Jagat-kautuk Kalpavali (The Wishfulfillment Vine of World-curiosities) Sanskrit Mathematical Exercises, c.1821 C.E.
Scope and Contents
This is a printed compendium of mathematical puzzles in Sanskrit with monochrome illustrations. The title is given on the cover as "Juggut Coutook, Culpwallee." The format of the book is modelled on the metaphorical idea of kalpavali, the divine creeper in Sanskrit literature, that is associated with wish fulfillment.
There are large blank areas on each page, most of which have been filled in with neatly handwritten English translations, and answers to the puzzles, by a civil servant who gives his name as Trevengadacharry Shastry (folio 1b), and Trevengundacharry Shastee (folio 67a), in the latter case giving the date of writing as 5th August 1821, and the place as Poona. He may well have been the complier of this printed collection.
A table of contents is given on folios 80a-82a.
The colophon invokes the Hindu deity Vishnu and his role as the originator of world-curiosities, and divine workings essential to the sciences.
Dates
- Creation: c.1821 C.E.
Language of Materials
Sanskrit and English
Physical Description
82 folios, three flyleaves and seven endleaves. Dimensions 300 by 280 mm.
Conditions Governing Access
Open. Please contact the repository in advance.
Extent
1 volume
Custodial History
Belonged to the Carberry Tower Library.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased (via Rankine) at Dowell's sale of the Carberry Tower Library, 20-21 July 1961, lot 280 (23 volumes, £52).
Physical Description
82 folios, three flyleaves and seven endleaves. Dimensions 300 by 280 mm.
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
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Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk