The heritage of astronomical manuscripts in Mysore

Abstract

The Mysore region, in south India has a rich heritage of astronomical manuscripts, with a significant collection preserved at the Oriental Research Institute (ORI), University of Mysore and numerous private family collections. These texts, are 400 years old palm-leaf manuscripts and some 200 years old paper manuscripts, written in a variety of languages. The archaic scripts are Tigalari, Moḍi, and Nandināgari. Some notable examples include: • Laghumānsa vyākhyā: A comprehensive commentary on an astronomical treatise. • Bhūgola nirṇayahā: Presents straightforward translations and descriptions of the earth and its fundamental constituents. • Grahagaṇita Bhaskara: Contains solved examples of celestial events, specifically calculated for the year 1847. • Pratibhāgī tika: Serves as a practical ready reckoner for determining planetary positions. Also, we could identify, an astronomical work, previously believed to be lost. Its rediscovery emphasizes the immense academic and historical value of Mysore’s Vāsiṣṭha Siddhānta manuscript heritage.