Moonlight of Mathematics, Part 1

Page 2

Mathematical Setup. Own part 2/3; Remainder 1/4; Root 1/3; Visible portion 10.
Calculated result:

Setup for the calculation of a negative remainder root. 1/1, 1/4; Root 1; Visible portion 18.

And furthermore—

In the heat of battle, the mighty Bhīma A hero of the Mahābhārata known for his immense strength, who fights with his bare palms, used his mace to crush half of the King of Kalinga’s countless army of elephants. Then, he destroyed one-third of the remainder. One-sixth of the difference, divided by six, and then reduced by one-twelfth of the square root—tell me friend, how many elephants were in that herd if five were seen surviving with their tusks, feet, and trunks intact? ॥ 30 ॥

Setup. 1/3, 1/12, 1/6; Root 1/12; Visible portion 5.
The number of elephants is 144.

Now, the setup for a positive fractional root. 3/7, 1/4, 9/28; Root 1; Visible portion 14.

The time of this book's composition was recorded by Nārāyaṇa Paṇḍita himself as follows:

In the Shaka year measured by the elephants, the mountains, and the sun original: "Gaja-nagara-vimita-śāke." This uses chronograms where Gaja=8, Naga=7, and Ravi=12, representing the Shaka year 1278, or 1356 CE, in the year named Durmukha, during the month of Kārtika original: "Bāhula-māsi", on the fourteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight on a Thursday, this mathematical work reached its completion.

In closing, having observed that no other edition of this work has been published, I have courageously proceeded with this publication, including my own commentaries and proofs. I hope that mathematicians, who are naturally inclined toward merit, will endeavor to correct any errors. I repeatedly request them to look upon this work with a favorable eye, for I have performed the correction and editing of this text based on only a single, not-entirely-accurate manuscript.

Regarding this edition—

What is the use of boasting that it is "like this" or "like that"? Before those who possess true discernment, the remaining virtues of the work will reveal themselves.

Khajuri,
Banaras Cantt.
April 24, 1935