Science & Technology in Ancient India:

Suggested Sources
Except for a few classics, this bibliography prepared by IFIH gives preference to recent
books accessible to a broader public; it therefore claims no completeness. Among
primary sources, only those available in translation have been listed; details of
untranslated ones can be found in the bibliographies of several of the more scholarly
titles listed here.

History and Philosophy of Science in India

1. David Arnold, Science, Technology and Medicine in Colonial India, Cambridge
University Press, Cambridge, 2004
2. Purushottama Bilimoria & Melukote K. Sridhar, (eds), Traditions of Science: Cross-
Cultural Perspectives, Essays in Honour of Prof. B.V. Subbarayappa, Munshiram
Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi, 2007
3. Arun Kumar Biswas, (ed.), History, Science and Society in the Indian Context, The
Asiatic Society, Calcutta, 2001
4. D.M. Bose, S.N. Sen & B.V. Subbarayappa, (eds), A Concise History of Science in
India, Universities Press, Hyderabad, 2nd edn, 2009
5. Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya, History of Science and Technology in Ancient India,
Firma KLM, Calcutta, 3 vols, 1986, 1991, 1996
6. Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya, (ed.), Studies in the History of Science in India,
Editorial Enterprises, New Delhi, 2 vols, 1982
7. Siniruddha Dash, (ed.), New Lights on Manuscriptology: A collection of articles of Prof.
K.V. Sarma, Sree Sarada Education Society Research Centre, Chennai, 2007
8. Dharampal, Indian Science and Technology in the Eighteenth Century, Academy of
Gandhian Studies, Hyderabad, 1971, republ. Other India Bookstore, Goa, 2000
9. Kapil Kapoor & Avadhesh Kumar Singh, Indian Knowledge Systems, D.K.
Printworld, New Delhi, 2005, 2 vols
10. Narendra Kumar, (ed.), Science in Ancient India, Anmol Publications, New Delhi,
2004
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 2

11. M. Lakshmi Kumari, (ed.), Indian Science Through the Ages, parts 1 & 2,
Vivekananda Kendra Patrika, Madras, 1983
12. J.V. Narlikar, (ed.), Science in India, vol. XIII part 8 in History of Science,
Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Viva Books & Centre for Studies
in Civilization, New Delhi, 2009
13. A. Rahman, (ed.), History of Indian Science, Technology and Culture AD 1000-1800,
Project of History of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture, & Oxford
University Press, New Delhi, vol. III, part 1, 1998
14. Varadaraja V. Raman, Glimpses of Indian Scientists, Samvad India Foundation, New
Delhi, 2006
15. P.R.K. Rao, (ed.), Science and Technology in Ancient India, Vijnan Bharati, Mumbai,
2002
16. K.V. Sarma, (ed.), Science Texts in Sanskrit in the Manuscripts Repositories of Kerala
and Tamilnadu, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi, 2002
17. Helaine Selin, (ed.), Encyclopaedia of the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
in Non-Western Cultures, (ed.), Springer, New York, 2008
18. Helaine Selin, & Roddam Narasimha, (eds), Encyclopaedia of Classical Indian
Sciences, Universities Press, Hyderabad, 2007
19. Bal Ram Singh, et al., (eds), Science and Technology in Ancient Indian Texts, DK
Printworld, New Delhi, 2012
20. M.S. Sreedharan, Bharatiya Vigyan Manjusha: Treasure Trove of Ancient Indian
Sciences, Publications Division, Govt. of India, 2005
21. B.V. Subbarayappa, Indian Perspectives on the Physical World, vol. IV part 3 in
History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Centre for
Studies in Civilization, New Delhi, 2004
22. B.V. Subbarayappa & S.N.R. Murthy, (eds), Scientific Heritage of India (Proceedings
of a National Seminar), The Mythic Society, Bangalore, 1988

