Notes on the solution of the chess problem proposed by al-Biruni in the work The Chronology of Ancient Nations

Abstract

The development of science and mathematics took place in different regions of the world. In this way, many scholars left contributions to these fields of knowledge. However, it is not so easy to find bibliographies, in Portuguese, that portray them. As an example of this context, we cite the Islamic scholars of the medieval era and in particular Abu Arrayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni (973 – 1048), who left studies in different areas of knowledge, including what we know today as mathematics. Thus, the objective of this article is to present initial notes from a historical-mathematical study of the document fragmente The Chronology of Ancient Nations, by al-Biruni, who treated Chess Problem contained in chapter VI of the work. To achieve this objective, the research uses a qualitative methodology of bibliographic and documentary procedures. Thus, in the bibliographic phase we surveyed sources about al-Biruni, his context and his works, as well as the history of medieval Islamic mathematics and others. After this stage, we begin the historical-mathematical study of the chosen document (documentary phase). From the study of the selected fragment, we realized that it describes a solution proposed by al-Biruni to a chess problem, related to an ancient legend known in India. In the solution presented, we note that various knowledge of a mathematical nature is mobilized, such as geometric progression, powers and perfect squares.