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Jagat-kautuk Kalpavali (The Wishfulfillment Vine of World-curiosities) Sanskrit Mathematical Exercises, c.1821 C.E.

 Item
Identifier: Or Ms 474
Or Ms 474: Mathematical Exercises, unpaginated [Please click twice to access a higher quality photograph]
Or Ms 474: Mathematical Exercises, unpaginated [Please click twice to access a higher quality photograph]

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

Contact:
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379