IDEAS OF PHYSICAL FORCES AND DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS IN ANCIENT

INDIA

T.E.Girish and C.Radhakrishnan Nair*
Department of Physics,
University College,
Trivandrum 695 034 ,INDIA
( * Retired Faculty)
Email: tegirish5@yahoo.co.in


Abstract


We have studied the context and development of the
ideas of physical forces and differential calculus in ancient India by studying relevant
literature related to both astrology and astronomy since pre-Greek periods. The
concept of Naisargika Bala ( natural force) discussed in Hora texts from India is
defined to be proportional to planetary size and inversely related to planetary distance.
This idea developed several centuries prior to Isaac Newton resembles fundamental
physical forces in nature especially gravity. We show that the studies on retrograde
motion and Chesta Bala of planets like Mars in the context of astrology lead to
development of differential calculus and planetary dynamics in ancient India. The
idea of instantaneous velocity was first developed during the 1
st
millennium BC and
Indians could solve first order differential equations as early as 6
th
cent AD. Indian
contributions to astrophysics and calculus during European dark ages can be
considered as a land mark in the pre-renaissance history of physical sciences.

Key words: Physical forces, differential calculus, planetary dynamics, ancient India






















1. Introduction

It is generally believed that astrophysics and advanced mathematics is an offspring of
renaissance period Europe. Several studies [1] suggest that non-European contributions
especially prior to the renaissance has also played a significant role in the development of
basic sciences. Indian civilization is one of the oldest of that kind in the world which has made
original marks in fields like mathematics,philosophy,meteorology,metallurgy and surgery
even prior to the Greek invasion period [2-6] Many Indian contributions in astronomical
sciences prior to Christian era is perhaps lost which can be partly recovered from other forms
of classical literature like astrology and later commentaries [7]


Development of differential calculus [8] and ideas fundamental physical
forces [9] were considered to be triumphs of the European renaissance through dedicated
works of Galileo,Kepler,Newton etc. In this paper In this paper we have studied the
following problems
(i) The ideas of physical forces developed in ancient India and its relation with
concepts in modern physics.
(ii) The development of the ideas of differential calculus and planetary dynamics in
association with the ancient Indian contributions to astrophysics.

It will be shown that ancient Indian astronomers could define a planetary force which is
proportional to the planetary size and inversely relatedto the planetary distance. The variation
of force of interaction of planetary objects during its relative orbital motion is also studied
by them using quantitative models of planetary motion during the1st millennium AD.We will
also discuss the development of ideas of differential calculus in India since 1
st
millennium BC.
This paper summarises our earlier results based on the studies of Indian historical
contributions to Physics and mathematics as a part of astronomy. [ 10-13].

2. Ideas of Physical Forces in ancient India

Astronomy and astrology was practiced in ancient
India as an integrated discipline called Jyotisha [ 14,15]. This subject has three important
branches viz.
(i) Ganita which includes theoretical and experimental astronomy with branches like
karana ( computational procedures) and siddhanta ( treatises on general astronomy)
(ii) Hora Sastra Mainly principles and practice of astrology with branches like
Jataka,Prasna, Muhurta,Nadi etc

(iii) Samhita which is equivalent to a general and scientific encyclopedia including
astronomy, applied sciences and astrology.

Ancient Indian astronomers like Parasara,Garga and Varahamihira were known to have
written texts in all the three branches of Jyotisha. Physical relations between celestial objects
and terrestrial phenomena which comes under the studies on modern astrophysics is studied as
a part of astrology during ancient times. Old scientific works on astrology from India will be
shown to contain important scientific information related to both astrophysics and
mathematics in this paper.



Parasara Hora a treatise in sanskrit written during 1
st
millennium BC [16,16a]
defines six types of physical forces ( shadbalas) by which Sun,moon and visible planets will
physically interact with earth or among themselves. Their details are shown in Table 1 and its
relation to modern physics. The scientific ideas in Naisargika and Chesta bala will further
receive special attention in this paper. The original sanskrit verses used to establish our results
and their sources is given in Appendix I of this paper.


