Mathematics in Ancient and Medieval India c4.s4.18

c4.s4.18

*Kaṭapayādi system*¹.—In this connection, it would not be quite out of place if we discuss a system of numerical notation namely, *Kaṭapayādi*, a system known in South India from 6th century A.D. from the time of Haridatta. This had begun to be utilised widely after Bhāskara II in South Indian treatises to express the time of the authors, *ahargaṇas*, eclipses and other related matters. The system² is almost self explanatory : *Kaṭapayādi* means starting with ‘k, ṭ, p and y’. The letters *k* to *jh* indicate 1 to 9 respectively; so also *ṭ* to *dh*; *p* to *m* stand for 1 to 5 and *y* to *h* represent 1 to 8 respectively; *ñ* and *n* and vowels not preceded by a consonant stand for zero. In case of conjunct consonants, it is the last consonant that has value. The vowels following a consonant have no special value. The letter *ḻ* peculiar to the Drabidian pronunciation of Sanskrit is given the value 9. In this system a right to left arrangement is employed. The system is beautifully explained in the *Sadratnamālā*.