Authour(s): Mr Hardik K Parikh (Sansthapak – VMLS), Ms Paridhi Trivedi Parikh (Sansthapak – VMLS)
Ancient Indian Civilization:
The Sindhu Sabhyata, or the Indus Valley Civilization, is the origin of the Indian Civilization. The word Sindhu Sabhyata is related to the ancient and prominent river “Sindhu” or the modern name “Indus”. Many historians have now agreed that the Sindhu Sabhyata is the oldest civilization of the world!
The beliefs of the Sindhu Sabhyata, must have been and, are rich! How can we say so? The simple answer lies its survival. If a civilization can survive thousands of years and still goes on then it only means that the foundation of the civilization and the tenets on which it is based must be fundamentally strong. So, we learn many things from such a strong civilization which benefits the whole generations and the benefits are perpetual.
One of the major foundations that the Sindhu Sabhyata laid is the ‘Vedas’. The Vedas are believed to have been composed by the most revered sage of the ancient times, Maharishi Ved Vyasa (also known as Krishna Dvaipayana). According to tradition, Ved Vyas is also considered as one of the seven Chiranjivis (long-lived or immortal) and is still believed to be in existence. It is after him that the Indian festival of Guru Purnima is celebrated. It is also believed to be the day on which Vyasa divided the Vedas into different parts. It is believed that Aryans also added to the Vedas.
A wonder, a marvel, a gem – “Vedic Math” – which would lay a strong foundation of Mathematics and make the understanding and application of Mathematics much easier, is believed to have been derived from these divine compositions “Vedas”.
“Vedic Math” – The Innovative Indian Way of Mind-Calculations!
‘Vedic Mathematics’ is the name given to the ancient Indian system of mathematics, or, to be precise, a unique technique of calculations based on simple rules and principles, with which any mathematical problem – be it arithmetic, algebra, geometry or trigonometry – can be solved, hold your breath, orally!
In the Vedic system ‘difficult’ problems or huge sums can often be solved immediately by the Vedic method. These striking and beautiful methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is far more systematic than the modern ‘system’. Vedic Mathematics manifests the coherent and unified structure of mathematics and the methods are complementary, direct and easy.
Vedas and Vedic Math:
The word Veda is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Vid’ which means ‘Knowledge’. Vedas are the invincible ancient Indian literature. They are the oldest-ever texts to make implicit and explicit use of mathematics. Vedas are the earliest Indian scriptures. We have four Vedas which when put-together is called ‘Ved-Samhita’. ‘Samhita’ (Sanskrit: संहिता) literally means ‘put together’.
‘Ved Samhita’ consists of:
- Rig-Veda
- Sama-Veda
- Yajur-Veda
- Atharva-Veda
Ved Samhita is the zenith of Vedic Math knowledge. This Vedic Math knowledge is distributed in all four Vedas as follows: Rig Veda gives an idea of Geometry, Error Correction & Detection Codes. Very first usage of Pi is in Rig-veda. Yajur-veda and Atharva-veda focus on the concept of infinity. Atharva-veda also plays an important role to make us explore theconcept of ‘Shunya’ (Zero). Vedas thus laid strong foundation for the earliestidea and application of math. Vedic Math is derived from the ‘Shulba Sutra’ of the ‘Atharva-veda’.Remember, Vedas are not the texts which talk about math, but they mention many concepts of Math. When Vedas were written, ‘Math’ was not defined as a subject. Inspite of that, mathematical concepts like ‘progressions’, ‘infinity’ and ‘zero’ were mentioned in our Vedas. This led us to think over all these as a defined form of science. Vedic Math is indirect, quick and quite logical to apply. It is so because Vedas have come down as an oral tradition and are quite practical in approach.
Impact of Vedic Math on a growing brain:
Research is being conducted to measure the effects of learning Vedic mathematics on the brain of a child. It suggests that Vedic Math develops the logical aspect of a child’s brain. It provides a child the freedom to create his/her own method to reach to the correct answer of the given question. Vedic Mathematics provides quick and fast one-line formulae which speeds up mental calculation. It helps any person to solve complex problems quite quickly. This can be done without pen and paper, right in the brain. It also improves concentration. Math can never be learnt without working upon our concentration. Vedic Math improves upon it in process which is an added advantage. But remember this can happen only if we practice it regularly and religiously. Vedic mathematics differs from school text-book Math. It is more of ‘Practical Math’. You are learning same things with a different, fast and powerful approach from our ancient Indian texts – Vedas!
Importance of Vedic Math:
To take an initiative of making students study ‘Vedic Math’ is actually in favour of students’ bright future. ‘Vedic Math’ is the strong foundation of Indian math which is not much in practice. ‘Vedic Math’ is generally is not being taught in schools as a part of its curriculum. If your school is making you study ‘Vedic Math’ by taking an extra step, you are lucky enough!
This powerful method of math enables the students to calculate as fast as a calculator, if not faster. A student can become a ‘Human Calculator’ with the practice of Vedic Math. While practicing Vedic Math on regular basis, fear of math is removed from the mind of students. They start developing a liking for mathwhich clearly means that their math becomes strong. Logical thinking gets developed. Brain becomes very much active.
Math is essential for a good career. May your aim be to become a scientist or an engineer, an MBA from IIM etc. or a professional from IIT or NLU, to get into a Government job or the Corporate sector, Vedic Math is helpful! You need to go for an entrance exam after completing your 12th standard if you really wish to get a seat in the best colleges! And, all these examinations have an average weightage of 30% to 50% of the total marks of the examination given to math. Knowledge of Vedic Math helps to enhance our speed in solving math questions and clears our concepts too!
Math, combined with the understanding of reasoning, is a must for the development of an individual. Irrespective of your goal, understanding of Math is essential. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you can learn all this in a simpler and better way? Indeed so.
Go ahead and explore the wonderful world of Indian Mathematics, the Vedic Math!