2.1 Naisargika Bala


Naisargika Bala or natural force is an inherent property of a celestial object which possesses
the following physical properties as defined in astrological texts from ancient and medieval
India :-

1. This force is a constant for a given object ( eg a planet ) which does not vary with
position or time [17]

2. Naisargika Bala increases in the order Saturn,Mercury,Mars,Jupiter,Venus
Moon and Sun whose magnitudes are given units of Shastiamsa
( 0.5 degrees) as in Table 2 [18]

3. This force ( Fn) is defined to be proportional to the apparent size or diameter of the
planetary objects concerned [18.19]


4. This force varies inversely with distance ( r) of the object from the observer
( for eg in earth) [19]

5. When we want to compare force due to more than one planetary object occupying
similar celestial longitudes relative to earth ( this occurs during close planetary
conjunctions which is referred as grahayudha or planetary war in ancient India)
Naisargika Bala becomes an important criteria to judge to find the physically most
influential planet [20-22].


If F1 and F2 are Naisargika Bala due to planets 1 and 2 situated at the similar distance r
from earth ( say the planets occupy nearly the same geocentric longitude or they are in
conjunction) then conceptually we have

F1 = F( D1)/r ; F2 = F( D2)/r according to properties 3 and 4 defined above for the
Naisrgika Bala. Here D1 and D2 are the apparent diameters of the planets 1 and 2
respectively.


We can find that the ratio of the planetary Nairgika Bala as

F1/F2 = F( D1)/F( D2) ( 1)
According to modern theory of Newtonian gravitation the forces due to the above planetary
objects are given by

F1= ( M1M) /r^2 and F2 = ( M2M/r^2)


The ratio of the gravitational forces are given by


F1/F2 = M1/M2 .. ( 2)

We have M1= V1d1 and M2 = V1d2 here V is the volume and d is the mass density of
these planets

If we assume d1=d2 then ,

F1/F2 = V1/V2 = F(D1)/F(D2) .. ( 3)

So the ratio of Naisargika Balas of two planets situated at identical distances from earth as
defined by ancient astronomers from India is almost identical to the ratios of the modern
gravitational forces of these planets if they possess also similar mass densities [23].



2.2 Chesta Bala and emergence of differential calculus in ancient India


Ancient Indian astronomers observed that the apparent sizes and brightness of the
planets showed temporal variations. This is particularly evident during occasions of
retrograde motions of planets like Mars,Jupiter etc as seen from earth . It was also noticed
that the relative speed of the planets also showed notable variations during periods of
retrograde motion. We can find that these astronomical observations and subsequent studies
in the context of astrology lead to the emergence of differential calculus in ancient India.

When planets like mars are in the same side of earth in their orbital motion and when it
approaches closer to earth or sun then due to the differences in the eccentricity of their orbits
there will be relative motion between earth and the planet. This will appear with repect to
fixed stellar constellations ( zodiac signs) change from direct ( say clockwise) to retrograde
motion ( say anticlockwise) of the planet from earth and then back to direct motion again.
Between direct and retrograde motions there is a turning point where the planet will appear
as stationary. As the planet begins the retrograde motion gradually its relative speed
increases and it reaches a maxima at the centre of the retrograde loop [24,25]. See Fig 1 for
the relative orbital speed changes of Mars in its closed approach to earth during the year
2003 while undergoing apparent retrograde motion.

Along with the speed the geocentric distance of the planet from earth decreases and it reaches
a minima at the centre of the retrograde loop. This will appear as increase in apparent size
and brightness of the planet which reaches again a maxima at the centre of the retrograde
loop. See Fig 2 for these changes around August 2003 retrograde motion of Mars relative to
earth.


