Algebra of Bhaskaracharya (बीजगणितम्ः भास्कराचार्यैः प्रणीतम्)

Description

Bhāskarācārya II, also spelled as Bhāskarāchārya (1114-1185 AD), was a poet, grammarian, astronomer, physician, philosopher, and mathematician. Exceptionally gifted, he made significant contributions to all branches of mathematics. He possessed deep knowledge of Vedānga’s plane geometry, Paninian grammar, the epic poetry of the pre-Christian era, and Indian mathematics as it had evolved since 400 AD. He skillfully addressed the gaps left by his predecessors in algebra and expanded its scope significantly. Bhāskarācārya advanced the mathematical tradition that began with Aryabhața I, shaping algebra for further development of astronomy.

Among his works in Sanskrit, Siddhānta-Siromani stands out as a major contribution. It consists of four parts: arithmetic (Līlāvati), algebra (Bijaganita), planetary motion, and astronomy

This book (a translated version of his algebra) presents various algebraic problems and the unique methods he employed to solve them, which are sure to fascinate readers. In brief, it includes discussions on algebraic surds, general and indeterminate equations of the first and second degrees (including those with more than two unknowns), and the product of unknown quantities. His application of zero in algebra, along with his groundbreaking formula for the sine function in planetary calculations, may be considered a precursor to the development of calculus.