the 30 degree span of each rashi or constellation by one of a defined set of discreet integers.
The charts thus generated are composed of the parts of the rashi or constellation. The San-
skrit name for parts is amshaor vargaand therefore these divisional charts are known in the
literature as the amshaor varga kundalis(divisional wheels). As is the case with most of the
classical Indian subjects, the use of the amsha charts is rich and varied. Many divisional
chart techniques and traditions are less commonly known and applied; however, in the
most widely used classical texts, there are 16 charts mentioned including formulas for their
calculation, their names, and short descriptions of their functions and applications.
Most jyotishis and computer programmers use the system laid out in chapters 6
and 7 of the authoritative classical text, Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.There are mul-
tiple names for some of the divisional charts. Those used below conform to Maharishi
Parashara’s work. A convention for abbreviating their names for an English-speaking
audience (D-1, D-2 etc.) has been adopted as a result of the work and research of She-
shadri Iyer, a twentieth-century jyotishi from Bangalore.
The description of the 16 charts that follows represents the most popular and
contemporary applications as derived from the brief verses of Parashara:
Rashi (D-1): The Janma Kundali or conventional birth chart. Each
constellation of 30° corresponds to one of the twelve houses with the
ascendant fixed by the time and location of birth. This is referred to as
one rashi /one bhava (one sign /one house). Parashara uses the word
“physique” for this chart but it is commonly used to examine all char-
acteristics of the individual’s life.
Hora (D-2): Generated by dividing the 30° span of the rashi by the integer
2 creating two horas of 15° each. This chart is used for determining wealth.
Dreshkana (D-3): Generated by dividing the 30° span by 3 creating
three dreshkanas of 10° each. This chart is used for a number of appli-
cations but the most classical approach is for matters relating to one’s
co-borns or siblings.
Chaturthamsha (D-4): Generated by dividing 30° by 4 creating four
parts of 7.5° each. Parashara uses the word “fortunes” for this chart. In
practice, it deals with the matters of large fixed assets such as property.
Sapthamsha (D-7): Generated by dividing 30° by 7 and creating seven
parts of 4.285° each. This chart is classically used to assess children and
grandchildren.
Navamsha (D-9): Generated by dividing 30 into 9 parts of 3°20’ each.
This chart is given special prominence in classical literature. It is the
divisional chart to assess marriage and other partnerships but is also
used as a confirmatory birth chart among many other applications.
Dashamsha (D-10): Generated by dividing 30 into 10 parts of 3° each.
This chart details the all-important matters of career, fame, and success.
Dwadashamsha (D-12): Generated by dividing 30 into 12 parts of
2°30’ and used for the matter of parents and grandparents.Divisional Charts
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