Kawri Mathematics

Introduction
India is famous for mathematics from the ancient past. To denote
the numbers 5 systems were present here - 1) Sabda Sankhya Method
2) Boota Sankhya method 3) KTPY system (Katapayadi; Paralper) 4)
Aryabhta System 5) Sankhya System (Decimal system)
Many have described in detail about all these five methods. But
even after understanding these methods used for notating numbers the
doubt will remain for the knowledgeable that All these methods
are just for NOTATING numbers. That is symbolic
representation methods for numbers. What was the method used
by ancient Indian people TO DO the calculations such as
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division? Even though
helpful in notating and thus remembering the numbers involved in
mathematical questions and answers all the five methods discussed
above is not helpful in actually DOING the calculations. It was only
after the advent of writing method that the 5th method mentioned above
became helpful in actually doing the calculations. There for the question
is Prior to the advent of writing system how the Indian people
used to do the calculations? It is only the Kawri system of doing
calculation that answers this question. Therefore instead of boasting
about the various ancient system of notion methods and the greatness
of indian mathematics, let us try to understand the unique Kawri method
used by the ancient Indians for doing calculations. This system is still
prevalent and well practiced by the astrologers of Kerala. The efficient
users of this Kawri system of mathematics at times do the calculations
faster than calculators using Kawri alone! It is wonderful system, which
may give unique insights to the seekers of the history and methods of
ancient mathematics, though not of much practical usefulness in this
era of well-developed Decimal system and the use of Calculators and
Computers.
As told earlier astrologers of Kerala use the Kawri method even
today. The best method to master this method is to observe an efficient
person using this method and learn it from him directly in his presence.
It is not theory but practice and understanding which is important. Even
though this method is in use for thousands of years in India, it is pretty
difficult to describe this method in paper. May be this is what caused
the absence of books that describe this method in detail. Many wrote to
me asking where there is a book available that describes Kawri method
of doing calculation in detail. I dont know about any one who wrote
any detailed books or articles on the same. Therefore I though it would
be beneficial to all if I wrote a series of articles that describe the Kawri
method of calculation in detail, in a way understandable and beneficial
to the modern readers. Usually orthodox astrologers advice that dont
put such things in paper - may be also due to the difficulty of describing
such practical methods efficiently in writing. But if some one is not
describing this method in detail in writing, like the many thousands of
ancient knowledge streams and methods we lost, this Kawri system
may also get forgotten and lost. That is why I though of putting it in
writing. But still the advice is that try to learn this method directly from
a teacher in his presence, so that you could understand it clearly, the
doubts would get clarified, and you could gain mastery in this method.
Another point to note is that, if we havent learned the modern methods
of primary calculations, it would have been easy for us to understand
this method fast - because the method used is at times diametrically
opposite to that of modern mathematics even for primary calculations!
Initial Information
I have used numbers to denote the values instead of Kawris. If I am
writing 2 in a place, as per Kawri system that location will contain 2
Kawris and if I write 3 that place will contain 3 Kawris and so on it
should be understood. The individual doing the calculation would be
sitting on a seat and before him a flat wooden board would be placed
on earth. He will place all the Kawris in it and will start doing the
calculations using the Kawris - that is the actual method followed.
In Kawri system the initial numbers used for calculation will hold
the answers after the calculations. But here in this article for the sake
of understanding I have denoted the intermediate results in steps. First
observe someone doing the calculations using Kawris, then by reading
this article and also by doing it yourself using Kawris understand and
practice the method. With some days of practice you too will become
efficient in using Kawris for doing even complex arithmetical calcula-
tions with them.
In this method the whole calculation depends on the use of comple-
mentary digits (complements of 10). The list of complementary digits is
given below
Complement of 1 = 9 ; Complement of 9 = 1
Complement of 2 = 8 ; Complement of 8 = 2
Complement of 3 = 7 ; Complement of 7 = 3
Complement of 4 = 6 ; Complement of 6 = 4
Complement of 5 = 5
To denote complement I will use C. That is C1 = 9; C9 = 1; C2 = 8;
C8 = 2; C3 = 7; C7 = 3; C4 = 6; C6 = 4; and C5 = 5 for abbreviated
notation.
Kawri system is nothing but Doing the decimal system of calcula-
tion using Kawris; the most ancient practice of DOING CALCULA-
TIONS used throughout Ancient India, and is still well preserved and
practiced in Kerala by the astrologers.
Addition
Addition is simple. In Kawri system as well you just have to add the
digits from right to left as per place value, similar to the modern method.
