Logistics:

Credits:	4
Classes:	Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 11:10am to 1:10pm
Classsroom:	AC-02-LR-107
Teaching Staff:	Rhea (teaching fellow) and Karan Chordia (teaching assistant)
Instructor Office Hours:	Fridays, 10:00am to noon at AC04-705 or by appointment

Links:

Course Outline and Lectures

Final Paper Guidelines

Resources and Reading Materials

Course Description: This course explores the rich history of mathematics in India, from the Vedic period to modern times. Focusing on key texts and ideas, it examines the evolution of concepts like numbers in the Vedas, the construction of geometric figures in the Sulbasutras, and the discovery of zero and the place value system. Students will study the contributions of great mathematicians such as Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, Bhaskaracharya, and others in fields like algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and combinatorics. The course also highlights the Kerala school's advances in calculus and spherical trigonometry, including proofs from the renowned Yuktibhasa. Finally, it explores the legacy of Indian mathematics in the modern era, focusing on the profound work of Srinivasa Ramanujan and its deep connection to India's mathematical traditions.

Grading: A serious student of a mathematics learns best by active involvement. This course is structured to incentivise involvement through the following:

1. Assignments (40%): The course includes four problem sets designed to supplement lectures and develop practical application skills. To foster a focus on learning rather than grades, you will receive detailed feedback instead of numerical scores. This approach emphasizes understanding, growth, and the ability to refine your knowledge through iterative improvement.
2. Examination (20%): One 2-hour, closed-book in-class exam. Students may bring one double-sided "cheat sheet" (hand-written or typed) of their own creation. The exam will test conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities.
3. Class Participation & Attendance (15%): Regular attendance and active engagement in discussions and the Fire Altar Construction activity. Participation quality matters more than quantity - thoughtful questions and contributions are valued.
4. Final Paper (25%): A collaborative final paper. Includes proposal submission, draft review, and final revision. See the final paper page for detailed guidelines and milestones.

Assignments: Assignments will be available every Friday morning at 10:00 AM and are due by 9:00 AM the following Friday. We aim to grade assignments in the same week. No extensions will be granted. We will grant exemptions from the assignments only in the case of medical emergencies, proof of which must be emailed to the teaching assistant within 24 hours of the request.

Policies: From Ashoka's Academic Integrity Policy (MyAshoka → Information and Documents → Office of Academic Affairs): plagiarism—which is a matter of producing academic work that borrows, without acknowledging, from another person's work—is a serious academic offense. All violations of Academic Integrity Policy (including but not limited to plagiarism and the use of AI or other tools) will result in an F grade for the course. Please familiarize yourself with the policies and sanctions.

Support: Students are encouraged to reach out to University offices such as the Office of Learning Support, Ashoka Center for Well-Being, and Center for Writing and Communication for additional support.

Calendar:

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Jul 6	Jul 7 Lecture 1	Jul 8 Lecture 2	Jul 9 Lecture 3	Jul 10 Lecture 4	Jul 11 Assignment 1 Due	Jul 12
Jul 13	Jul 14 Lecture 5	Jul 15 Lecture 6	Jul 16 Lecture 7	Jul 17 Lecture 8	Jul 18 Assignment 2 Due	Jul 19
Jul 20	Jul 21 Lecture 9	Jul 22 Lecture 10	Jul 23 Lecture 11	Jul 24 Lecture 12	Jul 25 Assignment 3 Due	Jul 26
Jul 27	Jul 28 Lecture 13	Jul 29 Lecture 14	Jul 30 Lecture 15	Jul 31 Mid-term Exam	Aug 1	Aug 2
Aug 3	Aug 4 Lecture 16	Aug 5 Lecture 17	Aug 6 Lecture 18	Aug 7 Lecture 19	Aug 8 Assignment 4 Due	Aug 9
Aug 10	Aug 11 Lecture 20	Aug 12 Lecture 21	Aug 13 Lecture 22	Aug 14 Fire Altar Construction	Aug 15	Aug 16