When the geocentric longitude () of the planet is found to increase with time then
we observe direct motion where (d/dt) >0. Retrograde motion is observed when
decreses with time or during (d/dt) <0. Between these two types of motion we
can find turning points of reversal from direct to retrograde motion or vice versa.
At these turning points ( called stationary points in astronomy) we have (d/dt) =0.
where planets like Mars will appear to be stationary for an observer in Earth.

Ancient Indian astronomers who studied retrograde motion of planets noticed the visible
physical properties of these planets ( size or brightness) change in conjunction with the
apparent speed changes. Variations in apparent size of the planet during retrograde motion is
defined as changes in Chesta bala or dynamic force of the planet in ancient astrological
works from India . In Parasara Hora ( 6
th
Cent BC or before) eight types of dynamical
situations are defined in relation with retrograde motion of planets like Mars as seen from
earth [18].The nature of the instantaneous speed and the corresponding apparent size ( Chesta
bala) of the planet defined in this Hora text is given in Table 3.

Stationary points are defined as Vikala situation in ancient Hora texts ( Vikala means time
variations in planetary longitude is less than one kala or one minute of arc per day) These
results suggests that ancient Indian astronomers were clearly aware of the concept of
instantaneous velocity as early as 6
th
cent BC. This can be considered to be the beginning of
the development of differential calculus in India. From the time of Brahmagupta ( celebrated
Indian astronomer and mathematician) i.e from 6
th
cent AD onwards Indians could solve
simple differential equations of the type d/dt =0 to find the geocentric longitudes of
stationary points [26,27] These values obtained from different astronomical works from
ancient/medieval India is comparable with the values found by the Greek astronomer
Ptolemy [28].










3. Studies of planetary dynamics in ancient India


Observations related to spatial and temporal changes in the physical
properties of planetary objects from earth played an important role in the development of
planetary dynamical models in ancient India. Some of these observations are discussed in
Hora texts and some are in Siddhanta texts. A synthesis of different ideas given in Indian
Jyotisha works can provide more insight in to the history of evolution of this knowledge ( see
Table. 4 )
As a planetary object moves from one zodiac sign to another as observed from earth we can
observe changes in its apparent size, brightness and orbital speed. The apparent brightness of
celestial object is defined in Indian astrological works as rasmi bala ( power of rays) whose
values obtained from selected Indian Hora texts is given in Table 5. The geocentric longitude
of observation of maxima in apparent size or brightness of a planet during its orbital motion
is called Ucha and minima in the same is called Neecha .in ancient Indian astrology.
Generally Ucha and Neecha points are separated by 6 signs or 180 degrees indicating the
near circular nature of the planetary orbits.The planetary force on earth is maximum when
the planet is situated in uccha and the force is minimum when the planet is situated in
neecha.In ancient Indian Hora texts methods to interpolate planetary force
( or equivalently apparent brightness or size of the planet) at any arbitrary longitude between
Ucha and Neecha is also described. Since the period of Aryabhata ( 5
th
cent AD) we can
find the definition of mandocca ( the geocentric longitude of minimum orbital speed)
equivalent to modern apogee where the apparent size is minima. Similarly an antipodal point
called nichocha is defined where the size is maxima or equivalent to modern perigee [29-32].


For an observer in earth the epoch of observation of maximum apparent size/brightness of a
planetary object is during oppositions with Sun for superior planets ( Mars,Jupiter and
Saturn) and during superior conjunctions for inferior planets ( Venus and Mercury). This
happens during the retrograde motions of these planets and where the geocentric
longitudinal separation of the planet from sun is also important. In this phenomena we have
to consider the variations in the relative positions of three celestial objects viz.Sun,Earth
and the planet undergoing retrograde motion ..

