LU's Hindu Math Dept on Brink of Closure

LUCKNOW: Hindutva may be the flavour of the day, but there are no takers for Hindu mathematics in Lucknow University. Without no expert faculty or student to carry forth studies and research on invaluable texts on algebra and astronomy authored by great mathematicians between 2 AD and 1800 AD, the varsity’s Hindu mathematics department is now virtually closed.
Even today, these texts are internationally acclaimed as masterpieces but to be able to study them, one has to be well-versed in Sanskrit besides being an expert in mathematics. But that is a rare combination to come across in students these days.
Former section in-charge Prof Aruna Nigam, who looked after the department till 2009, says, “The section has a rare collection of texts and manuscripts. A lot of awareness is required to revive it,” adding that Japanese national T Ohashi, who came all the way to study Indian astronomy, was the last student at the department, ten years ago.
The present caretaker Poonam Sharma who took charge six months back said, “Today nobody opts for Hindu mathematics because it is not as glamorous as other careers.’’
The one-of-its-kind in the world department has around 52 priceless original manuscripts written by Hindu mathematicians. There are three photocopies of the originals ‘Sput Sidhanta’ written by Brahmagupta in 620 AD, brought from England and three microfilms in Bengla language on algebra and mathematics. Formed in 1939 by Prof AN Singh, the first Indian head of LU’s mathematics department, the section today does not receive any grant, neither from UGC nor from the state government.
Most of the transcripts are in Sanskrit and regional languages and are on astronomy. “This is because people then were particularly fascinated by astrology and astronomical wonders,” said Prof Nigam. “That is why we were world leaders in Astronomy till 1500 AD,” she also said, adding that arithmetic, algebra and geometry developed as a by-products of astronomy.
Prof Nigam, during her tenure, took up the arduous task of translating some of these works in English, five of which are already available in the department.