Just as zero originated in India so is Vedic mathematics. Vedic mathematics is based on the sixteen Sutras or word-formulae. It is an ancient mathematical system used during the Vedic Age. Later Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji re-discovered it between 1911 and 1918 from the Vedas. Now you might be wondering how Vedic mathematics will be relevant to you – well it indeed is as this branch of mathematics can help you to crack the CAT exam, especially if you are a trifle weak in calculation and mathematics. So before you join a top CAT coaching class in Kolkata to prepare for CAT exam know about this excellent Indian branch of mathematics. First and foremost let me explain what Vedic mathematics is all about.Definition:’Vedic Mathematics’ is the name given to the ancient, unique technique of calculations based on simple rules and principles, with which, verbally, any mathematical problem can be solved be it algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic or geometry.Discovery:The exact date of the first application of Vedic Mathematics is not known. However, it is said that thousands of years ago, Vedic mathematicians authored various theses on mathematics on the basis of which algebra, algorithm, square roots, cube roots, etc, and the concept of zero evolved.The Sixteen Sutras or Formulae:The system of oral calculation is based on 16 Vedic sutras or aphorisms and 16 upa-sutras, with the help of which a large number of complex mathematical problems can be solved mentally. The basic roots of Vedic mathematics lie in Vedas, and form an integral part of Jyothisha which is one of the six Vedangas.Some of the sutras and sub-sutras can be extremely effective for you to improve your calculation skills.Revival:It was late Sri Bharati Krsna Tirthaji (1884-1960) who rediscovered this discipline between 1911 and 1918 from the Indian Sanskrit texts, better known as the Vedas. According to him, this particular branch of mathematics is made of the sixteen Sutras or word-formulae that describe the mind’s natural way of solving a wide range of calculations, easily and effortlessly.When in the beginning of 20th century some scholars dismissed texts called ‘Ganita Sutras’, meaning mathematics on the pretext of not finding any mathematics in their translations, Bharati Krsna, started studying these texts thoroughly and after much careful investigation was able to reconstruct this discipline.Bharati Krsna wrote a total of sixteen volumes illustrating the Vedic system. However, with the loss of all his volumes, he finally wrote a single book named “Vedic Mathematics”, which got published in 1965, five years after his death.Importance of Vedic Mathematics:The importance of Vedic Mathematics lies in the fact that any type of complex and critical multiplication or division can be done with simplicity. Through this system, students can resort to their own methods, without sticking to any one particular process. Vedic Mathematics presents in front of us a rational and unified structure of mathematics, with harmonizing, easy methods, at par with what most mathematics teachers of today are perhaps looking for – something better to make geometry and calculus easier for pupils.