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JANUARY, 1978
Therefore the result obtained in eq. No. (2) bears a consistency upon the validity of our assumptions.
So the following conclusions may be derived as :
(1) The flat earth OFJC is inclined to the equatorial plane at angle <FOW = <FAJ
11
= 2°.61
.. 1 Y
(2) The circumference of Jambudvipa coincides with the parallel of maximum declination of the Sun. The axis of Meru is instanteneously taken as such that OJ: 50000 y whereas 0 lies anywhere on the parallel of maximum declination (23°.5) of the Sun. Earth's true axis passes along the hypotenuse of approximate cone of Meru, and not along the axis of Meru. So true radius of Jambudvipa is equal to apparent radius of Jambudvipa less redius of Meru's base on flat earth (see fig. No. 3).
=
(Angle between two planes is equal to angle between their normals).
(3) Meru represents an astronomical model implying a notion of altitude of the celestial north pole. The altitude of the celestial north pole for an observer situated at a latitude equal to maximum declination of Sun is equal to the obliquity of ecliptic. Thus the concept of Meru implies a notion of obliquity of ecliptic. This view is further supported by the fact that the famous Kutubminar in Delhi situated at 28° 31' 28" north latitude is inclined at an angle of 5° 1' 28" to the vertical. Thus the noon shadow length is zero on Summer solstice day.24 Therefore it implies a notion of maximum declination of Sun. It is quite probable that the designer of Kutubaminar was in possession of the knowledge of the concept of Meru as implied in Jaina canonical literature and he attempted to perpetuate the idea by transforming the imaginary Meru into a realistic model of Kutubminar.
(d) Applications of the Astronomical Model of Meru:
(1) From eq. No. (4) and eq. No. (5), we have 510 Y = 2 6max
(*:
47° 47 x 60°.09 miles 6.37 miles
(*.
=
Jain Education International
6max
1'
24 Prabhakara, Kedar Nath, op. cit., pp. 133-135.
89
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=
23°.5) 6080 ft).
(6)
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