Lilavati

work by Bhaskara II

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June 30, 2026

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Lilavati is a work by the 12th-century Indian mathematician Bhaskara II. It is known for its systematic use of the decimal number system and for compiling mathematical problems.1

The text is written in verse and includes problems addressed to women, with some feminine vocatives used. According to legend, Bhaskara II named the work after his daughter, Lilavati, to console her after a marriage arrangement failed due to a mishap with a water clock.1

Lilavati covers various mathematical topics, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. It is considered a significant contribution to Indian mathematics and demonstrates Bhaskara II's advanced understanding of mathematical concepts for his time.1

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Bhāskara II
…all Indian mathematical classics), particularly Līlāvatī (“The Beautiful”) and Bījagaṇita (“Seed Counting”), he not only used the decimal system but also compiled problems from Brahmagupta and others. He filled many of the gaps in Brahmagupta’s work, especially in obtaining a general solution to the Pell equation (x² = 1 +…
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…all Indian mathematical classics), particularly Līlāvatī (“The Beautiful”) and Bījagaṇita (“Seed Counting”), he not only used the decimal system but also compiled problems from Brahmagupta and others. He filled many of the gaps in Brahmagupta’s work, especially in obtaining a general solution to the Pell equation (x² = 1 +…
Read More

Indian mathematics
Mahavira and Bhaskara II
…arithmetic and algebra, the 12th-century Lilavati (“The Beautiful”) and the more advanced Bijaganita, by Bhaskara II, followed the conventional definition of the eight operations. Bhaskara asserted, however, that the “Rule of Three” (of proportionality) is the truly fundamental concept underlying both arithmetic and algebra:
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…arithmetic and algebra, the 12th-century Lilavati (“The Beautiful”) and the more advanced Bijaganita, by Bhaskara II, followed the conventional definition of the eight operations. Bhaskara asserted, however, that the “Rule of Three” (of proportionality) is the truly fundamental concept underlying both arithmetic and algebra:
Read More