Ancient Indian Leaps into Mathematics

Product Description

This book presents contributions of mathematicians covering topics from ancient India, placing them in the broader context of the history of mathematics. Although the translations of some Sanskrit mathematical texts are available in the literature, Indian contributions are rarely presented in major Western historical works. Yet some of the well-known and universally-accepted discoveries from India, including the concept of zero and the decimal representation of numbers, have made lasting contributions to the foundation of modern mathematics. Through a systematic approach, this book examines these ancient mathematical ideas that were spread throughout India, China, the Islamic world, and Western Europe.

From the Back Cover

This book presents contributions of mathematicians covering topics from ancient India, placing them in the broader context of the history of mathematics. Although the translations of some Sanskrit mathematical texts are available in the literature, Indian contributions are rarely presented in major Western historical works. Yet some of the well-known and universally-accepted discoveries from India, including the concept of zero and the decimal representation of numbers, have made lasting contributions to the foundation of modern mathematics.

Key topics include:

• The work of two well-known Indian mathematicians: Brahmagupta and Bhaskaracharya;
• The relationship of Indian mathematics to the mathematics of China and Greece;
• The transmission of mathematical ideas between the Western and non-Western world;
• A study of Keralese mathematics and coverage of the techniques used in the Śulbasūtras;
• The calendrical calculations, complete with computer programs, enabling readers to determine Indian dates.

Ancient Indian Leaps into Mathematics examines these ancient mathematical ideas that were spread throughout India, China, the Islamic world, and Western Europe. Through a systematic approach, it gives an historical account of ancient Indian mathematical traditions and their influence on other parts of the world.

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Hinduism and the Religious Arts (Religion And The Arts)

Review

"A useful and easy-to-read introduction to a complex subject aimed largely at educational courses. Students and general readers will be grateful to the author for guiding them through the bewildering apparatus of Hindu religious symbols, ritual practices, sacred texts and mythological icons."
- Times Higher Education Supplement

"…a very strong case for the need to study visual expressions of Hindu beliefs …Elgood’s work is a must for academic library collections as well as for historians of religion interested in the unique contributions visual expression can add to an understanding of Hinduism."
--Religion and the Arts

Product Description

The roots between the Hindu religion and the wider culture are deep and uniquely complex. No study of either ancient or contemporary Indian culture can be undertaken without a clear understanding of Hindu visual arts and their sources in religious belief and practice. Defining what is meant by religion - no such term exists in Sanskrit - and what is understood by Hindu ideals of beauty, Heather Elgood provides the best synthesis and critical study of recent scholarship on the topic. In addition, this book offers critical background information for anyone interested in the social and anthropological roots of artistic creativity, as well as the rites, practices and beliefs of the hundreds of millions of Hindus in the world today.

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A Goddess is Born: The Emergence of Khir Bhavani in Kashmir

Review

Her account of the emergence of new Goddesses, particularly Khir Bhavani in Kashmir, is fascinating, engaging and significant. -- Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, March, 2002

This book on Khir Bhavani is interesting and over due...(T)his book will certainly help to overcome the lacuna. -- Dr. Karan Singh, August 2001

Product Description

In her present book Madhu B. Wangu gives a fascinating account of the emergence of the Kashmiri Goddess Khir Bhavani. She analyzes and interprets her historic context, sacred text, paintings and her temple at Tulmul in Kashmir, uncovering some engaging interpretations. Dr. Wangu's appealing writing and her significant researach will engage general readers. They will understand how milliions of Hindu deites have emerged. Expatriated Kashmirirs around the world, who feel nostaligic about the valley will enjoy rediscovering the tradition and history of their favorite goddess. Kashmiri pandits, in particular, will discern some of their peculiarities as Khir Bhavani represents their ethos as well as their worldview.

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Choosing A Path

Product Description

Describes a range of spiritual disciplines to help you choose the one most appropriate.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

This book gives a glimpse and creates a provocative atmosphere for the intelligent and learned so that they will begin studying their inclination to follow a particular path, and so that they don't waste time and energy in the prevailing confusion of our times, but choose a definite path for themselves. The younger generation today is longing to seek something new and fresh, but it is torn by the conflicts created by guilt and fear. With these views in mind and to serve the needs of the aspirants and free-thinkers, I present this book. (Swami Rama, from the Introduction)

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