Pointers to Katapayadi formula needed

[Richard Salomon]

On the Katapayadi system, including its use to express pi (referred to by 
another respondent), see J.F. Fleet's article "The Katapayadi System of 
Expressing Numbers" in JRAS 1911, pp.788-794.  

The system is also used to express chronograms in some South Indian 
inscriptions: for examples, see Epigraphia Indica 3, p.38, ll.40-41; 4, 
pp.203-4; 34, pp.205-6.

-Richard Salomon
Univ. of Washington


On Mon, 26 Jun 1995, Anand Venkt Raman wrote:

> Hello, I am in need of references relating to the Katapayadi
> formula. Specifically, when and where it was first used and the range
> of applications to which it has been put. I already have references
> attesting its use in South Indian Musicology. The carnatic melakarta
> scale names the 72 major ragas using the katapayadi scheme.
> 
> For those who don't know what I'm talking about, the katapayadi
> formula is a name to number transformation scheme based on the
> Sanskrit alphabet. In the specific instance I quoted, the raga
> mayamalavagowla is called so because the katapayadi operation on
> its name (actually the first two syllables) gives 15 since m=5 and
> y=1. M is the 15th raga in the melakarta scale, which allows us
> to deduce its notes mechanically!
> 
> This scheme was applied in musicology by Venkatamakhi, son of Govinda
> Dikshita (17th cent). The first official mention of this formula is
> found in his book "Caturtand.i Prakasika".  But belief that even
> Sankara was named in accordance with the formula such that the number
> derived from his name results in his Date of Birth in the Indian
> lunar calendar abounds in India. Thus I suspect the formula itself
> was known and in widespread use in various other disciplines before
> its application in musicology. This is especially so as Venkatamakhi
> makes no claims to it and takes its existence for granted in his
> book.
> 
> Any pointers in this regard, to books/journals/articles about the
> katapayadi scheme will be greatly appreciated. Our library does not
> have a good collection of Indian journals and so I am forced to search
> electronically in this way.
> 
> Many thanks in advance.
> 
> - &
> --
> # The following record is a random selection from Indhist 1.0
> --
> It occurs  to me  to introduce here  the saying  of Poros [Puru]; for
> when  he was  led  as a captive to  Alexander,  and was  asked how he
> wished to be treated: `As a king, O  Alexander!' he replied, and when
> he was  again  asked if  there  was anything   else, his  reply  was:
> `Nothing, for in the words "as a King" everything was comprehended.'
> 
> - Plutarch Oration I.11
>  
>