies that disrupted traditional Indian textile production. They imported cheap British textiles into India, undercutting local producers. The British also imposed heavy taxes on Indian textiles, making them less competitive in global markets. These actions led to a significant decline in the Indian cotton industry, shifting the balance of textile production in favor of Britain.
The East India Company’s monopolistic practices and unfair trade policies significantly contributed to the decline. Indian artisans and weavers were forced to sell their goods at lower prices due to the monopolistic practices of the Company, which further weakened the industry. The export of raw cotton from India to Britain at low prices, processed into textiles in Britain, and then sold back to India and other markets at higher prices, was particularly exploitative.
Resilience and Revival: The Post-Colonial Era
Despite these challenges, the Indian cotton industry showed resilience. Movements like Swadeshi (part of the Indian independence movement) encouraged the use of Indian-made goods and revived interest in traditional crafts. Post-independence, the Indian government made efforts to revive the textile industry through various policies and initiatives.
The Indian government implemented several policies to support the revival of the textile industry. These included subsidies for cotton farmers, investments in modernizing textile mills, and the promotion of Indian textiles in international markets. These efforts helped to rejuvenate the industry, creating new opportunities for artisans and weavers and restoring some of the industry’s former glory.
Conclusion
The decline of the ancient Indian cotton industry is a complex story of innovation, exploitation, and global economic shifts. From its origins in the Indus Valley Civilization to its peak as a global textile leader, and finally to its decline under British rule, the history of Indian cotton reflects the broader dynamics of global trade and colonialism. Despite these challenges, the legacy of Indian cotton endures, influencing modern textile practices and continuing to be a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.
The term Desi can refer to people of Indian subcontinent origin or ancestry, or it can refer to the cultural practices and products of the region.
Desi food, will include dishes such as biryani, Pongal, samosas, Dosa, Idli, Parantha, Chawal and dal, while Desi fashion may feature traditional clothing styles like sarees, salwar kameez, Dhoti, and kurta pajama.
Desi music may include traditional folk music (dozens of styles), classical music (also several distinct schools), traditional dance (several traditional and ancient styles) and popular movie or music genres like Bollywood, Tollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood (all different regional language film industry names – a play on the word Hollywood).
Use the Menu at the very top of this page to view many more articles.