Jain Journal 1980 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 16

88 JAIN JOURNAL
latitude of the Moon and shapes of nakṣatras. The Jainian cycles of eclipses are based on the periodic observation of colours of (parva) Rahu denoting Jainian concept of shadow causing an eclipse. The categorization of mahāgrahas (great planets) and tārakāgrahas (star planets), the classification of nakşatras into kula (category), upakula (sub-category) and kulopakula (sub-sub-category) in relation to their conjunctions with Moon at different syzygies in a five-year cycle also exhibit their trends towards skilled observation of the celestial phenomena.
Besides, classification of lakṣana samvatsaras (symptomatic years) exhibits their trends towards the study of celestial phenomena in relation with natural phenomena on earth.
13. Astronomical Instruments
A passing reference may also be made to the use of astronomical instruments. Besides gnomon, some sort of clepsydra (water clock), star clock such as acronical risings of stars used in determination of seasons etc. might have also probably been used.
Conclusion
Obviously there are certain aspects which are similar to both Vedanga Jyotisa and Jaina astronomy, e.g., five-year cycle, four time measures viz. savana (civil), saura (solar), lunar and naksatric (sidereal), use of zigzag functions and variation of length of daylight etc. But Jaina astronomical system exhibits a stage far advanced than Vedanga Jyotisa period. However, there are several unique developments in Jaina astronomical period, e.g., notions of declination, celestial latitude and obliquity of ecliptic; method of measurement of celestial distances projected over the surface of the earth; systems of units of time, length and arc-division; the use of shadow-lengths for the determination of seasons and time of the day elapsed at any instant. These developments appear to be made quite independent of any foreign influence and they had paved the way for the development of Siddhantic astronomy." 27 Consequently, Pingree's views about the Mesopotanian origin of ancient Indian Mathematical Astronomy become quite questionable.
The author expresses his deep sense of gratitude towards his revered teacher Dr. S. D. Sharma, for several valuable suggestions in preparation of this paper. Thanks are due to Dr. C. S. Khurana, Head, Department of Physics, for providing necessary facilities. Thanks are also due to R. N. Doshi, Secretary, Vardhamana Kendra, Ahmedabad, for his keen interest in our research activities and financial support.
27 Lishk, S.S. and Sharma, S.D. (1977), 'Role of Pre-Aryabhatta I Jaina School of Astronomy in the Development of Siddhantic Astronomy', Indian Journal of History of Science, Vol.12, No.2, pp. 106-113.