Research Papers

Representation of the Midnight Sun in Greek and Indian Astronomical Texts

Author(s): Ramakrishna Pejathaya, Sri. Vinay Iyer
Year: 2022
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: Indian Journal of History of Science, (2022) 57:253–264
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: 2454-9991; https://doi.org/10.1007/s43539-022-00063-z
Abstract:
The midnight sun is a fascinating phenomenon observed near the Earth’s poles. Whether it is known through observation or through theory, it is bound to provoke one’s curiosity, since it involves the most familiar object in the sky, viz. the sun. This paper seeks to investigate the various ways in which this phenomenon was understood or considered in ancient literature, focusing on Indian astronomical literature. It is found that some texts primarily describe the phenomena at the poles themselves, while the remaining additionally describe the latitudes at which one would see days that are a few months long. A comparison is made across texts in order to facilitate an understanding of the methods and the accuracy of the texts discussed.

GRAHAṆAMUKURA – A SIXTEENTH CENTURY INDIAN MANUAL FOR THE CALCULATION OF ECLIPSES

Author(s): Ramakrishna Pejathaya, B.S. Shylaja and Seetharama Javagal
Year: March 2024
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage, 27(1), 209–218
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: 1440-2807; https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1440-2807.2024.01.12
Abstract:
This is a study of a rare seventeenth century palm-leaf manuscript named the Grahaṇamukura, which has been carefully preserved in a private collection for more than 400 years. This manuscript was used to calculate eclipses and has bilingual text, with verses in Sanskrit and a commentary in Kannada. It is a handy manual for the prediction of eclipses following the methods prescribed in treatises. In the absence of the name of the author anywhere in the text, we conjecture that it was written by the father–son duo, Demaṇa Joyisaru and Śaṅkaranārāyaṇa Joyisaru of Sringeri. In this paper the contents of the text are summarized.

Kautilya Uvacha: Seeking Interest in the Adversary’s Prosperity

Author(s): Vinayak Rajat Bhat, Kum. Tejusvi Shukla
Year: April–June 2024
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: Journal of Defence Studies, Vol. 18, No. 2
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: ISSN 0976-1004 (print); 2583-7567 (online)

 https://www.idsa.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/18-2_Vinayak-Rajat-Bhat-and-Tejusvi-Shukla-11.pdf
Abstract:
The understanding of warfare is varied, in terms of means, modes and objectives across geographical, cultural and episodic contexts. However, there is a general acceptability regarding its outcome, i.e., victory over an adversary. This might be achieved either by increasing one’s own capabilities, or by decapacitating the adversary. As an anomaly, while agreeing with these methods, Kauṭilya dictates a third, additional strategy. He dictates wishing for the prosperity of the adversary in specific situations such that one may derive self-interest in the process. In doing so, he systematically lays down the conditions suited to adopt the strategy, the means that must be employed, and its expected subsequent outcomes. This commentary aims to discuss the strategy so propounded by Kauṭilya and its relevance in the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

Impact of COVID-19 on Environment and Lessons from Indian Culture

Author(s): Vinayak Rajat Bhat, Prof. Subbarao Jayanti
Year: 2022
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: Dhimahi
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: 0976-3066

Link :
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a heavy toll on human life. Amidst many negative consequences, the virus produced some environmental benefits also, like cleaner air in major cities, clearer and drinkable water in highly polluted rivers like the Gaṅgā and Yamunā and respite for wildlife. Policymakers are contemplating on how to sustain these gains once life becomes normal and economies are back on track. In this paper, we explore how the Indian literature and practices suggest an answer to this issue. Śrī Kṛṣṇa through his personal leadership showed how to address the problem of water pollution and how to treat the mountains with reverence. We also examine how symbolism in Hinduism, various customs and practices exhort people to look at nature with a holistic perspective and coexist as partners with other species. Solutions based on legislation (Environment Protection Act) and economics (Carbon Credits) have only limited success in solving the problem. We propose another approach based on culture and religion to complement the other approaches. If the public are convinced, they will participate voluntarily in protecting the environment. This is the contribution of our study and it may spur further research examining religious and cultural aspects from an environmental perspective.