Translated Primary Sources

23. ryabhaya of ryabhaa, K.S. Shukla & K.V. Sarma, (eds & trs), Indian National
Science Academy, New Delhi, 1976
24. Bhskarcryas Bjagaita and its English Translation, S.K. Abhyankar, (tr.),
Bhaskaracharya Pratishthana, Poona, 1980
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 3

25. Expounding the Mathematical Seed: A Translation of Bhskara I on the Mathematical

Chapter of the ryabhaya, Agathe Keller, (ed. & tr.), Birkhuser Verlag, Basel-
Boston-Berlin, 2 vols, 2006
26. The Bhat Sahit of Varha Mihira, N.C. Iyer, (ed. & tr.), Sri Satguru Publications,
Delhi, 2nd edn, 1987
27. Varhamihiras Bhat Sahit, M. Ramakrishna Bhat, (ed. & tr.), Motilal
Banarsidass, Delhi, 2 vols, 1981 & 1982
28. Gaitasrakaumud: The Moonlight of the Essence of Mathematics by hakkura Pher,
SaKHYa, (eds & trs), Manohar, New Delhi, 2009
29. Gaita-sra-sangraha of Mahvrcrya, M. Rangacharya, (tr.), Madras, 1912
30. Gaita-Yukti-Bh (Rationales in Mathematical Astronomy) of Jyehadeva, K.V.
Sarma, (ed. & tr.), with explanatory notes by K. Ramasubramanian, M.D.
Srinivas & M.S. Sriram, 2 vols, Hindustan Book Agency, Gurgaon, 2008
31. The Goladpika of Paramevara, K.V. Sarma, (ed. & tr.), The Adyar Library and
Research Centre, Madras, 1957
32. Grahalghavam of Gaea Daivaja, S Balachandra Rao & S.K. Uma, (eds & trs),
Indian Journal of History of Science, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi
33. Karaakuthalam of Bhskarcrya II, S. Balachandra Rao & S.K. Uma, (eds & trs),
Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, 2008
34. Karaaratna of Devcrya, Kripa Shankar Shukla, (ed. & tr.), Lucknow University,
1979
35. A Critical Study of the Laghumnasa of Majula, Kripa Shankar Shukla, (ed. & tr.),
Indian Journal of History of Science, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi,
25(14), 1990
36. Llavat, H.T. Colebrooke, (tr.), 2nd edn, 1927, republ. Asian Educational Services,
New Delhi, 1993
37. Llavat of Bhskarcrya: A Treatise of Mathematics of Vedic Tradition, K.S.
Patwardhan, S.A. Naimpally & S.L. Singh, (trs), Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 2001
38. Mah-Bhskarya, part II in Bhskara and His Works, Kripa Shankar Shukla, (ed. &
tr.), Lucknow University, 1960
39. Pacasiddhntik of Varhamihira, T.S. Kuppanna Sastry & K.V. Sarma, (eds & trs),
PPST Foundation, Madras, 1993
40. The Pacaviatik in its Two Recensions: A Study in the Reformation of a Medieval
Sanskrit Mathematical Textbook, Takao Hayashi (ed. & tr.), Indian Journal of
History of Science, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, 26(4), 1991
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 4

41. The Rasa-ratna-samuccya of Mikyadeva Sri, J.C. Sikdar, (ed. & tr.), Prakrta
Bharati Akademi, Jaipur, 1986
42. Rasravakalpa, Mina Roy & B.V. Subbarayappa, (eds & trs), Indian National
Science Academy, New Delhi, 1976
43. Sadratnaml of ankaravarman (Text on Indian Astronomy and Mathematics), S.
Madhavan, (tr.), The Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute, Chennai, 2011
44. Siddhnta iromani of Bhskarcrya, D. Arkasomayaji, (tr.), Kendriya Sanskrit
Vidyapeetha, Tirupati, 1980
45. iyadhvddhida Tantra of Lalla, Bina Chatterjee, (ed. & tr.), Indian National
Science Academy, New Delhi, 2 vols, 1981
46. The ulbastras, S.N. Sen & A.K. Bag, (eds & trs), Indian National Science
Academy, New Delhi, 1983
47. The Srya Siddhnta: A Textbook of Hindu Astronomy, Ebenezer Burgess &
Phanindralal Gangooly, trs & (eds), 1860, repr. Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 2000
48. Tantrasagraha of Nlakaha Somayj, K. Ramasubramanian & M.S. Sriram, (eds &
trs), Springer, New York, & Hindustan Book Agency, New Delhi, 2011
49. Vedga Jyotia of Lagadha in its k and Yajus Recensions, T.R. Kuppanna Sastry,
Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, 1985