Since time of Aryabhata ( 5
th
Cent AD) we can find epicyclic theories of planetary motion
described in Indian astronomical ( Siddantic) texts. Astrological calculations, especially
estimates of the magnitudes of planetary forces ( shadbalas) improved in India due to the
application of epicylic theories. Methods to calculate variations in apparent diameters of
planetary objects is descried in Suryasiddhanta and Siddantasiromani.
In Sripatipaddati ( a hand book of astrological calculations employing advanced
mathematical models of planetary motion )methods to calculate variations in Chesta Bala
[32]of planets is at any arbitrary point in its orbital motion described. This is defined
proportional to the Sighra anomaly which requires use epicycle of planetary conjunction for
its calculation.

Cheta Bala = 0.33 ( Sigrocca average geocentric longitude of the planet)

The quantity in bracket is the Sighra anomaly equivalent to the angular separation of the
planet from the apparent Sun.This anomaly or Chesta Bala is maximum (separation is 180)
at at the centre of the retrograde loop orduring oppositions and the same is minimum during
conjunctions with sun ( separation is 0). See also Fig.3. The variations in the apparent
diameter of planetary objects during its apparent orbital motion and its dependence on the
angular separation from the sun( during retrograde motion) is clearly mentioned in Siddanta
siromani of Bhaskaracharya [ 30].



4.Dscussion
\
Differeremt ancient cultures contributed to the development of astrophysics as a part of their
astrological and astronomical studies. Some examples are (i) Egyptian discovery of the Saros
cycles of eclipses (ii) Greek classification of stars from the measurements of their apparent
brightness (iii) Naked eye sunspot observations of the Chinese and (iv) Babylonian
observations of the planetary phenomena including retrograde motions of planets [24,33-35].
In this context the ancient Indian contribution to astrophysics is perhaps the development of
ideas of planetary physical forces discussed in this paper several centuries prior to the
European renaissance.The concept of Naisargika bala is similar to Newtonian gravitation
interaction as shown in section 2.1 of this paper ; an anticipation of the idea of fundamental
forces in modern physics several centuries prior to the European renaissance.


Naisargika bala or natural force of planets is defined to be proportional to the size of the
celestial objects and inversely related to the distance from the observer. This is first clearly
mentioned in the astrological treatise Horasara by Prithuyasas during the 6
th
Cent AD.There are
atleast three other independent references to the planetary size dependence of the Naisargika
Bala from medieval India. This idea is discussed in Kitab-ul-Hind ( 11 th cent AD) by the
medieval Muslim astronomer Alberuni in his short note on the principles of Indian astrology
following Laghujataka ( an abridged form of Brihatataka written by celebrated Indian
astronomer Varahamihira during the 6
th
cent AD) [ 36].As mentioned in Section 2 Naisargika
Bala is used to compare planetary physical forces due to two or more planets occupying almost
identical position in the Zodiac at a given instant of time. This phenomenon is referred as
Grahayuddha or planetary war in ancient stronomical/astrological literature which happens
during close planetary conjunctions in a given zodiac sign. In the medeval Indian astronomical
handbook called Karanaratna written by Devacharya during the 8
th
Cent AD it is explained that
the planet with larger diameter (implying Naisragika bala ) will be the victor during a close
planetary conjunction or Grahayuddha. A similar idea is also found in Sripatipadati.Finally
Dasadyayi a well known Sanskrit commentary of the Brihatjataka of Varhamihira by the Kerala
astronomer Govinda Bhattathiripad ( 13
th
cent AD) also provides independent evidence of the
planetary size dependence of the Naisargika Bala

One can find a definition in Suryasiddanta [30,31,37] which states that : the dynamics or
quantity of motion produced by the action of a fixed force to different planetary objects is
inversely related to the quantity of matter in these objects.







This definition is equivalent to the statement of Newtons second law of motion

a = F/M

It can be considered as an indirect perception of the idea of planetary mass by ancient Indian
astronomers.

