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अर्हत् वचन कुन्दकुन्द ज्ञानपीठ, इन्दौर
Vol.-23, Issue 3, July-September 2011, 67-77
Ancient Indian Astronomy and Mathematics ■D.S. Hooda
Abstract
In the present talk a brief account of ancient Indian astronomy which has been divided into two periods (a) PreSiddhanta period (b) The Siddhanta Jyotiṣa period is given, Five Siddhanta books supposed to be written by the sages are described and some other books on astronomy written by outstanding mathematicians and astronomers are discussed.
Historical development of Ancient Indian Mathematics with reference to various manuscripts is described with examples. In particular development of the decimal system and numerals with zero symbols are discussed in detail. In the end some concluding remarks about ancient Hindu Mathematics and Astronomy are also given.
1. Introduction -
It has been pointed out by many authors that life in ancient India was dominated by religion. Mathematics was created for designing yajña kundas and altars for various types of havans. Astronomy was developed to regulate religious rituals. More Mathematics was created to meet the needs of this astronomy. Most of Hindu astronomy was given in Religious books and most of Hindu mathematics was given in books on Hindu astronomy. MATHEMATICS
OTHER NEEDS OF SOCIETY
RELIGION
ASTRONOMY Fig. 1
The Close relation between Mathematics and Astronomy has continued in
* Dean (R) and HOD, Department of Mathematics, Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology, A.B. Road, Raghogarh, Distt. Guna-473226 (M.P.)
