Ancient Indian Innovations Happened Without the Need for Patents

The wealth of scientific heritage of ancient India – considered as the cradle of world civilization – encompasses innovations in diverse fields of human knowledge and creativity, such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, surgery, architecture, alchemy, metallurgy, etc. This is apart from substantial literary and other works of grammar in Sanskrit, now identified as the most suitable language for computer software. India gave the world the number system and the number zero. Algebra, trigonometry and calculus came from India, and the value of pi was first calculated in the 6^th century BC, long before the time of European mathematicians. We were the most agriculturally advanced nation, built the worlds’ first reservoir and dam for irrigation, and were pioneers in rhinoplastic surgery. The list is long, and in every sphere of human activity, we have been innovators and pioneers.

These were the contributions of a highly advanced civilization that had no need for the concept of IP protection. Due to common philosophical underpinnings, Indian socio-cultural ethos was able to go beyond the realm of individual glorification and personal benefits. Realization of larger values in life by even common folk enabled them to go beyond such partisan concerns. Such strong spiritual values were the founding pillars for the larger-than-life missions of visionary Indians.

Colossal works of human endeavor such as the resplendent architectural designs of magnificent ancient Indian temples and mammoth monolithic works are a standing testimony to the grandeur and peak of human achievement without a skirmish over vain personal credit and glory. These were the results of the hard work and intellectual contribution of generations of people working over several centuries. Often the dream of an architect or a king is realized a few generations later. Several profound works of art, literature and even the medical treatises are not attributable to a single author. Unlike today’s practice of each vying to take credit for their share of contribution, these ancient works were compilations of multiple authors spanning over centuries.

Thus, history has minimal references to the royal patronage under which such massive achievements could be made. Names of master sculptors, architects, and thousands of other creators and artisans are conspicuous by their absence.

This was a society that could look beyond personal emancipation, and hence, concepts such as “creator’s rights” and “exclusive benefits” were much below the domain of ancient Indian knowing and creativity.

Events later in history like foreign invasions and colonial rule have ravaged India and transformed it to the point where young Indians today are not even aware of the depth of knowing that was ours.

Imprints of submission, imperial dominance and its fallout on our societal values, culture and economy have left us as poor imposters of ideas and values form the West. Most of our legal and other administrative laws and regulations are styled on the lines of what our rulers left us. Hence, they are complex by intent to serve our rulers’ prerogative of delaying, if not denying justice as and when it suits their priorities.