One of important motivations behind the development of differential calculus by different
cultures seem to be scientific modelling of observed astronomical phenomena in general and
retrograde motion of planets in particular. Babylonian astronomers collected several
centuries of valuable observations related to retrograde motion of visible planets like Mars.
The earliest scientific model in this context was developed by Indian astronomers of the
Mahabharatha period like Parasara and Garga ( on or before 6
th
cent BC) through the
definition of Chesta bala corresponding to eight dynamical situations during the retrograde
motion of a superior planet.Ancient Indian astronomers had the idea of instantaneous
velocity which is known to be equivalent to the idea of derivative in modern calculus.
Greek astronomers contributed towards the mathematical models of retrograde motion of
planets. Following Applonius , Ptolemy could solve first order differential equations using
numerical techniques like linear interpolation to find stationary points of planetary motion
during 1
st
cent AD.
Several Indian astronomers contributed towards the mathematical techniques of differential
calculus since 5
th
cent AD [ 38] Aryabhata used linear interpolation techniques to solve
difference equations to prepare a Table of Sines. Brahmagupta could find derivatives of
complex functions through quadratic interpolation techniques who also solved for the first
time in India , differential equations to find stationary points of retrograde motion of planets .
Bhaskarachrya had expertise in both physical and mathematical aspects of differential
calculus which he applied to planetary dynamic models. During early renaissance period
( 14-16centuries AD) differential and integral calculus was further developed by Kerala
astronomers (of now international repute) whose principal contributions is the discovery of
infinite series in calculus prior to the European contributions by Gregory,Taylor and Lebniez.


We have shown in section 3 that astrophysical observations was the principal motivation
behind the developments of mathematical models of planetary motion in ancient India. The
physical properties of an Keplerian elliptical orbit ( ie apogee and Perigee) of a planet could
be anticipated by them through their correlation with the extremas in physical properties of
the planet ( maxima or minima) such as apparent size,brightness and orbital speed. The
connection between astrological studies and planetary dynamics is thus a new paradigm in
the history of astrophysics [39]

Indian knowledge of planetary dynamics and higher mathematics including calculus is fairly
advanced prior to the beginning of the European renaissance period in the 14-15
th
century
AD. After the decline of Greek and Roman Empires by 4
th
cent AD the centre of scientific
activity at the global level became India where the socio-political situations were stable and
favorable for new knowledge creation in diversified fields.Studies in planetary dynamics in
both physical and mathematical perspective by Indian astronomers in the context of
astronomy as well as astrology can be considered to be important in the history sciences
during the European dark ages . There are independent evidences which suggest that Arab
astronomers during the medieval period ( 11
th
to 15
th
cent AD) were aware of Indian
contributions planetary physical forces [40]. There is every possibility that the new
knowledge created in India in areas like astrophysics and differential calculus was made
available the European scientists during renaissance period directly or indirectly through
Arab and Christian missionary routes of transmission .It may be worth remembering that
both Isaac Newton and Kepler were aware of astrology too at the advanced level [41-42].

Aknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Dr.S.Madhavan ( Retd Prof of Mathematics) for his interest in
our work and for many useful discussions. We also express our sincere thanks to
Prof.Gopalakrishnan for correcting the Sanskrit grammar and to Mrs.Sobha for her help in
typing the Sanskrit verses in this paper.
































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Table 1 Six types of planetary physical forces ( Shadbalas) defined ancient Hora texts
from India and their equivalent concepts in modern physics.

The Name of Shadbala
defined in Indian
Hora Texts

Explanation

Modern Physical Idea

1.Sthana Bala

F= f ( r ) Force change with position or
distance ( r )of the influencing object
2.Kala Bala F = f ( t ) Diurnal and seasonal
changes in force Time ( t)
dependent forces.

3. Drik Bala Planet-planet
interactions
Many body problem

4.Dig Bala Force change with
directiion
Force is a vector

5.Naisargika Bala
( natural Force)
F = kD/r an
inherent property
of the celestial obect
Force directly proportional to
size (D), inversely proportional
to distance ( r ) of the planets
6.Chesta Bala Dynamic force Change in force of planets undergoing
retrograde motion




Table 2. Ancient Indian measurements of apparent diameters of planetary objects and
corresponding values of Naisargika Bala.

