A History of the Kerala School of Hindu Astronomy (in Perspective) c9.s10.1

c9.s10.1

That some of the characteristic innovations, extensions and practices evolved in Kerala in the discipline of Jyotiṣa, especially in its astrological aspect, have travelled beyond its borders and become current in certain other parts of India is but natural. It is again natural that, as these theories and practices grew popular in those regions, local treatises came to be composed incorporating the new ideas. Most of these treatises are distinguished by the term ‘Kerala’ tacked on to their titles.¹ However, what seems highly significant in this matter is the variety and profusion of the works that have been composed in this manner. About 80 works of this nature have been identified in the different Manuscripts Libraries.² Their non-Kerala origin has been determined from one or more of the following indications: (1) Clear mention of alien authorship, (2) the addition of the term ‘Kerala’ to the title, (3) the popularity of the works in other parts of India, while they are virtually unknown in Kerala, (4) the availability of manuscripts of these works only in non-Kerala scripts and (5) the general absence of manuscripts of the works in Kerala. While the bulk of these works are anonymous, some are apocryphal texts attributed to ancient sages or said to be parts of larger Tantras and Samhitās. Only a few of these are known under the names of their real authors. The disciplines of Jātaka and Praśna claim the largest number of these works, the former about 20 and the latter about 35.