Computations of eclipses from 14th-century manuscript Ekanathakarana

Abstract

The procedures followed for computations of eclipses in the classical treatises are best understood with a practical demonstration of the technique. Here, we have studied manuscripts describing the computations. These are authored by Ekanātha of the 14th century, whose works are not well known. We demonstrate the procedure by practical verification of each step and finally comparing the results with currently available computations. In the process, the finer details of valuable tools, like the iteration method, are brought to light. The drawings of the eclipses are presented as per the procedure. The possible causes for the observed discrepancies in the results are discussed.