Mathematics
50. A.K. Bag, Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India, Chaukhambha Orientala,
Delhi, 1979
51. A.K. Bag & S.R. Sarma, (eds), The Concept of Sunya, IGNCA, Indian National Science
Academy & Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 2003
52. S. Balachandra Rao, Indian Mathematics and Astronomy: Some Landmarks, Jnana
Deep Publications, Bangalore, 3rd edn 2004
53. Henry Thomas Colebrooke, Algebra with Arithmetic and Mensuration: From the
Sanscrit of Brahmegupta and Bhascara, 1817, republ. Sharada Publishing House,
Delhi, 2005
54. Bibhutibhushan Datta, Ancient Hindu Geometry: The Science of the ulba, 1932, repr.
Cosmo Publications, New Delhi, 1993
55. Bibhutibhushan Datta & Avadhesh Narayan Singh, History of Hindu Mathematics,
1935, repr. Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, Delhi, 2004
56. G.G. Emch, R. Sridharan, M.D. Srinivas, (eds), Contributions to the History of Indian
Mathematics, Hindustan Book Agency, Gurgaon, 2005
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 5

57. Takao Hayashi, The Bakhshl Manuscript: An ancient Indian mathematical treatise,
Egbert Forsten, Groningen, 1995
58. Georges Ifrah, The Universal History of Numbers: From Prehistory to the Invention of
the Computer, Penguin Books, New Delhi, 2005, 3 vols
59. George Gheverghese Joseph, The Crest of the Peacock, Penguin Books, London &
New Delhi, 2000
60. George Gheverghese Joseph, A Passage to Infinity: Medieval Indian Mathematics from
Kerala and its Impact, Sage, New Delhi, 2009
61. Victor J. Katz, (ed.), The Mathematics of Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, and Islam:
A Sourcebook, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2007
62. George Gheverghese Joseph, (ed.), Kerala Mathematics: History and Its Possible
Transmission to Europe, B.R. Publishing Corporation, Delhi, 2009
63. T.S. Bhanu Murthy, A Modern Introduction on Ancient Indian Mathematics, 2nd edn,
New Age International, New Delhi, 2009
64. M.D. Pandit, Mathematics as Known to the Vedic Samhitas, Sri Satguru Publications,
Delhi, 1993
65. S. Parameswaran, The Golden Age of Indian Mathematics, Swadeshi Science
Movement - Kerala, Kochi, 1998
66. Kim Plofker, Mathematics in India, Princeton University Press, Princeton, 2009
67. C.K. Raju, Cultural Foundations of Mathematics: The Nature of Mathematical Proof and
the Transmission of Calculus from India to Europe in the 16 th c. CE, vol. X part 4 in
History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Pearson
Longman & Centre for Studies in Civilization, New Delhi, 2007
68. T.R.N. Rao & Subhash Kak, (eds), Computing Science in Ancient India, Center for
Advanced Computer Studies, Louisiana, 1998, and Munshiram Manoharlal,
New Delhi, 2000
69. T.A. Sarasvati Amma, Geometry in Ancient and Medieval India, Motilal Banarsidass,
New Delhi, 1999
70. C.S. Seshadri, (ed.), Studies in the History of Mathematics, Hindustan Book Agency,
New Delhi, 2010
71. B.S. Yadav & Man Mohan, (eds), Ancient Indian Leaps into Mathematics, Birkhuser,
Boston, 2011
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 6

