The scholars did not agree with the Lokmaanya's view that panchanga Mathematics and Dharmashaastra were two different matters. He had expressed the view that theorists of panchanga should devise the mathematical calculations while scholars on religious matters should advise the people on festivals and rituals on the basis of these calculations. After the conference, the scholars in India continued to stick to the traditional panchanga-making. Nana realised eventually that the rise and setting of the five grahas, namely Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus) and Shani (Saturn) and eclipses of Sun and Moon, did not have any relation with the Hindu Dharmashaastra. He consulted renowned scholar K. V. Somanshaastree and began presenting the calculations in his panchanga on the Druktulya mathematics (their actual positions in the sky) since 1944-45. Other panchanga editors followed suit as the years passed by. This was only a half battle won. The remaining battle for reforms was over when Nana agreed to follow calculations with high precision for the positions of Ravi (Sun) and Chandra (Moon). His son Pandit Dhundirajshaastree played an important role to convince him about it. Panchanga scholars all over India adopted this Sukshma Ganit (Accurate calculations) gradually. Nana was a scholar in all the three disciplines, Khagoliya Ganita, Dharmashatra and Muhoortashaastra, that are essential for compilation of a panchanga. His son Pandit Dhundirajshaastree inherited the wisdom and continued the family tradition. Pandit Dhundirajshaastree took over the operations of Date Panchanga in 1950-51. Scholars across the country later began recognising him as the authority on panchanga system. Any dispute on matters relating to panchanga was resolved after due consultations with him. Solapur, the town in south Maharashtra where the Dates reside, became the centre for activities relating to panchanga. Scholars would visit Pandit Dhundirajshaastree for consultations. The Government of India sought his advice on various matters and appointed him on the committee that prepared the National Panchanga. Although there are other panchangas and calendars that provide details on the lines of panchangas, the Date Panchanga has retained its status as the authority among them all. The House of Dates in Solapur has adhered to the principles laid down by the Founding Fathers. (Excerpts from the Souvenir brought out by Date Panchanga Platinum Jubilee Committee on December 10, 1989) <<< Back