( 52 1 may, it is to be observed that Chandraſekhara gives 22° 26' as the observed ayanámka, which is 15 greater than what we have assumed. This fact shews that somehow or other, the length of the year in use was slightly less than what we find it in the modern Súrya-Siddhanta. At any rate, the vernal equinox in Revati did not mark the beginning of the existing zodiac. Ranganátha, a commentator of Súrya-Siddhánta, supports us by saying that the equinox fell somewhere near Revati. For, the equinox fell on the star in S'aka 498, and during the period since elapsed, the sun has moved through an excess of 3° 5' 29", thus making the ayanamsa 21° 29' 18". Even the Siddhánta's position of the star leaves & difference of half a degree. So we must suppose that the star Revatí was nearly a degree to the east of the initial point when the zodiac happened to commence its existing fixity. If any use is to be made of the recorded Dhruvas of the stars, it appears to me to be the most reasonable course to select those stars which are situated near the ecliptic. For, es has been already pointed out, the errors of observation by means of rude appliances will increase with star-latitudes Accordingly, the following twelve stars situated within five degrees on either side of the ecliptic are given below for comparison. Longitude in Reduosd Star. Difference, Saka 1816. Longituda, Krittiká (23 Tauri) 58° 14' 38° 52' 19° 22 Rohiņi 68° 17' 47° 56' 20° 23 Pushyá (a Cancri) 127° 21 1069 0 21 21 Maghá 148° 21' 129° 0 19° 21' Digitized by Google