Astronomy
72. K.D. Abhyankar, Pre-Siddhantic Indian Astronomy, Institute of Scientific Research
on Vedas, Hyderabad, 2007
73. K.D. Abhyankar & B.G. Siddharth, Treasures of Ancient Indian Astronomy, Ajanta
Books International, Delhi, 1993
74. S. Balachandra Rao, Indian Astronomy: An Introduction, Universities Press,
Hyderabad, 2000
75. S. Balachandra Rao, Ancient Indian Astronomy: Planetary Positions and Eclipses, B.R.
Publishing Corporation, Delhi, 2000
76. S. Balachandra Rao, Bhaskara I and His Astronomy, Rashtriya Sanskrit
Vidyapeetha, Tirupati, 2003
77. S. Balachandra Rao, Aryabhata I and His Astronomy, Rashtriya Sanskrit
Vidyapeetha, Tirupati, 2003
78. S. Balachandra Rao, Indian Astronomy: A Primer, Bhavans Gandhi Centre of
Science and Human Values, Bangalore, 2008
79. S. Balachandra Rao & Padmaja Venugopal, Eclipses in Indian Astronomy, Bhavans
Gandhi Centre of Science and Human Values, Bangalore, 2008
80. S. Balachandra Rao & Padmaja Venugopal, Transits and Occultations in Indian
Astronomy, Bhavans Gandhi Centre of Science and Human Values, Bangalore,
2009
81. S.K. Chatterjee, Indian Calendric System, Publications Division, Govt. of India, 2 nd
edn, 2006
82. Siniruddha Dash, (ed.), Facets of Indian Astronomy: A Collection of Articles of Prof.
K.V. Sarma, Rashhtriya Sanskrit University, Tirupati, 2009
83. Jayashree Hariharan, Eclipses in Hindu Life and Thought, The Kuppuswami Sastri
Research Institute, Madras, 1995
84. T.S. Kuppanna Sastry, Collected papers on Jyotisha, Kendriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha,
Tirupati, 1989
85. Rajesh Kochhar & Jayant Narlikar, Astronomy in India: A Perspective, Indian
National Science Academy, 1995
86. J. McKim Malville & Lalit M. Gujral, Ancient Cities, Sacred Skies: Cosmic Geometries
and City Planning in Ancient India, IGNCA & Aryan Books International, New
Delhi, 2000).
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 7

87. Haribhai Pandya, Somdutt Dikshit, N.M. Kansara, (eds), Issues in Vedic Astronomy
and Astrology, Rashtriya Veda Vidya Pratishthan & Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi,
1992
88. David Pingree, Jyotihstra: Astral and Mathematical Literature, Otto Harrassowitz,
Wiesbaden, 1981
89. M.N. Saha & N.C. Lahiri, History of the Calendar in Different Countries Through the
Ages, CSIR, New Delhi, 1992
90. K.V. Sarma, A History of the Kerala School of Hindu Astronomy (in Perspective),
Vishveshvaranand Institute, Hoshiapur, 1972
91. S.N. Sen & K.S. Shukla, (eds), History of Astronomy in India, Indian National Science
Academy, New Delhi, 2nd edn, 2000
92. S.R. Sarma, The Archaic and the Exotic: Studies in the History of Indian Astronomical
Instruments, Manohar, New Delhi, 2008
93. L. Satpathy, (ed.), Ancient Indian Astronomy and contributions of Samanta Chandra
Sekhar, Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi, 2003
94. Virendra Nath Sharma, Sawai Jai Singh and His Astronomy, Motilal Banarsidass,
Delhi, 1995
95. B.S. Shylaja & H.R. Madhusudan, Eclipse: A Celestial Shadow Play, Universities
Press, Hyderabad, 1999
96. M.S. Sriram, K. Ramasubramanian & M.D. Srinivas, 500 Years of Tantrasangraha: A
Landmark in the History of Astronomy, Inter-University Centre & Indian Institute
of Advanced Study, Shimla, 2002
97. B.V. Subbarayappa, The Tradition of Astronomy in India: Jyotihstra, vol. IV part 4
in History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization, Centre for
Studies in Civilization, New Delhi, 2008
98. B.V. Subbarayappa & K.V. Sarma, (eds & trs), Indian Astronomy: A Source-Book,
Nehru Centre, Bombay, 1985

