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Similarly, we find an interesting verse in the work of Mahavirācārya, who lived in this (Mysore) state. He has written first text book on Mathematics namely Ganita - sāra - Samgraha. He wrote
बहुभिर्वि प्रलापैः किं त्रैलोक्ये सचराचरे।
यत् किंचिद्विस्तु तत्सर्व गणितेन बिना नहि। A very short review of the development of the mathematical knowledge in all four stages of Vedic literature i.e. 1. Samhita, 2. Brahmana, 3. Aranyaka and 4. Vedamga is available in the following books & articles - 1. B.B. Dutta & A.N. Singh, History of Hindu Mathematics, 2 Vols., Reprint,
Asia Publishing House, Bombay, 1962 2. C.N. Srinivasiengar, The History of Ancient Indian Mathematics, World Press,
Calcutta, 1967 3. B.L. Upadhyaya, Pracina Bhartiya Ganita (Hindi), Vigyan Bharti, Delhi, 1971 4. T.A. Saraswati, Development of Mathematical ideas in India, I.J.H.S. (Calcutta).
4 (1-2), 1974, p. 59 - 78 5. A.K. Bag, Mathematics in Ancient & Medieval India, Chaukhamba Orientalaya,
Varanasi, 1977 6. T.A. Saraswati, Geometry in Ancient & Medieval India, M.L.B.D., New Delhi,
1979 7. Sharda Srinivasan, Mensuration in ancient India, Ajanta Publication, Delhi,
1979
The authors of all these books & articles came on the conclusion that in the samhitas and Aranyakas, we get the use of big numbers and a process of addition. While sulva sutra, which are 9 in number and a part of Kalpasutras of Vedamga, are a good source of knowledge of Geometry. In fact, the development of geometry was done by Indian scholars due to its utility in constructions of altors for religious ceremonies.
Even today there is a strong need to bring out a more comprehensive and systematic study on the development of mathematical thoughts in India. In last 2-3 decades so many researches came out in this field but they are not incorporated in the books on History of Mathematics. In the process of compilation of History one way is to compile it period wise. The development of mathematics in India may be put in the following sub groups 1. Initial period (Ādi kala) 3000 - 500 B.C.
A - Vedic 3000 - 1000 B.C.
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Arhat Vacana, January 2000