Planetary
Object
Apparent diameter
(Yojanas) from
Aryabhateeya
Apparent diameter
(arc) from
Suryasiddhanta
Naisargika Bala
(shastiamsas)
Parasara Hora
1. Sun

2 .Moon

3 Venus

4. Jupiter

5. Mercury

6. Mars

7. Saturn

4410

315

63

31.5

21

12.6

15.75
32 4

31 7

4

3 30

3

2

2 30
60

51.43

42.85

34.28

25.7

17.1

8.57






Table 3. Eight types of planetary situations during retrograde motion indicating
variations of orbital speed of planet and corresponding value of Chesta Bala.

Dynamical
situation
of planet

Relative speed /
nature of motion

Chesta Bala
( shastiamsa)


1. Anuvakra

2. Vikala

3. Mandatara

4. Manda

5. Sama

6. Chara (Sighra)

7. Ati chara ( Sighratara)

8. Vakra

Direct motion

Stationary point

Very slow motion

Slow motion

Average speed

Fast motion

Very fast motion

Max orbital speed/
Centre of retrograde


30

15

7.5

15

30

30

45


60
























Table 4. Extrema [maxima/minima] in different physical properties of planetary objects observed by
Indian astronomers of 1
st
millennium BC and 1
st
millennium AD during the sidereal orbital motion of
planets as observed from earth.


Planetary
Physical
parameter
Location of
maxima
Location of
minima
Indian sources/remarks
1. apparent size
or brightness
Located at
Uccha or
during retrograde
(Vakra)motion
Located at
neecha
Indian Hora Texts like
Parasara Hora
( 6
th
BC)
2. orbital speed Located at nichocha
of
the epicycle
Located at
mandocha of
epiccycle
Indian astronomical texts of
1
st
millennium AD.
Variations in orbital speed
studied in Parasara Hora
.3. planetary
distance
at mandocha
of epicycloe
at nichocha
of epicycle
Indian astronomical texts of
1
st
millennium AD.

















Fig.1 Variations of the Orbital speed of Mars as observed from earth during the retrograde motion
during July October 2003. Here S1 and S2 are the stationary points

Retrograde Mars Aug 2003
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
0 20 40 60 80 100
Days from July 15th
A
p
p
a
r
e
n
t

D
i
a
m
e
t
e
r

1.7
1.9
2.1
2.3
2.5
2.7
2.9
V
i
s
u
a
l

M
a
g
n
i
t
u
d
e



Fig 2 Variations in the apparent diameter ( dotted) and visual magnitude ( broken) of
Mars during its retrograde motion during July-October 2003. Both quantites
reached a maxima at the centre of the retrograde loop during August 2003.






















