Acharya Hemachandra, also known as Hemachandra Suri, was a renowned Jain scholar, poet, mathematician, philosopher, and prominent figure during the 12th century in present-day Gujarat, India. He had a significant impact on Indian intellectual thought through his notable works in various fields such as mathematics, astronomy, grammar, poetry, philosophy, and his involvement in political associations.
Hemachandra was born in 1089 CE in Dhandhuka, a small town in Gujarat. From a young age, he displayed exceptional intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. Under the guidance of his esteemed teacher, Acharya Udayasimha, Hemachandra excelled in multiple disciplines, including mathematics, literature, and philosophy, at an early age.
Among Hemachandra’s remarkable contributions, his work on the Fibonacci series stands out, although it is important to note that he did not discover the series itself. The Fibonacci series is a sequence of numbers where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, starting from 0 and 1 (e.g., 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, and so on). While the series was known in Indian mathematics prior to Hemachandra, he provided a systematic treatment and expanded its applications.
Hemachandra explored the properties and patterns of the Fibonacci series in his mathematical treatise. He discussed its properties, such as the ratio between consecutive terms approaching the golden ratio as the terms get larger and the relationship between the Fibonacci numbers and Pascal’s triangle, which is a triangular arrangement of numbers with remarkable combinatorial properties.
It is worth noting that his contributions to the series played a vital role in its dissemination and popularity in the Western world. His work eventually reached European scholars through translations into Latin. The Fibonacci series is now named after Leonardo of Pisa, also known as Fibonacci, an Italian mathematician who introduced the sequence to the Western world in his book “Liber Abaci” in 1202 CE. Nonetheless, Hemachandra’s work in the 12th century significantly expanded the understanding and applications of the series.
Besides his mathematical achievements, Hemachandra was an accomplished writer and poet. He composed numerous works in Sanskrit and Prakrit, including poems, plays, and philosophical treatises. His writings often focused on Jainism, promoting principles such as non-violence, compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Hemachandra’s literary works, such as “Yoga-shastra” and “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra,” are highly regarded for their eloquence and profound insights into Jain philosophy.
Hemachandra’s scholarship extended beyond mathematics and literature. He possessed extensive knowledge of astronomy and made significant contributions to the field. Hemachandra delved into various astronomical topics, including planetary motion, celestial measurements, and the calculation of eclipses. His expertise in astronomy earned him recognition and respect from both contemporary scholars and the rulers of his time.
In conclusion, Acharya Hemachandra was a multifaceted scholar whose contributions to mathematics, literature, philosophy, and astronomy greatly enriched Indian intellectual thought. His involvement in political associations, such as being an adviser to King Kumarapala and writing Arhanniti, a work on politics from a Jain perspective, further highlights his impact. Hemachandra’s work on the Fibonacci series expanded its understanding and popularity, although he did not discover the series itself. Additionally, his profound insights into Jain philosophy and his expertise in astronomy demonstrate his wide-ranging knowledge. Hemachandra’s legacy continues to inspire scholars and enthusiasts, solidifying his revered status in Indian intellectual history.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemachandra
https://jainworld.com/education/jain-education-material/jain-stories/acharya-hemachandra/
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hemachandra
Datta, Bibhutibhushan, and Avadhesh Narayan Singh. “Hemachandra.” History of Hindu Mathematics: A Source Book, vol. 1, 1935.