NCERT has released the second part of its Class 7 mathematics textbook, Ganita Prakash, highlighting the contributions of ancient Indian mathematicians to algebra, integers, and geometry. This move aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, aiming to integrate Indian Knowledge Systems into school curricula.
NCERT Textbook Emphasizes Ancient Indian Algebra
The textbook dedicates a chapter on algebraic equations, referring to the ancient Indian concept of bijaganita, which is today known as algebra. It cites Brahmagupta’s 7th-century CE text, Brahmasphutasiddhanta, as the earliest known source articulating rules for operations with positive and negative numbers. Brahmagupta’s work on adding, subtracting, and multiplying unknown numbers using letters is featured, demonstrating India’s pioneering role in algebra. The book also traces how Indian mathematical concepts influenced Arabic mathematician Al-Khwarizmi around 825 CE, whose work later spread to Europe and gave rise to the modern term “algebra.”
Integration of Bhaskaracharya’s Bijaganita Examples
The textbook includes symbols used by ancient mathematicians and sample problems from the 12th-century Bijaganita by Bhaskaracharya. These examples help students understand early algebraic methods and connect classroom learning to historical contributions, reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of mathematics.
Geometry Lessons Based on Sulba-Sutras
Another chapter, “Constructions and Tilings,” highlights ancient Indian geometry. It explains the Sulba-Sutras’ methods for constructing perpendicular bisectors using ropes, a technique used for ritual fire altars. This demonstrates India’s advanced knowledge in geometric constructions compared to contemporaneous civilizations.
NCERT Aims to Teach Correct History
NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani emphasized that including historical contributions from India serves three main purposes: teaching accurate history, making mathematics more interdisciplinary, and inspiring pride in students. Previously, textbooks lacked such references, often reflecting a colonial European perspective on the history of mathematics. This update represents a significant step in reshaping mathematics education for Class 7 students, combining academic learning with historical awareness and cultural knowledge.
