Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 399

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA
[Ch. VI
At the time of Equinox the sun crosses the Equator and thus the day and night become equal on the 20th March (Vernal equinox) and September 22nd or 23rd (Autumnal equinox).
The comparative study of the causes of the longest day and shortest night, of the longest night and shortest day, and of the equal day and night at those specific times clearly reveals the scientific basis of the analysis of these subjects.
The evidences of the study of Astronomy as revealed in the Bhs are fully corroborated by the Sūriyapannatti' and the Camdapannatti:— the fifth and the seventh Upāngas of the Jain canonical literature in which this subject is dealt with in details.
As regards the development of Astrology as already mentioned in connection with the topic "Courses of study' in the first section of this chapter, the testimony of the Bhs is well supported by the three texts, viz. Vivāhapadala, Jonipāhuda, and Cūdāmaņiwhich treat of this branch of knowledge elaborately.
Mathematics The Bhs clearly shows that Mathematics (Sarkhāna) was one of the important branches of learning and it attained a remarkable stage of development, as it is evidenced by the calculation of numerals from one upto crore?; Yugmas,8 Mahāyugmas, etc., and of the measurement of time and space" from one Samaya upto one Sīrşaprahelikā, and from one atom upto one yojana respectively. The reference to the following figures (sansthāna), viz. Parimandala (round), Vịtta (circular), Tryasra (triangular), Caturasra (square), Ayata (oblong), Anitthanstha (other than these five) throws a welcome light upon the advancement of Geometry along with Mathe. matics during that period.
i Suriyapannatti.
? Candapannatti. 8 Nisitha Cūrni, 12, p. 854. 4 Brahatkalpa-Bhasya, 1, 1303, o Ib, 1, 1313; Vide 'Life in Ancient India', p. 177. & Bhs, 2, 1, 90.
1 Ib, 11, 11, 430. & 10, 25, 4, 734.
91b, 35, 1. 10 I6, 6, 7, 247; 11, 11, 426.11.13 16, 6, 7, 247.