Pedagogical Implications of Bhaskaracharya’s Lilavati

Abstract

Bhaskaracharya, a celebrated Indian mathematician wrote a mathematical treatise entitled “Lilavati” in 12th century. It contains theorems and problems in elementary Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. Written in poetic form with ample use of alliterations metaphors, pun and tenderness the treatise displays various pedagogical characteristics like gender equity, motivational anecdotes, rapport building, content relevance etc. As a part of a year long celebration of 900th birth anniversary, 65 workshops were conducted based on Lilavati in the academic year 2014-15 both in rural as well as urban parts of India. The participants for the workshops were drawn from primary, secondary as well as tertiary level of education. It has been observed that the teaching techniques advocated in Lilavati proved useful in creating interest among students towards mathematics. They not only remove the fear of mathematics but motivates them to to undertake problem solving exercises with zeal and enthusiasm. This paper brings out pedagogical characteristics of Bhaskaracharya’s Lilavati and indicates their relevance for teaching school mathematics in 21st century.