The Golden Age of

Indian Mathematics S. PARAMESWARAN

SWADESHI SCIENCE MOVEMENT

KEJW.A

/

THE GOLDEN AGE OF INDIAN MATHEMATICS

Till recently i1 was considered Ihal Indian mathematics

remained barren during the period between Ihe thirteenth

century and the eighteenth century. Now � has come to light

that it embalms the "Golden Age" of Indian mathematics. The

earlier mathematicians were working on mathematics of the

finite · trigonometry, mensuration, algebra etc. Kerala, Ihe

southern most pari of India produced a mathematician by

name Madhavan (c. 1340 - c. 1 425), who broke the linile

barrier and soaredlo Ihe infinite. The infinite series expansions he

reaped anticipated the discoveries of mathematicians like James

Gregory (1638-1 675), Newton ( 1642- 1727) and Leibnitz (1 646

- 1716). In short, Madhavan deselVes 10 be called the lather of

infiniteSimal af)alysis.

Dr. S. Parameswaran. � renowned professor of

Malhemalics, was born on September 1 920 in NOr1h Parur.

Kerala. He passed his B.Sc (Honours) degree in 1941 in first

class. lirst rank and joined lhe University College at T rivandrum

lhe same year as Lecturer in Mathematics. He secured an

assistanceship lor research in the University of illinOIS (USA)

in 1957 and he was awarded Ph.D degree by that University

in 1960. Aparl from a number of Mathematics Text Books he wrote

for COllege students, he has to his credit about 200

technical and popular science arlicles published in periodicals

and mote than a dOlen popular science books. He had served as

founder·president of Kerala Mathematics Association and

National Forum of Mathemalics Education. In recognition of his

merits as a teacher he was appointed on retirement from service

as Emeritus Professor of Mathematics by the UniverSity

Grants Commission. India.