The Most Famous Indian Mathematician, Ranked

Choose the mathematician you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 31, 2024 07:46
Determining who tops the list of the most celebrated Indian mathematicians can be quite enlightening, yet challenging, due to the rich heritage and numerous contributions in various fields. By ranking these intellectuals, we glean insights into their significant theories and applications that have propelled forward areas such as algebra, calculus, and geometry. By participating in the voting process, individuals engage with the historical and contemporary impacts of these mathematicians. This interaction not only deepens appreciation for their work but also influences how their contributions are viewed in educational and professional contexts worldwide.

Who Is the Most Famous Indian Mathematician?

  1. 1
    59
    votes

    Srinivasa Ramanujan

    A self-taught genius who made substantial contributions to mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.
    • Notable Work: Ramanujan's theta functions
    • Lifetime: 1887-1920
  2. 2
    34
    votes

    Aryabhata

    One of the first Indian mathematicians who introduced the concept of zero and worked extensively on the approximation of pi.
    • Notable Work: Aryabhatiya
    • Lifetime: 476-550 CE
  3. 3
    20
    votes

    Brahmagupta

    Known for his work on solving quadratic equations and for his contributions to number theory.
    • Notable Work: Brahmasphutasiddhanta
    • Lifetime: 598-668 CE
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    Bhaskara II

    A medieval Indian mathematician and astronomer who wrote extensively on algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and trigonometry.
    • Notable Work: Siddhanta Shiromani
    • Lifetime: 1114-1185 CE
  5. 5
    10
    votes

    Harish-Chandra

    A mathematician and physicist known for his work on representation theory, especially harmonic analysis on semisimple Lie groups.
    • Notable Work: Harish-Chandra's theorem
    • Lifetime: 1923-1983
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    Satyendra Nath Bose

    A physicist known for his work on quantum mechanics in the early 1920s, laying the foundation for Bose-Einstein statistics and the theory of the Bose-Einstein condensate.
    • Notable Work: Bose-Einstein statistics
    • Lifetime: 1894-1974
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    C. R. Rao

    An Indian-American statistician and mathematician known for his works in the theory of estimation and multivariate analysis.
    • Notable Work: Cramér-Rao bound
    • Lifetime: 1920-Present
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    D. R. Kaprekar

    Known for his work in number theory, including Kaprekar's constant and Kaprekar numbers.
    • Notable Work: Kaprekar's constant
    • Lifetime: 1905-1986
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    P.C. Mahalanobis

    A scientist and applied statistician who is best known for the Mahalanobis distance.
    • Notable Work: Mahalanobis distance
    • Lifetime: 1893-1972
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Madhava of Sangamagrama

    A mathematician and astronomer considered the founder of mathematical analysis.
    • Notable Work: Development of Taylor series
    • Lifetime: c. 1340-1425

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Indian mathematician. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or mathematician is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

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  • 140 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each mathematician once every 24 hours. The rank of each mathematician is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Indian Mathematician

Srinivasa Ramanujan
Rank #1 for the most famous Indian mathematician: Srinivasa Ramanujan (Source)
India has a rich history of mathematics. Ancient texts reveal the depth of knowledge that existed long ago. Mathematics in India dates back to the Vedic period. During this time, scholars made significant contributions to various fields.

One of the earliest known contributions is the concept of zero. This idea revolutionized mathematics. It allowed for the development of a place-value system. This system made calculations easier and more accurate. The concept of zero later spread to other civilizations.

Indian mathematicians also excelled in algebra. They solved quadratic equations and worked on indeterminate equations. Their methods were advanced for their time. These techniques influenced later mathematical work in the Islamic world and Europe.

Geometry was another area of focus. Indian scholars worked on the properties of shapes and figures. They understood the value of pi and used it in their calculations. They also explored trigonometry. They developed sine and cosine functions. These functions are still used today.

Astronomy and mathematics were closely linked in India. Mathematicians used their skills to track celestial movements. They created accurate calendars and predicted eclipses. Their work in this field was highly respected.

Mathematics was not just for scholars. It was part of everyday life. People used it in trade, construction, and navigation. This practical application helped spread mathematical knowledge.

Indian mathematicians wrote many texts. These texts covered a wide range of topics. They included instructions for solving problems and explanations of theories. Some texts were translated into other languages. This helped spread Indian mathematical ideas around the world.

Education played a key role in the development of mathematics. Gurukuls, or traditional schools, taught students various subjects, including mathematics. Teachers passed down knowledge orally and through written texts. This system ensured that mathematical knowledge continued to grow.

The influence of Indian mathematics is still felt today. Many modern mathematical concepts have roots in ancient Indian work. The contributions of Indian mathematicians have had a lasting impact on the world.

In summary, India's mathematical heritage is vast and influential. The work of its mathematicians has shaped the field in many ways. Their contributions continue to be relevant and respected.

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