Description
This volume presents the ancient mathematical Sanskrit manuscript discovered in Bakhshali, near Peshawar. G. R. Kaye meticulously edited the original birch-bark manuscripts, providing Romanized transcription and English translation. It includes arithmetic methods, use of zero, fractions, and mathematical rules that reflect early Indian mathematical development. Volume 1 focuses on the text and commentary, showcasing the manuscript’s structure, linguistic analysis, and historical importance in understanding India’s contribution to ancient mathematics. Volume 2 complements the first by offering detailed mathematical analysis and photographic plates of the original birch-bark leaves. Kaye evaluates the arithmetical problems and solutions in historical context, highlighting their sophistication. This volume also discusses numeral systems, symbols (like zero), and the manuscript’s impact on mathematical history. Rich with visual documentation, it enhances scholarly access to one of India’s oldest known mathematical texts, reflecting Kaye’s dedication to preserving and interpreting ancient Indian knowledge.
