This book shows how the planet's earliest civilization lead the world in both material and spiritual progress. From the Vedic culture of ancient India thousands of years ago, we find the origins of such things as mathematics, especially algebra and geometry, as well as early astronomy and planetary observations, many instances of which can be read in the historical Vedic texts. Medicine in Ayurveda was also the first to prescribe herbs for the remedy of disease, surgical instruments for operations, and more. Other developments that were far superior and ahead of the rest of the world include: Writing and language, especially the development of sophisticated Sanskrit; Metallurgy and making the best known steel at the time; Ship building and global maritime trade; Textiles and the dying of fabric for which India was known all over the world; Agricultural and botanical achievements; Precise Vedic arts in painting, dance and music; The educational systems and the most famous of the early universities, like Nalanda and Takshashila; The source of individual freedom and fair government, and the character and actions of rulers; Military and the earliest of martial arts; Along with some of the most intricate, deep and profound of all philosophies and spiritual paths, which became the basis of many religions that followed later around the world. These and more are the developments that came from India, much of which has been forgotten, but should again be recognized as the heritage of the ancient Indian Vedic tradition that continues to inspire humanity."