________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
( 613 )
mathematics we find the beginnings made of the Infinite simal Calculus. The idea of Differentiation developed from the attempt of the Hindu astronomers to find the instantaneous daily motion of planets, and the idea of integration to find the surface and volume of a sphere, etc. So far as we can see, in Differentiation the idea of limits was recognized from the pupils of Aryabhata I to Bhaskara II (1150 A.D.). We have further in Bhaskara II an equation which is equivalent to d sin = cos odo.
In the Khandakhadyaka of Brahmagupta we find that Brahmagupta gives rules for using the Second Difference in Interpolation. This was the first step in the Calculus of Finite Differences and taken by the celebrated mathematician-astronomer Brahmagupta.
We now pass on to make a few remarks on the works in the section on Natural Astrology.
The most prominent and important of the Samhitas is undoubtedly the Bṛhatsamhita of Varahamihira, enriched by the commentary of Bhaṭṭotpala. Varaha was the author of a shorter treatise of this section named Samasasamhita from which Bhattotpala (or Utpala) makes ample quotations. In spite of auguries which the Samhitas treat of, the Bṛhatsamhita is itself a mine of information as to the culture of the Hindu India in the sixth century A.D. We have here an account of architecture, iconography, making of swords, and other technical sciences. We can have an idea of the geographical knowledge current in India about this time from this work. The editor of this catalogue suggests that steps should be taken to publish the Vṛddhagargasamhita, of which there is an almost complete manuscript in the Library of the R.A.S. Bengal, viz. the Fort William College manuscript I-D-20. This would throw ght on the nature of Hindu astronomy
40
For Private and Personal Use Only
