History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book v1.c8.s1.19

v1.c8.s1.19

**Decay of Mathematics.** All this was true when the times were normal. In abnormal times when there were foreign invasions, internal warfares or bad government and consequent insecurity, the study of mathematics and, in fact, of all sciences and arts languished. Al-Bîrûnî who visited north-western India after it had been in a very unsettled state due to recurrent Afghan invasions for the sake of plunder and loot complains that he could not find a *paṇḍit* who would explain to him the principles of Indian mathematics. Although Al-Bîrûnî's case was peculiar, for no respectable *paṇḍit* would agree to help a foreigner, especially one belonging to the same class as the invaders and the despoilers of temples, yet we are quite sure that in the Punjab there were very few good scholars at that time. We, however, know of at least one very distinguished mathematician, Śripati, who probably lived in Kashmir at that time.