Hinduism and Science

Abstract

Abstract A look at the history and evolution of Hinduism shows that religion and science are necessarily antagonistic. Scientific enterprises flourished in India partly because of the pluralistic and tolerant nature of Hinduism. The pedagogical strategy and the commentary tradition in ancient Hindu schools meant that sages and philosophers were perpetually engaged in reinterpreting the Vedas and defending their interpretation of the doctrine against fellow Hindus and other heterodox traditions like Buddhism, Jainism, and the Cārvākas (the materialists) in ancient India. To support this hypothesis, the author of this chapter offers some examples of scientific enterprises that flourished in ancient India.