Madhava of Sangamagrama

Madhava of Sangamagrama was a 14th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer who significantly advanced the understanding of infinite series and calculus. He developed methods to approximate functions like sine and cosine using infinite series, laying foundational ideas for calculus centuries before Europeans formalized it. Madhava's work allowed for more precise astronomical calculations and demonstrated sophisticated mathematical thinking. His contributions are considered the beginning of the Kerala School of Mathematics, influencing both Indian and global mathematical development.