Fwd: Indian Astronomy Concepts & Procedures by Dr. S. Balachandra Rao...

[Balachandra Rao]

In his continuing endeavours to enlighten the world with the genuine contributions of ancient Indians in the fields of astronomy and mathematics, and simultaneously staying completely clear of false jingoistic claims which portray us in a very poor light, there are not many who can stand up to Prof. Dr. S Balachandra Rao.  Not only is he an authority in Mathematics, he also is a Sanskrit scholar, which gives him an unbeatable edge when it comes to reading the literature of our ancient scientific treatises an conveying them accurately in English for a modern audience. 

In his long list of books ranging from popular works on astronomy, mathematics, to the evils of astrology - to scholarly treatises on works such as Karanakutuhalam of Bhaskaracharya II and Grahalaghavam of Ganesha Daivajna - there comes another landmark, released on the occasion of his 70th birthday in December 2014.  This book is titled "Indian Astronomy - Concepts and Procedures" and published by M.P. Birla Institute of Management (in association with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bengaluru).

This book focuses solely on ancient Indian Astronomy - from the earliest known references that date back to 4000 BC, the earliest text Jyotisha Vedanga dated to circa 1400 BC, to Aryabhata I (circa 470 AD) - down to the Venkatesha Ketkar (circa 1900 AD).  Though the works of each of these eminent astronomers would require specific and separate volumes dedicated to them, Dr. Rao provides us with glimpses and worked examples of their methods in their appropriate contexts. 

The text is a great introduction which does not require much mathematics beyond trigonometry and perhaps a bit of elementary calculus - and would be eminently accessible even to any keen undergraduate.  

What is particularly appealing in this book - is that it progresses in logical steps - with chapters dedicated to the detailed explanations (with fitting diagrams and worked examples) of : Zodiac and Constellations, Coordinate Systems, Nakshatra System, Time in Indian Astronomy, Yugas and Eras, Calendars and Panchaanga, Mean and True positions of Stars and Planets, Eclipses and Transits and Occultations.  

There are also chapters dedicated to suggesting improvements in the calculations of parameters and also covering the tradition of how our community of ancient astronomers went about it.  Finally,  no work on astronomy can be considered complete without a mention and elaboration of astronomical tables - and neither does the author.  There is a chapter on these too to end the book. 

And then, some more.  The book closes with a complete Sanskrit-English-Sanskrit glossary of the technical terms used in the book and a list of annotated references (both original Sanskrit+ texts and reliable English translations).

The book closes at around 320+ pages - hence a detailed review will have to wait.  But, having done a first reading - a quick glean in about 8 hours - has given me a fair idea of what one can expect.  A much better appreciation of the Genius and Hard Work of our traditions of our ancient Indian Astronomers and Astronomy.  

And I think for this true Labour of Love - no words or phrases or paragraphs can suffice in conveying my admiration and appreciation and gratitude - for Dr. S. Balachandra Rao.

All I can request is for more of it, much much more.

The book is not yet available through the standard online channels of Flipkart and Amazon and their ilk.  So, if you need to get it, do send a mail to (gandhice...@gmail.com) with a cc to (balacha...@gmail.com).

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Thanks & Regards,
Raj S. Chittar.