National Mathematics Day 2024: 10 Indian Mathematicians and Their Genius Contributions

TOI-Online Dec 22, 2024

Aryabhata (476–550 AD)

Aryabhata is regarded as one of the first major Indian mathematicians. He introduced the concept of zero as a placeholder and worked on approximations of pi. Aryabhata's contributions to trigonometry include the introduction of sine tables and solving quadratic equations. Image Source: Canva

Brahmagupta (598–668 AD)

Brahmagupta formulated rules for arithmetic operations involving zero and negative numbers, a groundbreaking advancement. His book Brahmasphutasiddhanta laid the foundations for modern algebra, and he provided formulas for the area and diagonals of cyclic quadrilaterals. Image Source: Canva

Bhaskara I (600–680 AD)

Bhaskara I is best known for his detailed commentary on Aryabhata's works. He introduced an accurate approximation for sine functions and provided systematic methods for solving linear and quadratic equations, advancing trigonometry and algebra. Image Source: Canva

Bhaskara II (1114–1185 AD)

Known as Bhaskaracharya, he authored the seminal work Lilavati and Bijaganita. He made significant advancements in calculus, including preliminary concepts of derivatives and integrals. Image Source: Canva

Madhava of Sangamagrama (14th Century)

Madhava, a pioneer of the Kerala School of Mathematics, introduced infinite series expansions for trigonometric functions. He laid the groundwork for calculus and approximated pi using an infinite series, contributing to mathematical analysis. Image Source: Canva

Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920)

Ramanujan's intuitive approach to mathematics led to groundbreaking contributions in number theory, elliptic functions, continued fractions, and infinite series. His famous work on partition functions and modular forms still inspires mathematical research. Image Source: Canva

PC Mahalanobis (1893–1972)

Known as the father of Indian statistics, Mahalanobis developed the Mahalanobis distance, a foundational measure in multivariate statistics. He also played a crucial role in statistical sampling and planning economic policies in India. Image Source: Canva

Radhanath Sikdar (1813–1870)

Sikdar was an exceptional mathematician and surveyor who calculated the height of Mount Everest as part of the Great Trigonometric Survey. His mathematical expertise in geodesy was pivotal in establishing Everest as the world's tallest peak. Image Source: Canva

Satyendra Nath Bose (1894–1974)

Bose’s work on quantum mechanics led to the formulation of Bose-Einstein statistics and the concept of bosons, a class of elementary particles. His innovative use of mathematics in physics transformed our understanding of particle behavior. Image Source: Canva

D R Kaprekar (1905–1986)

Kaprekar is famous for his discovery of Kaprekar numbers and the Kaprekar constant. His recreational mathematics work, including base representation and cyclic numbers, has influenced number theory and remains a subject of fascination. Image Source: Canva