Foundation Concept for Science
& Technology - Unit 2
Linguistics, Numbers, Measurement,
and Philosophical Concepts
Duration: 5 Hours
Presented by: [Your Name]
Linguistics & Phonetics in Sanskrit
(Pāṇini’s Contributions)
• Pāṇini: Ancient Sanskrit grammarian
• Ashtadhyayi: foundational Sanskrit grammar
text
• Systematic phonetics and grammar rules
• Sandhi (sound combinations) and Sutra (rules)
Computational Concepts in
Ashtadhyayi
• Formal grammar system with meta-rules
• Use of recursion and transformations
• Rule-based approach to language
• Inspiration for Natural Language Processing
(NLP)
Importance of Verbs in Sanskrit
• Verb as the core of Sanskrit sentences
• Verbs define tense, mood, and aspect
• Verbal roots (dhatus) crucial for word
formation
• Key to sentence meaning and structure
Role of Sanskrit in NLP
• Structured grammar aids computational
models
• Pāṇini’s rules resemble modern formal
grammars
• Basis for machine translation and semantic
analysis
• Used in AI research and language engineering
Number System and Units of
Measurement
• Early development of decimal number system
• Standardized units in ancient India
• Precise time, distance, and weight
measurements
• Scientific thinking in everyday life
Concept of Zero and Its Importance
• Zero as a placeholder and number
• Developed by Indian mathematicians
• Enabled development of algebra and calculus
• Revolutionized mathematics worldwide
Large Numbers and Their
Representation
• Indian system of naming large numbers
• Lakhs, crores, and beyond
• Early understanding of infinity and
astronomical units
• Clear notation and conceptual depth
Place Value of Numerals and
Decimal System
• Base-10 system with place value notation
• Digit's value changes by position
• Essential for arithmetic operations
• Facilitated accurate calculations
Measurements for Time, Distance
and Weight
• Ancient Indian calendar systems
• Yojana (distance), pala (weight), muhūrta
(time)
• Astronomy-based timekeeping
• Advanced metrology practices
Bhūta Saṃkhya and Kaṭapayādi
Systems
• Bhūta Saṃkhya: symbolic number
representation
• Used for encoding large numbers in poetry
• Kaṭapayādi: mapping letters to numbers
• Encoded scientific data in verses
Pingala and the Binary System
• Pingala: author of Chandas Shastra
• Described binary system using long and short
syllables
• Mapped poetic meters to binary patterns
• Ancient root of modern binary computation
Knowledge Pyramid and Pramāṇa
• Knowledge pyramid: Data → Information →
Knowledge → Wisdom
• Pramāṇa: means of obtaining knowledge
• Types: perception, inference, comparison,
testimony
• Foundation of epistemology in Indian
philosophy
Vaiśeṣika Philosophy and Physical
Reality
• Prameya: knowable objects
• Seven categories of reality: substance, quality,
action, etc.
• Focus on atomism and causality
• Logical approach to understanding the
universe
Constituents of Physical Reality and
Saṃśaya
• Physical reality composed of atoms
(paramāṇu)
• Interaction of atoms leads to observable
phenomena
• Saṃśaya: philosophical concept of doubt or
uncertainty
• Encourages inquiry and critical thinking
