Deshbhushanji Aacharya Abhinandan Granth

SR No.: 012045
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: R C Gupta
Publisher: Deshbhushanji Maharaj Trust
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 1766
Language: Hindi, English
Classification: Smruti_Granth & Articles
File Size: 56 MB

Page 899

Contribution of Ancient Jaina Mathematicians
Dr. B.S. Jain
1. INTRODUCTION
The subject is so wide that volumes can be written on it and hence no single paper can deal with the subject matter comprehensively. Anyhow, in the present paper, starting with a brief history of ancient mathematics, an attempt has been made to touch upon certain aspects of some of the contributions of Jaina mathematicians. It may be noted here that there may be certain controversy regarding the dates and the authority of certain mathematical works, but the facts stated here refer to the standard published works.
Mathematics occupied a very high place in the intellectual life of India in ancient times. In fact mathematics in ancient India was the highest in the world. India was at the top in mathematics in the world uptil the beginning of the 17th century. In northern India, the progress made by Indian mathematicians came to an end in the 12th century, on account of certain historical reasons. In south India, the mathematicians, however, continued the progress up to the beginning of the 17th century. Till then India was leading all the countries of the world in mathematics.
2. IMPORTANCE OF MATHEMATICS IN JAIN RELIGION
Jainas of ancient India attached great importance and took keen interest in the study of mathematics and this subject was regarded as an integral part of their religion. The study of mathematics formed one of the four anuyogas or auxillary sciences indirectly servicable for the attainment of the solution of soul's liberation known as mok sa. Ganitanu yoga (or the exposition of the principles of mathematics) is one of the four anuyogas, required in the Jainism. The knowledge of Samkhyana (literally the science of numbers. meaning arithmatic and astronomy) is stated to be one of the principal accomplishments of the Jaina priest. This knowledge was required by him for finding out the proper time and place for the religious ceremonies.
1. About Ganita Sara Samgraha of the world fame Jaina mathematician Mahāvīracārya (850 A. D.), see
author's paper"On the Ganita Sar Samgraha of Mahāvira (850 A. D.)" I. J. H. S. 1977. (1) See : Bhagwati Sutra. Sutra 90.
With the commentary of Abhayadeva Suri (c. 1050).
Ed. by Aganodaya Samiti of Mahesana, 1919. (2) Uttara Dhayana Sutra.
Eng. Trans. by H. Jacobi, Oxford 1895. Chap. XXV. Sutra 7, 8, 38. 3. See the remarks of Santi Candra Gani (1595 A. D.) in the preface to his commentary on the Jambu
Dvipa Prajnapti.
जैन प्राच्य विद्याएं