A new way of doing maths, from years ago!

RITAM MITRA meets a Vedic Mathematics expert.

Prof Kailash Vishwakarma

If, like most people, you sometimes find mathematics tiresome and dull, you’ll want to keep reading this piece. Even though today we are blessed and fortunate to have technology surrounding us, with everyday computers performing millions of calculations per second and eliminating the need for us to make even a single one, we can still be somewhat apprehensive when it comes to “the M word”.

Now rewind about 6000 years. You’re asked to multiply a couple of large numbers together: let’s say, 88 x 98. Already you’re looking for a computer, a calculator, anything; surely there at least has to be pen and paper around right? You might struggle now, but with even the most basic concept of Vedic Mathematics you’d be able to answer this problem in your sleep.

Vedic mathematics draws its roots from the Vedas, one of the oldest sets of sacred texts, and quite possibly the most ancient record of human experience and knowledge, passed down orally for generations, and only written down about 4000-6000 years ago.Within these texts, you’ll find all sorts of things, such as medicine, architecture, astronomy, hymns, poetry and even spells and incantations. Perhaps it is not surprising then, that India, which is credited with discovering our number system and perhaps the most important mathematical concept of 0, has a lot more to offer us when it comes to maths.

This is because, also hidden away in this myriad of texts is an ancient system of mathematics, rediscovered by Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthajithroughout the 1910s. He found in these texts, that all of mathematics is based on 16 Sutras, or word-formulae, such as one he called “The Product of the Sum”. The basic principle behind these word-formulae is that they describe the actual method used to solve a mathematical problem, and thus help in directing the student to the appropriate method of solution.

For instance, in the earlier example, we had to multiply 88 by 98. In this case, the “Vertically and Crosswise” approach is relevant:           

Subtract 12 from 98 by subtracting crosswise, and you get the 86. Now multiply 12 by 2 vertically and you get 24. Put the two together, and you get the answer, 8624. Now that’s a pretty cool trick!

The simplicity of Vedic mathematics is not confined to this technique alone. The system is wonderfully flexible and beautifully interrelated, allowing large calculations such as the one we just performed, amongst various others, to be carried out with simple mental arithmetic. It encourages creativity, and thus allows individuals to come up with their own methods of solving problems, which is something our calculators do not allow!

It is Sri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji’s book that inspired Professor KailashVishwakarma to further explore Vedic Mathematics, and he has now published extensively in the field of Vedic Maths and Science. Professor Vishwakarma is visiting Australia, giving numerous talks around the country. He has already delivered a lecture on Vedic Mathematics and the Hindu Calendar in Melbourne, he was recently the guest speaker at the first lecture in the Hindu Heritage Lecture Series, coordinated by the Hindu Council of Australia.

Vedic Maths is creating renewed interest around the world, as mathematics teachers look for new, improved ways of teaching (although ironically the Vedic system is one of the oldest there is). It can be applied in several areas – calculus, geometry, computing…the list goes on. Prof. Vishwakarma believes this is a result of the maximisation of the strength of the place value system – “One can multiply two or more numbers simultaneously from left to right and from right to left. There are several methods for any operation…after going through this, one can say that Maths is not boring at all”

The enormity of the Vedic mathematical system is offset perfectly by its simplicity, and it is well worth a visit online to read more about this subject – because next time you reach for a calculator, you might just be taking more time than you need.