But the difference is that-
* Here you are using only Kawris for doing the calculation
* The complementary numbers are used for doing the calculation
* Complementary numbers are always REMOVED from the digit
when ever the digit above is smaller and 1 would be added to the next
higher place (i.e. to left).
Some examples will clarify the method. I have represented the num-
bers considered in each step of the calculation using red color so as to
identify the steps clearly.
1) Add 24 to 12
1 2
2 4
--------
1 6
2 0
--------
3 6
=====
2) Add 45 with 234
2 3 4
4 6
----------------
2 4 0
4 0
----------------
2 8 0
==========
To denote complement I will use C form here onwards. That
is C1 = 9; C9 = 1; C2 = 8; C8 = 2; C3 = 7; C7 = 3; C4 = 6; C6 =
4; and C5 = 5 for brevity.
3) Add 46 to 285
2 8 5
4 6
----------------
Add 4 Kawris to the 2 Kawris
placed above. Answer = 6 Kawris
Add 2 Kawris to the 1 Kawri
placed above. Answer = 3
Kawris.
Result : 3 6 (Thirty six)
The complement of 6 = 4. There-
fore, remove four Kawris from
above and move a single Kawri
to the next higher place. (i..e Re-
move 4 fromthe digit above 6, and
Add 1 to 3). The result is shown
in the next step.
(Since we cannot remove the 6,
which is complement of 4) Add 4
to 4.
Answer: 280 (Two hundred and
eighty)
Remove C6 (=4) from5 and Add
1 to the next place.
2 9 1
4 0
----------------
3 3 1
=========
Now onwards instead of saying move 1 to the next higher place (to
the left), we will say Move Up 1 for brevity.
4) Add 859 to 785
7 8 5
8 5 9
----------------
7 9 4
8 5 0
----------------
8 4 4
8 0 0
----------------
1 6 4 4
============
Hope the method used for Addition is clear by now. Practice it by
your own using Kawris or pebbles. I will continue this series by
describing Substation, Multiplication, Division etc in coming lessons.
Ask your doubts, and I will try to clarify as far as the written words
could convey. The written discussion of such practical methods that
should be taught in the direct presence of teacher, shows us the limita-
tion of conveying easy to understand ideas in writing, in the absence of
the direct presence of teacher. That is why it is usually told that all such
practical knowledge branches should be learned from teachers (= gu-
rus) and not from books. :)
Remove C4 (=6) from9 and Add 1
to the next place.
Remove C9 (=1) from5 and Move
Up 1
Remove C5 (=5) from9 and Move
Up 1.
Remove C8 (=2) from8 and Move
Up 1.
Subtraction
Subtraction is also very simple - similar to addition. But in addition
we were removing the complement from the digit above, but here the
complement should be always added. Thus the difference from normal
addition would be -
* Here you are using only Kawris for doing the calculation
* The complementary numbers are used for doing the calculation
* Complementary numbers are always ADDED to the digit above
when ever the digit above is smaller and 1 would be removed from the
next higher place (i.e to left) and added to the current digit.
The following examples will clarify the method of doing subtraction
with cawries.
1) Subtract 12 from 57
5 7
1 2
---------
5 5
1 0
---------
4 5
=====
The same calculation is repeated again below with brief description,
to clarify the terminology that would be used in further examples.
5 7
1 2
--------
5 5
1 0
--------
Remove 2 Kawris fromthe 7
Kawries placed abve. Answer
= 5 Kawris
Remove 1 Kawri fromthe 5
Kawries placed abve. Answer
= 4 Kawries
Result : 4 5 (Fourty Five)
Remove 2 from7.
Remove 1 from5.
4 5
=====
In the above calculation all the digits above were big and the digits
below small. Now let us do subtraction with numbers for which the
above digits are small. Then complements come in to play.
2) Subtract 87 from 235
2 3 5
8 7
----------------
2 2 8
8 0
----------------
1 4 8
==========
The same calculation is given below with another terminology of
description in the next example. Here instead of saying Add Cx to the
above digit Remove 1 from the next higher place (to the left), I
would be saying Add Cx -1 to the above digit and Move down 1".
i.e. Move down will mean Remove 1 from the next higher place (to
the left) and add it here Comparing with the above calculation and
reading the below description will clarity this terminology. This is done
for brevity of terminology used.
2 3 5
8 7
----------------
2 2 8
8 0
----------------
1 4 8
==========
I hope by now both the method and the terminology used for de-
scription is clear to you. If not the following examples and the corre-
sponding description will help you in understanding the method better.
