16/08/2020
Our latest and most widely used treatise on Spherical Astronomy is the
Grahalaghava composed by Ganesh in the year 1520 A. D. Since then
Indian Astronomy discloses a state of complete stagnation. In this
juncture, an Instructor, endowed with the powers of exciting the public
mind and directing it to a desired end was urgently needed. This long-
felt want was supplied by Mr. V. B. Ketkar, a man of variety of lofty
powers and felicity of performance. His Astronomical writings, in
general, being essay and exhaustive, are quickly understood and being
accurate, prepare the tardy minds for higher labours and attainments. His
Jyotirgamitam in particular, is a product of a mind, capacious by nature
and replenished by close study. It brilliantly exhibits the author‟s ripe
experience in, and unbounded enthusiasm for, the cause of Astronomy
and Hindu Calendar-reform. Judicious distribution of the subject matter
and invention of skillful methods are among its features that deserve highest praise. His verses, besides being pure and simple, have an
instinctive grace and elegance. His methods of calculation are new
without Strangeness, and minute without tediousness. The results
obtained are both exact and instructive, hence delighting. Its masterly
exposition of the precepts and their exemplifications, has been entirely
successful in effecting an awakening in the Indian Astronomical world.
Since the book is out of stock at present, the readers have been making
fond enquiries even for Second-hand copies. This persistent demand
proves beyond all doubt that Jyotirganitam holds an unparalleled sway
in its own field. Its lustre has eclipsed all its later rival treatises. Another
edition thereof, which is under serious contemplation-will be issued at
an early date.
