Significance of Arabic text
Arabic text plays a significant role in the historical context of India, particularly in the transmission of knowledge. It facilitated the spread of astronomical science to Christian Europe through Latin translations. Additionally, Arabic texts served as a medium for sharing rasayana materials and integrating Indic medical knowledge within the Muslim world. Notably, works like Al-Kindi’s Kitab fi mudkhal ila ʿilm an-nujum exemplify the importance of these writings, which were also integral to educational institutions in Mughal India.
Synonyms: Arabic script, Arabic language, Arabic characters
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
The concept of Arabic text in local and regional sources
Arabic text encompasses scholarly works studied in Mughal India, influential astronomical texts like Al-Kindi’s, and serves as a vital source for both scientific knowledge and cultural exchanges with Indic medicine and ideas.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Arabic texts are referenced as vehicles for the circulation of rasayana materials, as well as the reception of materials drawn from Indic medicine in the surrounding Muslim world.[1] (2) Texts which were regularly studied at Islamic institutions of higher learning in Mughal India, particularly those that focused on the rational sciences.[2] (3) The science of the astrolabe was transmitted to Christian Europe through the Latin translations of these, influencing the development of astronomical knowledge in the West.[3] (4) Al-Kindi’s Kitab fi mudkhal ila ʿilm an-nujum, also known as the Forty Chapters, does look to the twelfth place of the horoscope to judge matters following the delivery, and is an Arabic text.[4] (5) This refers to a written document composed in the Arabic language, which serves as a source of information.[5]