3) Subtract 48 from 124
1 2 4
4 8
----------------
1 1 6
4 0
----------------
7 6
==========
4) Subtract 256 from 728
7 2 8
2 5 6
----------------
7 2 2
2 5 0
----------------
6 7 2
2 0 0
----------------
4 7 2
==========
Result : 4 5 (Fourty Five)
Add C7 (=3) to 5 and Remove 1
fromnext higher place (to the
left).
Add C8 (=2) to 2 and Remove 1
fromnext higher place (to the
left).
Answer: 148 (One hundred and
fourty eight)
Add C7 -1 (=2) to 5 and Move
down 1.
Add C8 -1 (=1) to 2 and Move
down 1.
Answer: 148 (One hundred
and fourty eight)
Add C8 -1 (=1) to 4 and
Move down 1.
Add C4 -1 (=5) to 1 and
Move down 1.
Answer: 76 (Seventy Six)
Remove 6 from8.
Add C5 -1 (=4) to 2 and
Move down 1.
Remove 2 from6.
Answer: 472 (Four hun-
dred and Seventy Two)
5) Subtract 4572 from 7938
7 9 3 8
4 5 7 2
---------------------
7 9 3 6
4 5 7 0
---------------------
7 8 6 6
4 5 0 0
---------------------
7 3 6 6
4 0 0 0
---------------------
3 3 6 6
=============
I hope these examples must have clarified the doubts, and the method
is well understood by everyone.
Multiplication
Let us see how Bhaskaracharya describes this ancient method of
doing multiplication in his book Leelavati.
rrr-r-rs+ rr+-r (-rr: rrr-r-rs+ rr+-r (-rr: rrr-r-rs+ rr+-r (-rr: rrr-r-rs+ rr+-r (-rr: rrr-r-rs+ rr+-r (-rr:
a=rrr r-rr-rrr-r-rr:t-r11 a=rrr r-rr-rrr-r-rr:t-r11 a=rrr r-rr-rrr-r-rr:t-r11 a=rrr r-rr-rrr-r-rr:t-r11 a=rrr r-rr-rrr-r-rr:t-r11
- -rt-rrrtr
[Multiply the first digit of the number (from the right) to be multiplied,
with the multiplier. Then multiply the next digit. Continue like this (and
you will get the final result)]
Of course you would be well aware that to do multiplication one
should know the multiplication table and also that multiplication is noth-
Remove 2 from8.
Add C7 -1 (=2) to 3 and Move
down 1.
Remove 5 from8.
Remove 4 from7.
Answer: 3366
ing but repeated addition.
The following special points should be noted about multiplication.
* All multiplication should be done from right to left (instead of the
left to right multiplication that we do now a days in modern math-
ematics).
* The multiplier should be placed below the number to be multiplied
in such a way that, the right most digit of the multiplier should come
right below the left most digit of the number to be multiplied. For the
multiplication of the each subsequent digit in the number to be multi-
plied, the multiplier is moved to one place to the right.
* The complementary numbers are not used in multiplication.
Better than explanation an example will clarify multiplication method
used. Let us start with a small example.
1) Multiply 26 with 7.
2 6
7
---------------------
1 4 6
7
---------------------
1 8 2
==========
To avoid confusion whenever new Kawris are to be brought and
added or placed in a position, i will try using the word, bring, to denote
the same. Let us repeat the above calculation using this terminology.
2 6
7
---------------------
2 x 7 = 14; So Place 1 Kawri to
left, Add 2 Kawaris to 2 (making
it 4), and move the multiplier (i.e.
here 7) to one place right.
7 x 6 = 42; Remove 4 Kawries from
6 making it 2, Add 4 Kawries (the
10th place of 42) to 4 in 10th
place (making it 8)
Answer = 182
2 x 7 = 14; Bring 1 and Move up
that 1. Bring 2 and add to 2 (mak-
ing it 4). (Thus number 14 prop-
erly placed) Move down multi-
plier.
1 4 6
7
---------------------
1 8 2
==========
2) Multiply 13 with 12.
1 3
1 2
---------------------
1 2 3
1 2
---------------------
1 2 6
3
---------------------
1 5 6
============
This description does not seem to be satisfactory, further it lacks
clarity and brevity as well. Therefore I am changing the terminology
and describing the same calculation once again. Here onwards the words
Place x, will refer to placing the numbers in proper position by adding
or removing Kawries from proper locations. The example repeated
below will clarify this.
1 3
1 2
---------------------
1 2 3
1 2
---------------------
1 5 6
============
I know that the above kind of description achieves brevity, but lacks
clarity for the beginner. Therefore to help the beginners the gist of it I
will repeat the one more example with elaborate and brief descriptions.