Psychological Exploration of Avadhānam – The Indic Art of Attention

Author(s): Anirudh Sharma, Ramakrishna Pejathaya, Naveen Bhat & Vinayachandra Banavathy
Year: 2025
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: Journal of Applied Consciousness Studies, 13(1): 12–22
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: 2949-7000; DOI: 10.4103/jacs.jacs_152_24

https://journals.lww.com/joacs/fulltext/2025/01000/psychological_exploration_of_avadh_nam___the_indic.3.aspx?context=latestarticles 
Abstract:
The study of problem-solving in cognitive psychology involves examining advanced mental processes such as creative thinking, heuristics, and critical thinking. Although these cognitive abilities are innate, they tend to improve with practice, application, and experience. Avadhānam, an Indian literary art form, is an example of an extraordinary display of memory, spontaneity, concentration, and creativity. A practitioner of avadhānam, known as avadhānin, responds to the multiple challenges posed to them, simultaneously. This conceptual study aims to explore the cognitive mechanisms involved in the practice of the art of avadhānam, shedding light on applied intelligence, problem-solving, creative thinking, and multitasking. In addition, this study explores the functioning of working memory and creative imagination in the context of avadhānam. Through observations from avadhānam performances and literary sources, this study is an attempt to contribute to the broader field of cognitive psychology by providing insight into the scope and development of these unique abilities. This study is also an effort to bridge the gap between traditional art and modern cognitive science, highlighting the importance of understanding the cognitive processes behind classical Indian art forms such as avadhānam.

भारतीयपरम्परादिशा दाम्पत्यविच्छेदपरिहारोपायाः

Author(s): Avinash Chavan, Sudarshan Chiplunkar, Vinayak Rajat Bhat
Year: 2023
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: Shodhasamhita, Journal of Fundamental and Comparative Research. 10(1), 50-62
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: ISSN-2277-7067 https://kksushodhasamhita.org/index.php/sdsa/issue/view/5 
Abstract:

Mentions of Dhruva in Indian Astronomical Treatises – A Possible Pole Star?

Author(s): Vinay Iyer, Ramakrishna Pejathaya
Year: 2024
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: International Journal of Sanskrit Research, Vol. 10, Issue 3, pp. 72–80
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: ISSN: 2394-7519; https://doi.org/10.22271/23947519.2024.v10.i3b.2370
Abstract:
The pole star is one of the most prominent features of the night sky. It is known that the star that occupies the pole changes over the centuries owing to the precession of equinoxes. Despite this, several texts in the Indian tradition mention in clear words a pole star, usually called dhruva (which means ‘fixed’) or dhruvatārā (tārā meaning ‘star’). Researchers have proposed candidate stars for mentions in the Vedas and Purāṇas in the past. However, a large number of mentions, which are purely astronomical in nature, are also found in the siddhāntas of Indian astronomers. They have not been discussed comprehensively until now. This work presents these together and discusses the implications of these mentions.

Techniques of Determining Latitude in Indian Astronomical Treatises

Author(s): Vinay Iyer, Ramakrishna Pejathaya
Year: 2024
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: International Journal of Sanskrit Research, Vol. 10, Issue 6, pp. 20–24
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: ISSN: 2394-7519;

Link :
Abstract:
The latitude-longitude coordinate system is a well-known method of expressing one’s location on the earth’s surface. It can be ascertained from references in Indian astronomical treatises that the idea of latitude was well established in this tradition for a long time. It was important for several problems in astronomy, especially for one’s location, and was measured using specific techniques and instruments. This paper brings together some of the chief techniques provided in these texts and classifies them. It is found that the primary method is finding the equinoctial midday shadow using a gnomon and working out the zenith distance from there. Other methods include finding the shadow on any given day with the gnomon and back-computing the latitude, and measuring the polar altitude. In this context, the instruments for this purpose have also been discussed.

Mismatch Between the Tree and Its Roots: Demystifying Dharmic Dilemmas from Mahābhārata

Author(s): Naveen Bhat
Year: 2025
Institution: CIKS
Name of the Journal: Journal of Sanātana Dharma
ISBN/ISSN/DOI: (Not available)
Abstract: (Abstract not provided in the sheet. Please add if available.)
Link :