I recently stumbled upon a fascinating video by Numberphile that I believe everyone interested in mathematics should watch. This video is not only informative but also delves into the often-overlooked history of calculus especially it’s relation with India.
The video explores the remarkable contributions of the Kerala school of mathematics in India. These contributions significantly predated the work of renowned mathematicians, Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. This insight into the Kerala school sheds light on the global roots of calculus. It challenges the traditional narrative that often centers solely on Western mathematicians.
Key Aspects Discussed
The video touches on several key points, including:
- The development of infinite series and calculus concepts by Indian mathematicians.
- Reasons that hampered its global recognition: Written in Malayalam language (non-Sanskrit) and Portuguese colonization at that time.
- The historical context and how these advancements laid the groundwork for future work in mathematics.
- A comparison of the methodologies used by the Kerala school and those of Newton and Leibniz.
Leave a Reply