Vedic Math is an interesting offshoot of mathematics. It contains a
series of 16 sutras, or aphorisms, deciphered by Jagadgru Swami Sri
Bharati Krishna Tirthaji Maharaja in the early 20th century. Tirthaji
was born in India in 1884. By the age of 20, he’d already completed
seven masters degrees, including areas of study like Sanskrit,
Mathematics, English, Philosophy, History, and Science. Tirthaji was a
dedicated scholar, learning all over the world.
It was around 1911 that Tirthaji decided to decipher several sections
of the Atharva-veda, the sacred text of Hinduidm, that had dismissed as
nonsensical by previous scholars.
It was in these sections that
Tirthaji would discover the basis for Vedic mathematics in the form of
16 sutras, or aphorisms. A few of the sections themselves are titled
mathematical formulae, but don’t obviously discuss any branch of math.
It took Tirthaji eight years of seclusion in Sringeri, Karnataka is
finalize the sutras.
Once he’d discovered these mathematical functions, Tirthaji began
traveling throughout India teaching Vedic math. In 1958, he even
lectured in England and the United States. Tirthaji had also written one
volume for each of the 16 sutras, describing in-depth the applications
of each, but the manuscripts were never published.
They were, unfortunately, irretrievably lost, forcing Tirthaji to
begin again. He managed to completely re-write the first volume before
eventually passing away in 1960. Vedic Mathematics, the first volume,
was not published until five years after Tirthaji’s death. The tome has
become that basis for the entire field.
Vedic mathematics has not escaped controversy, however, from both
mathematicians and Hindu scholars. Some mathematicians believe Vedic
math to have grown irrelevant since the invention of the calculator.
Others in the Hindu community question Tirthaji’s source for Vedic
mathematics. Many of the texts used as the basis for his discovery make
no distinct reference to mathematics at all.
Since Tirthaji’s time, Vedic math has been expanded to include 19
sutras, and 13 subsutras. They can all be helpful, but their titles
appear quite cryptic. All of them have their applications, though. This
is why Vedic math’s most notable application is in education.
This form of mathematics can help students speed up their
calculation. It’s also been find an easier learning experience for some
students than traditional mathematics. Schools that have used this type
of math curriculum, like the Maharashi School Lancashire, England have
experienced great success through the technique. They often describe
greater enjoyment and participations, as well as improved academic
performance.
The sutras provide shortcuts, allowing students to perform
calculations far more quickly than normal. Some students have even
discovered Vedic math an easier tool to wield than traditional
mathematic techniques. The Maharashi School Lancashire, England, has
even integrated this form of mathematics into the school’s curriculum
with great success. The school claims improved performance, enjoyment,
and participation thanks to Vedic mathematics.
Vedic mathematics may be a little behind these calculator-laden
times, but it still carries weight. There may even be more mathematical
secrets hidden in the subject, waiting only for the right scholar to
uncover them.
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