Post News Network
Cuttack, April 4: A discussion on ‘Aviation Science in Ancient India: Myth and Reality’ was organised by the Ravenshaw University Students’ Union at the heritage hall of the varsity here Saturday.
Senior scientist Prof. HS Mukund from Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Science, who spoke at the event, said Indian aviation history was scripted between 1914 and 1924.
“A book on the models of ‘ancient aircraft’ was written by Sri Subbaraya, in which four models were mentioned namely Sakuna, Sundari, Rukma and Tripuri,” said Professor Mukund.
“The diagrams are impractical. They defied the logic of avionics and showed that if the aircraft were designed on the diagrams, it would have been well nigh impossible to fly them,” Prof Mukund stressed, attempting to dispel traditional notions that aviation science in India was developed even in ancient times.
Professor Mukund said that in order for an aircraft to fly, several factors such as design, propulsion, controls have to be taken into consideration.
“We must draw a line between myth and reality and understand that aviation history, which changed the world and the way man travelled from one place to another, evolved over several years and was a result of many failed and successful experiments by enthusiastic scientists,” he said.
Professor Mukund was however quick to point out that Indians should be proud of several scientific achievements. “We should be proud of several scientific achievements which were India’s gift to the world. But if we keep pondering over fantasies, our scientific endeavours will never develop,” he said, highlighting the need for students to understand and appreciate the nuances of science.
