Influence of Mathematical and Astronomical Developments in Medieval Kerala on Vāstuśāstra

Abstract

The contribution in the field of mathematics is unparalleled. The concept of zero and the place value system is alone sufficed to place India in a high pedestal. Historians were generally under the impression that Indian supremacy in Mathematics came to an end with Bhaskaracharya (1114–1185) who is also known as Bhaskara II.Recent researches and publications of books like ‘Crest of the peacock’ written by George Gheverghese Joseph, has brought out the marvelous achievements of Southern India, especially Kerala region after the period of Bhaskaracharya which produced many results surpassing the Europeans in its indigenous style till the advent of Western Education system in early 19th Cent. This medieval contribution includes mathematical analysis and first steps in Calculus and many outstanding discoveries in astronomy. These contributions in Mathematics as well as in Astronomy are now grouped and studied under the title “Kerala School”. Accordingly, Sangamagrama Madhava (14th Cent.), doyen of Kerala School, is recognized as the ‘Father of infinitesimal Analysis’.In this paper the attempt is made to analyse the influence of Kerala School in the development of traditional building science and architecture. This branch of knowledge is generally categorized under the term ‘Vāstuśāstra’.`