3) Multiply 25 with 13.
2 5
1 3
---------------------
2 6 5
1 3
---------------------
2 6 5
5
1
---------------------
3 2 5
============
Let us give the same calculatin with brief description.
2 5
1 3
---------------------
2 6 5
7 x 6 = 42; Remove 4 from6
(making it 2), Bring 4 and add
to 4 (making it 8). (Thus num-
ber 42 properly placed)
Answer = 182
1 x 1 = 1; Bring 1, and Place it.
2 x 1 = 2; (1 placed) Bring 1
and add to 1 (to make it 2). (2
placed) Move multiplier one
place right.
1 x 3 = 3; Bring 3 and add to 2
(3 placed); 3 x 2 = 6; Add 3 to 3
to make it 6. (6 placed)
(Intermediate step displayed for
clarity)
Answer = 156
1 x 1 = 1; Place 1. 2 x 1 = 2;
Place 2. Move multiplier to right.
1 x 3 = 3; Place 3; 3 x 2 = 6;
Place 6.
Answer = 156
1 x 2 = 2; Bring 2, and Place it.
(2 placed). 3 x 2 = 6; Bring 4 and
add to 2 (to make it 6). (6 placed)
Move multiplier one place right.
1 x 5 = 5; Bring 5 and add to 6
(5 placed); 3 x 5 = 15; 5 is al-
ready there at left. Add 1 to left
(15 placed).
(Intermediate step displayed for
clarity)
Answer = 325
1 x 2 = 2; Place 2.
3 x 2 = 6; Place 6.
Move multiplier to right.
1 x 5 = 5; Place 5.
1 3
---------------------
2 6 5
5
1
---------------------
3 2 5
============
Since the procedure is clear by now, here onwards I will provide the
brief description only, even though the intermediate steps would be given
for clarity sake. In intermediate steps, removing Kawris will be dis-
played as a -ve digit.
4) Multiply 234 with 143
2 3 4
1 4 3
----------------------------
2 8 6 3 4
1 4 3
----------------------------
2 8 6 3 4
3 2 6
1
----------------------------
3 2 8 9 4
1 4 3
----------------------------
3 2 8 9 4
4 6 -2
1 1
----------------------------
3 3 4 6 2
======================
I hope the intermediate results given, will help much in the actual
process of moving the Kawris involved in the calculation. I have given
the intermediate steps for helping the learners to compare the steps
with modern calculation method.
5) Multiply 234 with 567.
2 3 4
5 6 7
------------------------------------
1 0 2 2 3 4
1 1 +2
------------------------------------
1 1 3 4 3 4
5 6 7
------------------------------------
1 1 3 4 3 4
1 5 8 -2
1 2
------------------------------------
1 3 0 4 1 4
5 6 7
------------------------------------
3 x 5 = 15; Place 15.
(Intermediate step displayed for
clarity)
Answer = 325
1 x 2 = 2; Place 2.
4 x 2 =8; Place 8.
3 x 2 = 6; Place 6.
Move multiplier to right.
1 x 3 = 3; Place 3.
4 x 3 =12; Place 12.
3 x 3 = 9; Place 9.
Move multiplier to right.
(intermediate results)
1 x 4 = 4; Place 4.
4 x 4 =16; Place 16.
3 x 4 = 12; Place 12.
Move multiplier to right.
(intermediate results)
Answer = 33462
5 x 2 = 10; Place 10.
6 x 2 =12; Place 12.
7 x 2 = 14; Place 14.
Move multiplier to right.
(intermediate results)
5 x 3 = 10; Place 10.
6 x 3 =18; Place 18.
7 x 3 = 21; Place 21.
Move multiplier to right.
(intermediate results)
5 x 4 = 20; Place 20.
6 x 4 =24; Place 24.
7 x 4 = 28; Place 28.
1 3 0 4 1 4
2 0 4 +4
2 2
------------------------------------
1 3 2 6 7 8
========================
This method of multiplication is known as Long multiplication or
simple multiplication. There is another method of multiplication called
Fold and multiply in Kawri maths that is used to multiply numbers
with decimal points, especially related to calculations related to cur-
rency, units etc. I will discuss that method later.
I hope these examples must have clarified the method of simple
multiplication used in Kawri Kriya (Doing calculations using Kawri).
If you have any doubts, ask them, I will try to clarify. My advice to
you is instead of just reading this document, try to DO the same calcu-
lations on top of your table using Kawris or pebbles. Doing once will
clarify the idea better than reading it many times.
- Sreenadh OG
sreesog@yahoo.com
(intermediate results)