Bibhutibhusan datta (1888–1958), historian of Indian mathematics

Abstract

Born to a poor Bengali family, Bibhutibhusan Datta (1888–1958) was indifferent to wordly pleasures and gains. He never married. His doctoral thesis was on hydrodynamics, but he is best known for his work on the history of mathematics. He retired voluntarily from the University of Calcutta at the age of 45 and in 1938 took sany a sa (literally, renunciation) to become known as Swami Vidyaranya. He also wrote on Indian religion and philosophy.