Chemistry
99. R.P. Kulkarni & Vijay V. Bedekar, Glimpses of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval
India, Institute for Oriental Study, Thane, 2001
100. Acharya Praphulla Chandra Ray, A History of Hindu Chemistry, 1902, republ.,
Shaibya Prakashan Bibhag, centenary edition, Kolkata, 2002
101. P. Ray, History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Indian Chemical
Society, Calcutta, 1956
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 8

102. B.N. Seal, Hindu Chemistry, 1911, republ. Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, New Delhi,
2008
103. B.V. Subbarayappa, (ed.), Chemistry and Chemical Techniques in India, Project of
History of Indian Science, Philosophy and Culture, & Centre for Studies in
Civilizations, New Delhi, vol. IV, part 1, 1999

Technology
104. D.P. Agrawal, Ancient Metal Technology and Archaeology of South Asia (A Pan-Asian
Perspective), Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 2000
105. D.P. Agrawal, Harappan Technology and its Legacy, Rupa & Infinity Foundation,
New Delhi, 2009
106. T.R. Anantharaman, The Rustless Wonder: A Study of the Iron Pillar at Delhi, Vigyan
Prasar, New Delhi, 1996
107. A.K. Bag, (ed.), History of Technology in India, Vol. 1: From Antiquity to c. 1200 AD,
Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, 1997
108. R. Balasubramaniam, Delhi Iron Pillar: New Insights, Indian Institute of Advance
Study, Shimla & Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 2002
109. R. Balasubramaniam, Marvels of Indian Iron through the Ages, Rupa & Infinity
Foundation, New Delhi, 2008
110. R. Balasubramaniam, The Saga of Indian Cannons, Aryan Books International,
2008
111. Arun Kumar Biswas, Minerals and Metals in Ancient India, 2 vols, D.K. Printworld,
New Delhi, 1996
112. Arun Kumar Biswas, Mineral Processing to Elemental Science in the Medieval World:
India and Europe, The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, 2011
113. Ashoka K. Mishra, Ethno-Archaeometallurgy of Iron in India, Agam Kala
Prakashan, 2003
114. K.V. Mital, (ed.), History of Technology in India, Vol. 3: From 1801 to 1947 AD, Indian
National Science Academy, New Delhi, 2001
115. Rina Shrivastava, Mining and Metallurgy in Ancient India, Munshiram
Manoharlal, New Delhi, 2006
116. Saradha Srinivasan, Mensuration in Ancient India, Ajanta Publications, Delhi,
1979
 Science & Technology in Ancient India: Suggested Sources / p. 9

117. Sharada Srinivasan & Srinivasa Ranganatha, Indias Legendary Wootz Steel: An
Advanced Material of the Ancient World, NIAS & IISc, Bangalore, 2004, available
online at http://met.iisc.ernet.in/~rangu/
118. Vibha Tripathi, (ed.), Archaeometallurgy in India, Sundeep Prakashan, New
Delhi, 1998
119. Vibha Tripathi, The Age of Iron in South Asia: Legacy and Tradition, Aryan Books
International, New Delhi, 2001
120. Vibha Tripathi, History of Iron Technology in India: From Beginning To Pre-Modern
Times, Rupa & Infinity Foundation, New Delhi, 2008