This is a unique opportunity to work in a high-profile area for the
project
Madhava and the Origin of the Differential Calculus,
sponsored by the Indian National Science Academy, coordinated by C. K.
Raju. The project seeks to revise the current history of the calculus.
It will focus on early developments in the calculus 1400-1720, and will
cover all aspects of the Madhava/Gregory/Taylor series expansion, and
its transmission from the Malabar coast to Europe, especially through
the manuscripts of Jyeshtadeva's Yuktibhasha (1501), and the roughly
contemporary Tantrasangraha of Neelkantha Somayajulu. Only incomplete
and rough English translations of the above manuscripts are today
available, and the work will involve a close comparison of the contents
of these manuscripts with some of the work of Kepler, Cavalieri,
Fermat, Pascal, Wallis, Gregory, Newton, Leibniz, and Taylor.
Qualifications: Ph.D. in mathematics, physics or allied field. Should be
thorough with calculus, basic analysis, and its use in classical
dynamics and planetary motion. Knowledge of at least one of Malayalam,
Sanskrit, or Latin. Some exposure to the philosophy of non-formal
mathematics would be preferred.
Location: National Institute of Science, Technology, and Development
Studies, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012, India. This institution functions
under the umbrella of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,
an organization of the Government of India.
Duration: Initially for one year, but likely to be extended to three
years.
Contact: ckraju@csnistad.ren.nic.in OR c_k_raju@hotmail.com. Avoid
sending applications by post because a postal strike is on. Applications
may also be couriered to Dr. C. K. Raju at NISTADS at the above
address, or faxed to 91-(0)11-575-4640 or 91-(0)11-221-6895 (redial
later in case of voice response).
Applications open until: 29 July 98. Subsequently until the position is
filled.