Govt introduces book that links Kerala scholars to calculus

From almanacs (panchangams) and the precise calendrical systems of astrology and astronomy (jyotisa), to ingenious astronomical instruments such as the Ghatika Yantra and Samrat Yantra for empirical observations, anew book released by the Union ministry of education's Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) division has highlighted India’s ancient scientific heritage — and said it is aimed at bridging “ancient insight with modern inquiry” and sparking “scientific curiosity and cultural confidence among students and educators”.

- Sanjay Maurya

The 430-page “Indian Knowledge Systems: Indian Contributions to Science, Volume I,” showcases India’s contribution to mathematics stating that long before Issac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz formalised calculus in Europe, scholars in medieval Kerala, led by Madhava of San-gamagrama (circa 14th century), “were already exploring infinite series and laying the foundations for mathematical analysis”.

The book states that ancient Indian traditions fostered harmony between science and spirituality, “unlike the Western world, where clashes between science and religion were common’.

The book is also intended for students of classes 6 to 12 to prepare for the Vidyarthi Vigyan ‘Manthan (VVM)—a national science talent search exam conducted by nonprofit Vijnana Bharati, which promotes the “Swadeshi Science Movement” in collaboration with NCERT and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).