NCERT has released the second part of its Class 7 mathematics textbook, which emphasizes ancient Indian contributions to mathematics, including the development of algebra. This continuation of the Ganita Prakash series follows an earlier edition released earlier this year.
The textbook cites Sanskrit texts and offers mathematical problems related to the work of historical Indian mathematicians. NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani explained that the goal is to present “correct history” to students, countering a colonial perspective that has skewed the understanding of mathematical history in India.
One chapter focuses on integers and highlights the work of Brahmagupta, a 7th-century mathematician. His text, Brahmasphutasiddhanta, is considered pivotal for being the first to articulate rules for multiplying and dividing positive and negative numbers. This is noted as a significant advancement in arithmetic and algebra. The textbook not only outlines Brahmagupta’s rules but also includes related mathematics problems, asserting that Indian contributions to algebra are among the earliest documented.
In discussing algebraic equations, the chapter references ‘bijaganita,’ which is now recognized as algebra, asserting that forming expressions using symbols and solving equations was crucial in ancient Indian mathematical exploration. Brahmagupta’s work on manipulating unknown quantities using letters is recognized as foundational in algebra.
A historical perspective is also included, stating that by the 8th century, Indian mathematical insights had been translated into Arabic. These translations influenced mathematician Al-Khwarizmi, who lived in what is now Iraq. His 9th-century work, Hisab al-jabr wal-muqabala, laid the groundwork for algebra in Europe, with the term “al-jabr” being the origin of the modern word “algebra.”
The textbook provides symbols used by ancient Indian mathematicians, alongside a math problem from the 12th-century text Bijaganita attributed to Bhaskaracharya. Historian Dhruv Raina noted that Arab mathematicians were significantly influenced by Brahmagupta’s methods and adapted them to formulate what we understand as algebra today, merging knowledge from various cultures.
The geometry chapter, titled ‘Constructions and Tilings,’ discusses the Sulba-Sutras and methods for constructing geometric shapes, such as perpendicular bisectors, using ropes. The earliest texts in India addressing these methods are the Sulba-Sutras, which detail geometric principles for constructing fire altars for rituals.
Previously, the Class 7 textbook did not mention ancient Indian mathematicians. NCERT’s initiative to update textbooks aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates integrating ‘Indian Knowledge Systems’ into the curriculum.
Saklani elaborated on the three-fold rationale behind these inclusions: to teach accurate history, to foster an interdisciplinary approach that enhances learning, and to instill pride and inspiration in students. He emphasized the necessity of correcting the historical narrative dominated by a colonial viewpoint, suggesting that the time has come for a more accurate presentation of mathematical history.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/education/new-ncert-class-7-book-traces-algebra-more-to-ancient-india-10350564/
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Publish Date: 2025-11-07 04:05:00
