About the work : In the Jyotirmimarnsa (‘Inves= tigations on astronomical theories’), its author, Nilakantba Somayaji, (A. D. 1444-1545), deals with the experimental and observational aspect of astronomy. He _ insists that the results arrived at by com- putation should tally with observa. tion, towards which astronomical parameters and other constants should be revised periodically. He, therefore, examines critically various corrections put forward by earlier astronomers, compares the resuits arrived at, gives his reactions and suggests further lines of action. Quite often this is done through simulated dis- cussions with the exponents of other schools of astronomy as in philo- sophical disquisitions. In order to ascertain the relative accuracy of the different schools of astronomy, Nilakantha instructs the computation of True planets fora particular contempo- rary date through the different systems and compare the results obtained with the observed positions. The work is available only in a single decaying palm-leaf_ manus- cript, which is moreover, incomplete. Sul. in view ‘of its unique nature and the highly logical line of app- roach adopted in it for the discus- sion of astronomical theories and practices, itis being placed before scholars in its incomplete form. It isto be hoped that, apart from the information it contains, the work will also give an insight into the rational scientific thinking in ancient India and the methodology of astronomical researches in mediaeval Kerala, Price: Rs, 15]- sera-aeqres:—&, 4). Taf General Editor—x, V. SARMA Printed by DEVA DATTA Shastri at the V.V. RL Press and published by K.V. SARMA, Acting Director, V. V.B. 3, HoslPanjab University Indologieal Series—11 satfanrarat INVESTIGATIONS ON ASTRONOMICAL THEORIES BY NILAKANTHA SOMAYAJI Edited with Critical Introduction and Appendices by K. V. SARMA Acting Director, V.V.B.IS. & 1S. Panjab University, Hoshiarpur VISHVESHVARANAND VISHVA BANDHU INSTITUTE OF SANSKRIT AND INDOLOGICAL STUDIES PANJAB UNIVERSITY HOSHIARPUR 1977