Contribution of Sanskrit in Mathematics and Astronomy

Contribution of Sanskrit in Mathematics and Astronomy

G Raja Rajeswari, Associate, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems,

Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

rajarajeswari.madhavan@gmail.com ;

यथा शिखा मयूराणाां नागाणाां मणयो यथा।

  तथा वेदाङ्गशास्त्राणां ज्योतिषं मूर्धनिस्थितम् ।।

“Like the combs of the peacocks and the crest-jewel of the serpents, the science of, Jyotiṣa is situated at the head of all the sciences forming the auxillaries of the vedās (Vedāṇgas)” says Lagadha in Vedāṅga Jyotiṣa .

Introduction

Sanskrit’s contributions to the field of Mathematics and Astronomy are well known. Both Mathematics and Astronomy has played a vital role in all aspects of life in the Indian society. ‘Jyotiṣam’ an auxiliary of Veda(s), is a branch of study that includes Mathematics, Astronomy and Astrology. Mathematics forms the base for the study of Celestial bodies. The study of mathematics was always systematic in the Indian tradition. This paper is an attempt to summarize briefly the notable contributions of Indian Mathematicians / Astronomers.