[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Jyotihshastra: Astral and Mathematical Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981) › c4.s3.1 # Jyotihshastra: Astral and Mathematical Literature c4.s3.1 Jyotiḥśāstra: Astral and Mathematical Literature c4.s3.1 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.s3.1) Karaṇas outside of South India are distinguished from \*siddhāntas\* by their emphasis on pragmatic rules for computing and their avoidance of astronomical theory. One way in which this practical bent is most obviously manifested is by the elimination of reliance on the theory of the Kalpa or of the Mahāyuga in determining the mean motions of the planets; their mean longitudes are rather computed from their positions at a given epoch close in time to the date of the composition of the \*karaṇa\*, and the longitudes of the planets' apogees and nodes (except for the Moon's) are considered to be fixed. Before the Kh, of course, both \*karaṇas\* and \*siddhāntas\* bore the latter designation. - [Previous: c4.s2.108](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.s2.108) - [Next: c4.s3.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.s3.2) - [Up: c4.s3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.s3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.s3.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.pingree-1981.c4.s3.1) · Pramāṇa