Contribution of Ancient Indian Mathematicians
By Sumit Kadam
Div-C, Roll no.18, E&TC
Ancient Indian mathematicians made remarkable advancements in various fields of mathematics,
including algebra, arithmetic, trigonometry, geometry, and even early concepts of calculus. Their
discoveries influenced global mathematics and were later used by Persian, Arabic, and European
scholars.
1. Aryabhata (476 CE)
Aryabhata was one of the greatest mathematicians and astronomers of ancient India. His major
work, Aryabhatiya, contains many mathematical and astronomical theories.
Mathematical Contributions
• Concept of Zero: Aryabhata used a place-value system, which indirectly led to the
development of zero.
• Decimal System: He improved the positional decimal numeral system.
• Approximation of Pi (π): He estimated π ≈ 3.1416, which is very close to the actual
value.
• Algebraic Equations: He provided solutions to linear and quadratic equations.
• Trigonometry: Defined trigonometric functions such as sine (jya), cosine (kojya),
and versine (utkrama-jya).
• Geometry: Used geometric methods to solve astronomical problems.
Astronomical Contributions
• Proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis, explaining the apparent motion of
stars.
• Suggested that the Earth is spherical and correctly described planetary motions.
2. Brahmagupta (598 CE)
Brahmagupta was a renowned mathematician and astronomer, best known for his book
Brahmasphutasiddhanta.
Mathematical Contributions
• Defined Zero as a Number: He was the first to define rules for arithmetic
operations involving zero. Example: .
• Negative Numbers: He introduced negative numbers and their arithmetic
operations.
• Quadratic Equations: Gave general solutions for quadratic equations.
• Indeterminate Equations: Introduced methods to solve linear and quadratic
indeterminate equations.
Astronomical Contributions
• Estimated the length of the solar year as 365.2588 days, very close to the modern
value.
3. Bhaskara I (7th Century CE)
Bhaskara I was an important mathematician who wrote a detailed commentary on Aryabhatiya.
Mathematical Contributions
• Improved Approximation of π: Gave a more refined value of π.
• Algebraic Solutions: Developed methods to solve linear and quadratic equations.
• Trigonometry: Provided explanations of trigonometric functions and their
applications.
4. Bhaskara II (1114 CE)
Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, was a brilliant mathematician and astronomer. His
works include Lilavati, Bijaganita, Siddhanta Shiromani, and Grahaganita.
Mathematical Contributions
• Arithmetic and Algebra: Lilavati (a book on arithmetic) contains rules for basic
mathematical operations.
• Quadratic and Indeterminate Equations: Developed advanced methods for
solving equations.
• Early Concepts of Calculus: Introduced concepts of differentiation and
derivatives, which predate Newton and Leibniz.
• Diophantine Equations: Developed methods to solve polynomial equations with
integer solutions.
• Planetary Motion Calculations: Used mathematics to predict planetary positions.
5. Shridhara (8th-9th Century CE)
Shridhara was an Indian mathematician known for his contributions to algebra and arithmetic.
Mathematical Contributions
• Quadratic Equations: Developed methods to solve quadratic equations
systematically.
• Arithmetic Rules: Created rules for finding the square and cube roots.
• Mensuration: Worked on problems related to measuring areas and volumes.
6. Madhava of Sangamagrama (14th Century CE)
Madhava was a mathematician from the Kerala School of Mathematics who made revolutionary
contributions to trigonometry and calculus.
Mathematical Contributions
• Infinite Series: Developed the first known infinite series expansions for sine,
cosine, and arctangent functions.
• Pi Approximation: Used infinite series to estimate π more accurately.
• Early Calculus Concepts: His work laid the foundation for differential and integral
calculus, centuries before Newton and Leibniz.
• Trigonometry: Improved upon Aryabhata’s trigonometric functions and provided
their infinite series expansions.
7. Pingala (3rd Century BCE)
Pingala was an ancient Indian scholar known for his work on Sanskrit prosody (poetry meters).
Mathematical Contributions
• Binary Number System: Introduced a binary numeral system similar to modern
computer science.
• Combinatorics: Developed early forms of Pascal’s Triangle and binomial
coefficients.
• Chandas Shastra: His work on prosody helped shape mathematical structures
used in Sanskrit poetry.
Impact of Ancient Indian Mathematics
• The decimal number system and zero became essential for modern mathematics.
• Indian trigonometry influenced Islamic and European mathematics.
• The early ideas of calculus helped shape later mathematical developments.
• The Kerala School’s contributions remained unknown to the West until much later
but were highly advanced.
Conclusion
Ancient Indian mathematicians made groundbreaking contributions that influenced mathematics
worldwide. Their discoveries in zero, algebra, trigonometry, and early calculus provided a
foundation for later mathematical advancements. Many of these concepts were later transmitted
to the Arab world and Europe, shaping the evolution of modern mathematics.
