Ancient India Was Scientific, But Mahabharata is No Proof

India was scientifically advanced. But why use epics when there’s valid proof? Here’s a rap to set it straight.

(Photo: The Quint)

The CM of Tripura is the latest in a long line of “misquot-ers”, people who use mythological epics to describe ancient India’s scientific prowess. Sadly, they’re grossly wrong all the time. I say it is time to call out the tradition of BS, and talk about some real achievements instead.

Here goes! Spread the word!

Here’s the Rap!

There's a story that's doing the rounds
That the Mahabharata is where WiFi abounds.
As Maha-preposterous as it sounds
These are a CM's words, breaking all logic's bounds

Dhritharashtra the blind binge watched the war
As Sanjaya live-streamed the battle gore
Krishna's Mann Ki Baat in surround sound
was a full HD download in .rar

'India's the greatest' says the CM and stuns
the media and the people while he sticks to his guns
You're the butt of hundred memes and Bhayanak puns
Man! What's the story we'll pass on to our young 'uns?

'What kind of leaders did you elect pa?
Were they well-read? Sound in the head? Why's logic dead?
Tell me, who put common sense to bed, huh?'

Drona's missiles were nuclear, yo!
And draupadi broke the net with her wedding video?
Yogic cows only exhale O2
A TV soap's script is your scientific go-to!

It's the reasons you give support your claim
Your speeches on science give the country a bad name
What's the word for a baseless lie, sold as science
Fantasy, sci-fi peddled with no sense?

BS, dhop, dheel, thallu, PEELA, reel, yarn batola!
Add 'research shows', 'scientists say' 'studies prove' and voila!

We made sarees thin as air that could fit in a matchbox.
Why drag Draupadi into this so the world balks?
Amazing temples, and advances in math.
All forgotten, to mix cow urine in a bath.

Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskara and Bose
Ramanujan, Rao, Mahavira and more.
We've got scientists, artists polymaths galore.
And all you can quote from is myth and lore.

Sushrutha could reconstruct a nose, an earlobe
as far back as 6th century BC.
Now that's a prime example of ancient surgery
So why not let poor Ganesha’s head be?