E
P2
S
P1























Fig 3. The chesta Bala is maximum during opposition ( P1) and minimum
during conjunction ( P2) for superior planet like Mars.
Here E is earth, P is planet and S is sun.
1
Appendix I - Original Sanskrit verses and their Scientific meanings Appendix I - Original Sanskrit verses and their Scientific meanings Appendix I - Original Sanskrit verses and their Scientific meanings Appendix I - Original Sanskrit verses and their Scientific meanings Appendix I - Original Sanskrit verses and their Scientific meanings
1. |+--- |-
- + - : ++
Our predecessors (ie., Indran astronomers prior to the period of Parasara) have proposed
six types of planetary physical forces viz. Nisarga, Kala, Cheta, Sthna, Dig and Ayana.
Text: Parasarahra cited in Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.20.
2. - |- -+
The natural force (Naisargika Bala) of planetary objects increases in the following
order: Saturn, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Mars and the Sun.
Text: Bhat Jtaka as cited in Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.
3. -+ v ||---
-- | -+
|- - +- -
v||- -- |-|-
|- -+++
The magnitude of the natural force of different planetary objects in units of Shatiamasa
(half degree of arc) is as follows: Sun (60), Moar (51), Mars (17), Mercury (26), Jupiter
(34), Venus (43) and Saturn (9).
Text: Parasara Hora cited in Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.52.
2
4. |s -- - --- -+
-- ----|+ --++
+| v- ---|+ |s+
-s |s - |-++
The natural force (naisargika bala) of Mars of twice that of Saturn. Natural force of
Mercury is twice that of Mars. The naisargika bala of Jupiter is eight times that of Mercury.
The same for Venus is eight times that of Jupiter. The naisargika bala of Mars is sixteen
times that of Venus. Natural force of Sun is twice that of Mars. Finally the naisargika bala
of Rahu (the shadow covering earth during solar/lunar eclipses) is twice that of Sun. So
compared to other celestial objects naisargika bala of Rahu is the maximum.
Text: Hrasra [19] 3.32 and 3.33.
5. - |- -
:|- |- + -v-|+-
- -:- -v-|-|- ||-++
When the naisargika bala of different celestial objects like Sun, Mars etc. is defined
(in Hora texts like Bhat Jtaka) its association with the size of its disc (apparent diameter)
is also specified. Since moon's apparent diameter is observed to be larger than that of the
star planets, it is defined to have greater naisargika bala compared to them.
Text: Dasdhyyi [18] 2.19.5.
6. --- +- ---+|-+
-- - - --v--++
The mean positions of different planetary objects (in their respective orbits) in the
increasing order of their distance from earth is: Rahu, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars,
Jupiter and Saturn. Since Rahu (the shadow object) is closest to earth its apparent size
(equivalent ot naisargika bala) is observed to be the maximum. The result implies that
naisargika bala of planets varies inversely with the distance from the observer.
Text: Hrasra [19] 3.35.
3
7. - - +|-
|-++ - |-+
|+---
--- -|+ |-++
Naisargika bala is the main criterian based on which we can compare physical forces
due to more than one planet during close planetary conjunctions in a rasi at a given instant
of time.
Text: Laghujtaka [20] 2.10.
8. - - : -
- "|-'|+-|+ -
- - -||--
- +-|+: |-
- +-|++
Same as verse No. 7.
Text: Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.16.
9. .-+ - --|+|+--+
.---- ||+- -|-++
When two planets are together (during close conjunctions) the planet with greater
diameter is the victor of the planetary war or grahayudda. (Here the victor planet will exert
larger naisargika bala (natural force) compared to its companion planets.)
Text: Kraa ratna [14] 8.22.
10. |-- ||---+
- | |- ||-- ||-+
.+ -- ---|-++
The winner of a planetary war (two or more planets in close conjuctions) is that planet
whose disc is brighter and larger compared to its companions. This result is independent of
the geocentric latitude (north - south position) of the planets in conjunction.
Text: Sryasiddhnta [21, 21a] 7.20 and 7.21.
4
11. :- - |--|-
-+:- - + -:--
|+--+:-- --
---- --
: -+- - :- :|-++
These are eight (8) types of planetary dynamical situations (during retrograde motion
of planets like Mars apparent for an observor in earth). The magnitude of Chesta bala
(implying planetary apparent size or brightness) during these situations in units of Shatiamsa
are given by Anuvakra (30), Vikala (15), Mandatara (7.5), Manda (15), Sama (30), Sighra
or Chara (30), Sighratara or Atichara (45), Vakra (60).
