: by Dr. Rajen Barua The works of the early Jain and Buddhist scholars were later summarized and expanded by (476-550), the most important ancient mathematician of . headed the classical era of Indian mathematics.
He helped to ignite a new era in mathematics, which in turn spurred on other sciences, such as astronomy. Among his many accomplishments were the introduction of the concept of trigonometry, the most precise estimation of π (the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle) up to that date (3.1416), and an accurate estimation of a solar year.
His calculations on the circumference of the earth (62832 miles) and the length of the solar year (within about 13 minutes of the modern calculation) were remarkably close approximations. In making such calculations, had to solve several mathematical problems that had not been addressed before including problems in algebra and trigonometry. In the course of developing a precise mapping of the lunar eclipse, was obliged to introduce the concept of infinitesimals – i.
e. to designate the infinitesimal, or near instantaneous motion of the moon, and express it in the form of a basic differential equation. It is worth mentioning that Roots of the Modern Trignometry lie in the book titled .
It mentions (Sine), (Cosine) etc. Please note that the word (Zia) changed to “Jaib” in Arab first. The translation of Jaib in Latin was done as “Sinus”.
And this “Sinus” became “Sine” later on. The word Trigonometry als.