Union Minister Claims Ancient Indian Technology Predated Modern Aviation

Ancient Innovations in Indian History

On Wednesday, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted that ancient Indian technology was sophisticated enough to have created the 'Pushpak Vimaan' long before the Wright brothers achieved their first flight.

The Pushpak Vimaan is a legendary flying machine mentioned in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

During the convocation ceremony at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Bhopal, Chouhan emphasized that India had illuminated the path of knowledge while the rest of the world was shrouded in ignorance.

He stated, “Our scientific and technological advancements were remarkable. The Pushpak Vimaan existed long before the Wright Brothers made their mark.”

Chouhan also referenced mythical weapons like the Agniastra, Varunastra, and Brahmastra from the Mahabharata, claiming they had capabilities akin to modern missiles and drones.

“These weapons could return to their quiver after striking their target,” he noted, adding that India had achieved such feats long ago.

He further remarked that the country’s scientific progress was stifled during periods of colonial rule.

LIVE: Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @ChouhanShivraj ji addresses at the Twelfth Convocation of IISER, Bhopal https://t.co/UrBjJomB6x

— Office of Shivraj (@OfficeofSSC) August 25, 2025

Chouhan's statements came shortly after another BJP leader, Anurag Singh Thakur, claimed that the Hindu deity Hanuman was the first to travel to space, a statement that drew criticism from various opposition figures.

Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into space, accomplished this in 1961.

Thakur's comments were met with backlash, with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi labeling them as “deeply troubling,” emphasizing the need to separate science from mythology.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring humorously remarked that he was relieved Thakur did not suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also ventured into space alongside Hanuman.