Course

FREE ELECTIVES OFFERED UNDER HUMANITIES / SOCIAL SCIENCE STREAMS COMMON TO ALL PROGRAMS

Unit 1

1. General introduction: principles followed and sources;
2. Astronomy & mathematics from the Neolithic to the Indus civilization;
3. Astronomy & mathematics in Vedic literature;
4. Vedanga Jyotisha and the first Indian calendars;
5. Shulba Sutras and the foundations of Indian geometry;

Unit 2

1. Astronomy & mathematics in Jain and Buddhist literature;
2. The transition to the Siddhantic period; Aryabhata and his time;
3. The Aryabhatiya: concepts, content, commentaries;
4. Brahmagupta and his advances;
5. Other great Siddhantic savants;
6. Bhaskara II and his advances;

Unit 3

1. The Kerala school of mathematics;
2. The Kerala school of astronomy;
3. Did Indian science die out?;
4. Overview of recent Indian scientists, from Ramanujan onward;
5. Conclusion: assessment and discussion;

OBJECTIVES:

This course offers a journey of exploration through the early developments in India of astronomy, mathematics, technologies and perspectives of the physical world. With the help of many case studies, the students will be equipped to understand concepts as well as well as actual techniques.

TEXTBOOK:

Indian Mathematics and Astronomy: Some Landmarks, by S. Balachandra Rao

REFERENCE:

IFIH’s interactive multimedia DVD on Science & Technology in Ancient India.

Evaluation Pattern

*CA – Can be Quizzes, Assignment, Projects, and Reports.