Text: Parasara Hra [16] cited in Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.48 & 2.21.49.
12. -|--
- -v+ -- - ++
The maximum apparent brightness (rasmi bala or rasmi number) of different planetary
objects (when it is located in ucca position in the 2 diac) is as follows: Sun (10), Moon (19),
Mars (5), Mercury (5), Jupiter (7), Venus (8) and Saturn (5).
Text: Saravali [29] 36.2
13. -+|v- -|+
-|---|----++
Rasmibala of planets given in Kyam is as follows: Moon (21), Sun (5), Venus
(16), Jupiter (10), Mars (7) and Saturn (4).
Text: Kyam [ ] 3.4
5
14. - : -|+ +|s-
-+- ||--+ +--- --++
The difference between the geocentric longitude of the given planet and the longitude
of its Ucca in degrees on division by three will yield Ucca bala of the planet concerned.
Text: Parasarahra cited in Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.21.
15. - -+ - - |---
---- --+
-- -|- +- -+ -|-+
--|---- :|-++
In ucca position the planetary force is maximum and is equal to 60 shastiamsas. In
neecha position it is minimum or zero. Between ucca and neecha we have 180 equal parts
or 180 degrees of arc. One third of it is 60 (the maximum magnitude of force). So we need
to divide the longitude difference (as defined in verse 14) by three.
Text: Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.21.
16. |----- - - --
--- |-+
||-+- v-- -|+
---|- v-+ ---- :|-++
Ramibala or apparent brightness of planets is maximum in the ucca position and
minimum (or zero) in the neecha position in the zodaic. When the planet moves away from
neecha position its apparent brightness increases and reaches a maximum (at the ucca
position). Similarly when the planet moves from ucca position its brightness decreases and
becomes zero in the neecha position.
Whent he planet is locatd at any arbitrary position between ucca and neecha, the rule
of three (a linear interpolation technique) is applied to calculate its rasmi bala or apparent
brightness.
Text: Srvali [29] 36.5 and 36.6.
6
17. .|-- +-- -.......
- --
- -|- -............
Depending on the location of ucca the meaning and physical consequence of the given
location of the planet in the zodaic will vary. In Saravali it is said that when the planet is
situated in ucca it is very bright.
Texts: (1) Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.7 and 2.21.8 (2) Sarvali [29] 5.3.
18. - - +----..........
- --
. |-- +--||-
+-|------ |-|+-
|+- -...........
When a planet is situated at the centre of the retrograde loop (Vakra position) its
physical force is a maximum which is similar to situation of planets (like Sun and Moon
without apparent retrograde motion) in the ucca position. In both ucca and Vakra situations
planetary physical force is very high.
Texts: Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.6, Sarvali [29] 5.14
19. |-+ |+-+- +- +-
- -- - ----
||-| v :|-+
By making the necessary astronomical observations and calculations as specified in
Siddhanta texts we can determine the six types of planetary physical forces (Shadbalas) and
other astronomical parameters.
Text: Sripatipaddati, cited in Dasdhyyi [18] 2.21.19
20. - |--v-
-- +--+
| --|- ---
+-- -|-|-++~++
7
That point in the eccentric orbit of the planet which is at maximum distance from the
Earth is defined as uccha. This point is not fixed, but moves. The neecha point in the orbit
is at a distance of six signs (or equivalently 180
0
away) from the uccha point......
Text: Siddhntairomai [30] Goldhyya 5.20 and 5.21.
21. .- -
- |+- |+
-| - -|-
---++
When the planet is situated in ucca it is at greatest distance from earth and hence its
visible disc (apparent diameter) appears large. When it is situated in neecha it is at minimum
or least distance from Earth and therefore its visible disc appears small. We can also observe
an inverse of Variation of the apparent size of the planet with distance from the Sun (during
retrograde inchain of planets like Mars).
Text: Siddhntairomai [30] Goldhyya 5.22.
22. ----v-+ --+-+
-v--- -- -+-++
----|--o:-++
-+- -|-|-++
- -- - |--+
+----|--++
The quantity of motion Mhar produced in Sun due to the action of an attractive force
is very small compared to Moon because of its large physical size or dimensions compared
to Moon.
Since the physical size of visible planets in the solar system like Mars is very small
compared to the Sun and Moon the effect of the forces on them will be very large. Thus the
displacements (positive or negative from reference points) produced in them will be also of
a larger magnitude due to the result of action of these forces.
Text: Sryasiddhnta [21, 21a] 2.9, 2.10 and 2.11.