Mathematical Delights from Indian Knowledge System

Abstract

Indian knowledge system is a repository of the traditional knowledge created by Indians in a variety of domains like History, Basic Sciences, Culture, Art, Spirituality etc. In the present article, we restrict our attention to the contributions in the field of Mathematics. Even a cursory look at the work carried out by Indian mathematicians immediately reveals that the contribution is huge and astonishing. We find a substantial advancement made by Indians in several branches of mathematics such as astronomy, algebra, geometry, arithmetic, indeterminate equations, calculus etc. Here, we focus on a few specific methods devised by Indians which display a great deal of originality. In particular, the article includes the Kuttaka method by Aryabhata, Chakraval method by Bhaskara-II, infinite series expansion for pi derived by Madhava. Finally, we shall highlight the legendary contributions by Ramanujan, the greatest mathematical genius that the world has ever seen! In the process, we shall underline the methodology adopted by the Indian mathematicians and also exhibit the continuity in the works of mathematicians mentioned above and the aspect of chronology and historical credits for the inventions by way of several illustrations.