The book, Meru Prastar: The wonder world of Indian Mathematics by Shri Chandrahas Halai is an interesting introduction to Indian Mathematics. I would like to congratulate the author for having chosen this extremely relevant topic and covering such a wide range of mathematical concepts that find their roots in ancient Indian texts.
This book is for everyone who has even a basic knowledge of high school Mathematics as it has been written in a very simple style, so that understanding the concepts and appreciating the antiquity of these concepts is very natural for the reader.
Of course the book takes the reader through different aspects of Mathematics including algebra, progressions, combinatorics, binary numbers and also fun with Maths, but it also provides a glimpse of the societal and educational environment at the time when these mathematical pieces were written.
The references to birds animals plants, temples, gods, pujas, epics, lovers, merchants, even cooking making it an interesting read while acquainting the reader of the times of the authors of the ancient texts.
I have read some of the articles by the author in the past, but this compilation reveals the expanse of the study carried out by the author in this field. Particularly found the chapter on the twenty four names of Shri Vishnu and their representation in different temples very fascinating.
Now, when one reviews a book, one reports both, on the pluses and the minuses, but here the idea, the concept, the research, and the presentation are so important and relevant that one tends to overlook the minor anomalies, if any. I felt that the topics could have been woven together better.
Kudos to Shri. Halai and Garud Prakashan, for furthering the cause of bringing forth ancient India’s contributions to Mathematics.
Grab a copy and don’t forget to keep a pen, and paper along while you delve into the depths of this lovely subject.