Vedic Mathematics - A Hoax of Hindus to Steal the Credit of Real Mathematicians

Vedic Mathematics - A Hoax of Hindutva Gang to Steal the Credit of Real Mathematicians 

Vedic mathematics is a system of mathematics that claims to have its roots in ancient Indian scriptures called the Atharva Vedas. It was popularized by Swami Bharati Krishna Tirtha in his book "Vedic Mathematics," first published in 1965. The book presents a set of mathematical techniques and shortcuts that are purportedly based on the Vedas and are claimed to make arithmetic and algebraic calculations faster and easier.

Who was Bhāratīkṛṣṇa Tīrtha?

Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Bharatikrishna Tirtha (Jagadguru Śaṅkarācārya Svāmī Bhāratīkṛṣṇa Tīrtha) (1884–1960), born Venkataraman Shastri, was an Indian Hindu monk and Shankaracharya of Govardhana Math in Puri in the Indian state of Odisha, from 1925 through 1960. He is particularly known for his book Vedic Mathematics ,being the first Sankaracarya in history to visit the West, and for his connection with nationalist aspirations, thus earning him the title 'Father Of The Vedic Maths'.Critics argue that Vedic mathematics is not a legitimate mathematical system and is based on dubious historical claims. Some of the reasons why it is often criticized include:

1. Lack of Historical Evidence: There is no concrete historical evidence to support the claim that Vedic mathematics was actually derived from the Vedas or any ancient Indian texts. The mathematical techniques presented in the book do not appear in the Vedas themselves.

2. Lack of Recognition: Vedic mathematics is not recognized as a legitimate branch of mathematics by mainstream mathematicians and mathematical institutions. Its methods are not taught in standard mathematics curricula.

3. Lack of Rigorous Formalism: Vedic mathematics lacks the rigor and formalism of modern mathematics. It often relies on tricks and shortcuts that may not always work or may not be applicable to all mathematical problems.

4. Misleading Claims: Some proponents of Vedic mathematics make exaggerated claims about its effectiveness in solving complex mathematical problems, which can mislead people into thinking that it's a magical or universally applicable system.

Incomplete Coverage: Vedic mathematics primarily focuses on arithmetic and basic algebraic operations, and it does not provide a comprehensive framework for advanced mathematics, such as calculus, linear algebra, or advanced number theory.

Here the name of 2 research paper published by IIT Bombay by Prof S G Dani in 1993 (Myths and reality : On ‘Vedic mathematics’) and IIT Madras by W. B. VASANTHA KANDASAMY and FLORENTIN SMARANDACHE in 2006 (VEDIC MATHEMATICS -‘VEDIC’ OR ‘MATHEMATICS’: A FUZZY & NEUTROSOPHIC ANALYSIS)

Integration into mainstream education:

The book had been included in the school syllabus of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, soon after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a right-wing Hindu nationalist political party came to power and chose to saffronise the education-system. Dinanath Batra had conducted a lengthy campaign for the inclusion of Vedic Maths into the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curricula. Subsequently, there was a proposal from NCERT to induct Vedic Maths, along with a number of fringe pseudo-scientific subjects (Vedic Astrology et al.), into the standard academic curricula. This was only shelved after a number of academics and mathematicians, led by Dani and sometimes backed by political parties, opposed these attempts based on previously discussed rationales and criticized the move as a politically guided attempt at saffronisation. Concurrent official reports also advocated for its inclusion in the Madrassah education system to modernize it. After the BJP's return to power in 2014, three universities began offering courses on the subject while a television channel, catering to the topic, was also launched; generous education and research grants have also been allotted to the subject.

In summary, while Vedic mathematics may have some interesting mathematical techniques and shortcuts, it is not considered a legitimate or well-established branch of mathematics by the mainstream mathematical community. Its historical claims are questionable, and its methods lack the rigor and formalism of modern mathematics. Therefore, it's important to approach Vedic mathematics with a critical mindset and not confuse it with the established principles of mathematics taught in academic institutions.