I N T R D D U G H I O N TO SIDDHANTA-SEKHA RA OF SRPAT BY N. K. MAJUMDAR, M.A., G.D.A. Lecturej, Calcutta Universitg.
David Eugene Smith writes : ’ We have known for a century the works of Aryyabhata, Brahmagupta and Bhaskata, and have come to feel that to these mem alone are due. the noteworthy contributions to be found in native Hindu mathe matics. Of course a little reflection shows this conclusion to be an incorrect one. Other great schools, particularly of astronomydid exist, and other scholars taught and wrote and added their quota, small or large, to make up the sumtotal.” These observations particularly apply to the present treatise, the Siddhanta-sekhard of Sripati , who was born towards the close of the tenth century (A.D.) and was regarded by his succes sors as an astronomer, astrologet and mathematician of no mean reputc. The Siddhanta-Sethuru is one of the authoritative works on the theory of Indian Astronomy and Mathematics, so frequently referred to along with the works of Aryyabhata, Brahmagupta and Varaha Mihira, by the great Bhaskardcaryya (12th century A.D.) and other distinguished writers of later date. But unlike many of Sripati's other works which were known to scholars in manuscripty or in print, the Siddhanta- Sekha remained till quite recently almost lost to the world. The late Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Sudhakara Drivedi, in his Gualka-Tarangini, deplored that the contenporary knowledge Introduction to Gagita•sira-sagraha of Mahaviraearyya. Ratnasdra, Sripatinibondha, Sripati.sanuecogo , Dhi.kojidd Karaa; Dhriod mirushy Karta. २ Jataka-puddhanti, Ratnamala, and Gapita-THlake with commentary by simha Tilaka Boi (now being edited by Prof. E. R. Kapudio of Wilson CollegeBombay).