History of

Indian
mathemati
cians
introduction
introduction
Mathematics in ancient India flourished as a sophisticated discipline that
significantly influenced global mathematical thought. Indian
mathematicians made seminal contributions that continue to impact
modern mathematics. This presentation explores the pioneering
achievements of key figures in Indian mathematics, highlighting their
innovations and enduring legacy. The structure of the presentation
includes an exploration of three prominent mathematicians:
Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskaracharya. Each of these
mathematicians made profound contributions to fields such as algebra,
trigonometry, and number theory. Their work not only advanced
mathematical knowledge but also laid the foundation for future
mathematical developments worldwide. Join us as we delve into the
rich history of Indian mathematicians and their remarkable
contributions to the world of mathematics.
Progress:
Ancient Period
During
DuringIndia’s
India’sancient
ancientperiod
period(1500
(1500BCEBCE––500500
BCE), mathematicians developed
BCE), mathematicians developed Vedic Vedic
mathematics,
mathematics,focusing
focusingononarithmetic
arithmeticand and
algebra.
algebra. The era saw the emergence of theSulba
The era saw the emergence of the Sulba
Sutras, texts that advanced geometric principles
Sutras, texts that advanced geometric principles
and
andmethods
methodsforforconstructing
constructingsacrificial
sacrificialaltars.
altars.
These texts, featuring concepts like
These texts, featuring concepts like the the
Pythagorean
Pythagoreantheorem,
theorem,laidlaidaafoundation
foundationfor forboth
both
practical applications and theoretical
practical applications and theoretical
advancements
advancementsininmathematics.
mathematics.
Classical Period
The classical period of Indian mathematics (5th to
12th century CE) saw remarkable advancements
by influential mathematicians.
Aryabhata (476–550 CE): Known for his sine
tables and contributions to algebra and astronomy
through his work Aryabhatiya.
Brahmagupta (598–668 CE): Noted for his
treatise Brahmasphutasiddhanta, which
introduced rules for arithmetic with zero, negative
numbers, and solutions for equations.
Medival period
During the medieval period in India (11th to 16th century CE), mathematics continued to flourish,
During the medieval period in India (11th to 16th century CE), mathematics continued to flourish,
marked by notable advancements and contributions from scholars such as Bhaskara II and the Kerala
marked by notable advancements and contributions from scholars such as Bhaskara II and the Kerala
school of mathematics.
school of mathematics.
Bhaskara II (1114–1185 CE): Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, made significant
Bhaskara II (1114–1185 CE): Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, made significant
contributions to algebra and calculus. His pioneering works include the development of the concept of
contributions to algebra and calculus. His pioneering works include the development of the concept of
differential calculus and the discovery of the principles of differential equations, notably in his treatise
differential calculus and the discovery of the principles of differential equations, notably in his treatise
Siddhanta Shiromani.
Siddhanta Shiromani.
Kerala School of Mathematics: The Kerala school, centered around mathematicians like Madhava of
Kerala School of Mathematics: The Kerala school, centered around mathematicians like Madhava of
Sangamagrama (1340–1425 CE), made profound contributions to infinite series expansions. Madhava’s
Sangamagrama (1340–1425 CE), made profound contributions to infinite series expansions. Madhava’s
contributions include accurate approximations for π (pi) and the discovery of the Madhava series, a
contributions include accurate approximations for π (pi) and the discovery of the Madhava series, a
precursor to modern calculus concepts like Taylor series.
precursor to modern calculus concepts like Taylor series.
 Legacy
Legacy and
and influence
influence
● Indian mathematicians made significant contributions that resonated globally,
influencing mathematics across continents. Their insights, including trigonometric
functions, algebraic techniques, and pioneering work on infinite series, spread
through trade routes to Islamic scholars and later to Europe. These contributions
were pivotal in shaping the development of algebra, trigonometry, and calculus in
the broader mathematical world. The translation and dissemination of Indian
mathematical texts played a crucial role in the European Renaissance, sparking
new avenues of mathematical inquiry. Today, concepts introduced by Indian
mathematicians remain integral to mathematical education and research
worldwide, illustrating India’s profound and enduring impact on the evolution of
mathematical thought.