Ep 14 – Ropes, Roots, and the Cosmic Circle, value of π (pi): Aryabhata’s Math Legacy Ganitapada Verse 3 - 12

In Episode 14, host Harsh Rain dives into the brilliance of Aryabhata, a 5th-century Indian mathematician from Kusumapura (modern Patna). Through his famous work, the Aryabhatiya, Aryabhata turns everyday tools—like ropes used for measuring in ancient India—into ways to understand the universe. He explains squares and cubes, comes up with clever methods to find square roots and cube roots (similar to today’s computer algorithms), and figures out areas for shapes like triangles and prisms. His biggest win? Calculating π (pi) as 3.1416, super close to what we use now, by studying polygons. He also lays the groundwork for trigonometry with ideas like “half-chord” and “arrow,” which later help predict eclipses in texts like the Surya Siddhanta. Aryabhata’s math travels from India to Europe, inspiring Fibonacci, and even connects to modern tech like GPS. Tune in to Episode 15 for more starry discoveries!

Disclosures:

• This episode is based on Aryabhata’s Aryabhatiya and notes from Bhāskara I, a later scholar. Some stories (like marketplace math) are added for fun and aren’t from historical records.
• The math matches what experts like Kim Plofker say, but some details (like how Aryabhata got his π) are educated guesses.
• No sponsors or outside groups shaped this episode; it’s made by Harsh Rain and the Ancient Code, Modern Mind team for learning and enjoyment.
• AI note: AI helped create the podcast voiceover, research the topic, and write parts of the script.