History and highlights of the Kerala school of mathematics
During the 14th to the 16th centuries CE, a succession of Indian scholars, collectively referred to as the Kerala school, made remarkable contributions in the fields of mathematics and astronomy. Mādhava of Saṅgamagrāma, a gifted mathematician and astronomer, is considered the founder of this school, and is perhaps best known for discovering an infinite series for pi, among other achievements. Subsequently, Mādhava’s lineage of disciples, consisting of illustrious names such as Parameśvara, Dāmodara, Nīlakaṇṭha, Jyeṣṭhadeva, Śaṅkara Vāriyar, Citrabhānu, Acyuta Piṣaraṭi etc., made numerous important contributions of their own in the fields of mathematics and astronomy. Later scholars of the Kerala school flourished up to the 19th century. This talk will provide a historical overview of the Kerala school and highlight its important contributions.
Date: 4 November 2024, 14:30 (Monday, 4th week, Michaelmas 2024)
Venue: Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road OX2 6GG
Venue Details: L6
Speaker: Aditya Kolachana (IIT Madras)
Organising department: Mathematical Institute
Part of: History of Mathematics Seminar
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Christopher Hollings