Significance of Mathematical astronomy

Mathematical astronomy in India encompasses the study of celestial phenomena through algorithms and calculations, as discussed in the Yavanajataka and other texts. It includes contributions from various scholars and is linked to jyotihshastra, a branch of astral sciences. Notable works include Haridatta’s Jagadbhushana, focusing on celestial coordinates, and the Gargasamhita, which addresses celestial bodies mathematically. The interaction between Sanskrit and Islamicate cultures in this field is evident in late-fourteenth-century texts on astronomical instruments, highlighting the historical significance of mathematical astronomy in India.

Synonyms: Astrophysics

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Hindu concept of 'Mathematical astronomy'

Hinduism Books

Mathematical astronomy in Hinduism highlights the contributions of scholars like Rama Daivajna, who excelled in integrating mathematics within astronomical studies, aided by figures like Clemency Montelle and Krishnamurthi Ramasubramanian in elucidating related texts.

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) This is the field in which Balabhadra's foremost authority, Rama Daivajna, excels, with his expertise in the science of mathematics.[1] (2) Clemency Montelle and Krishnamurthi Ramasubramanian provided assistance, making passages relating to this topic fully understandable to the author.[2]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

The concept of Mathematical astronomy in local and regional sources

History Books

Mathematical astronomy encompasses the study of celestial bodies and their movements, as detailed in various historical texts, revealing connections between Islamic and Sanskrit traditions while exploring contributions from prominent scholars in India.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Mathematical astronomy is an area where trigonometry is an indispensable tool, as seen through the study of Indian texts and the development of sine tables and functions.[3] (2) This refers to the Mesopotamian origin of early Indian mathematical astronomy, as explored in a specific publication.[4] (3) Sanskrit texts on astronomical instruments written in the late fourteenth century offer some of the earliest extant evidence of a relationship between Islamicate and Sanskrit mathematical astronomy.[5] (4) The text discusses this topic which is scattered throughout the Gargiyajyotisha under the larger topics of time units and individual planets, including omens and rituals.[6] (5) The subject of one of the studies, the study of astral sciences that is also called jyotihshastra.[7]