Tribute to Early Indian Astronomers

[Dorella Rosi]

I wish to pay a tribute to the many of the earliest Indian astronomers that made discoveries that were far ahead of their western counterparts.
This post is dedicated to these Great Hindu Pioneers of Science:

ARYABHATT (476 CE)
MASTER ASTRONOMER AND MATHEMATICIAN

Born in 476 CE in Kusumpur (Bihar) Aryabhatta is widely recognized as the father of Indian astronomy. Aryabhatt's intellectual brilliance remapped the boundaries of mathematics and astronomy. In 499 CE, at the age of 23, he wrote a text on astronomy and an unparallel treatise on mathematics called "Aryabhatiyam." He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim that the earth is round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space - 1000 years before Copernicus published his heliocentric theory.

He is also acknowledged for calculating p (Pi) to four decimal places: 3.1416 and the sine table in trigonometry. Centuries later, in 825 CE, the Arab mathematician, Mohammed Ibna Musa credited the value of Pi to the Indians, "This value has been given by the Hindus." And above all, his most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero without which modern computer technology would have been non-existent. Aryabhatt was a colossus in the field of mathematics.


On April 19, 1975, India sent its first satellite into orbit, named ‘Aryabhatta’


VARAHAMIHIR (499-587 CE)
EMINENT ASTROLOGER AND ASTRONOMER

Renowned astrologer and astronomer who was honored with a special decoration and status as one of the nine gems in the court of King Vikramaditya in Avanti (Ujjain). Varahamihir's book "panchsiddhant" holds a prominent place in the realm of astronomy. He notes that the moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. In the "Bruhad Samhita" and "Bruhad Jatak," he has revealed his discoveries in the domains of geography, constellation, science, botany and animal science. In his treatise on botanical science, Varamihir presents cures for various diseases afflicting plants and trees. The rishi-scientist survives through his unique contributions to the science of astrology and astronomy.


ACHARYA BHARADWAJ (800 BCE)
PIONEER OF AVIATION TECHNOLOGY

Acharya Bharadwaj had a hermitage in the holy city of Prayag and was an ordent apostle of Ayurveda and mechanical sciences. He authored the "Yantra Sarvasva" which includes astonishing and outstanding discoveries in aviation science, space science and flying machines. He has described three categories of flying machines: 1.) One that flies on earth from one place to another. 2.) One that travels from one planet to another. 3.) And One that travels from one universe to another. His designs and descriptions have impressed and amazed aviation engineers of today. His brilliance in aviation technology is further reflected through techniques described by him:
1.) Profound Secret: The technique to make a flying machine invisible through the application of sunlight and wind force.
2.) Living Secret: The technique to make an invisible space machine visible through the application of electrical force.
3.) Secret of Eavesdropping: The technique to listen to a conversation in another plane.
4.) Visual Secrets: The technique to see what's happening inside another plane.
Through his innovative and brilliant discoveries, Acharya Bharadwaj has been recognized as the pioneer of aviation technology.

Source:

http://www.hinducounciluk.org/newsite/circulardet.asp?rec=44

[TOM Merilahti]

Dear Dorella,

Thank you very much for a most interesting article about the earliest days of astronomy!
This is a school example of articles and knowledge I would like all the members of SICU to follow. What ever you want to write share and exchange ideas about please be focused and choose the best group related to your theme. There are 30 special groups to choose from. Thanks again Dorella! TOM

[Dorella Rosi]

You are most welcome Tom.

I felt compelled to highlight the work and discoveries of early Indian astronomers whose ground breaking inventions and theories have revolutionized the way we think and the way we live today.
I feel that is fair to share this wealth of info with other members.


"First... a new theory is attacked as absurd; then it is admitted to be true, but obvious and insignificant; finally it is seen to be so important that its adversaries claim that they themselves discovered it".
— William James
'Pragmatism's Conception of Truth'

Thank you

Dorella Rosi

[TOM Merilahti]

Dear Dorella,

I absolutely agree with you.
I like the quote by William James a lot as it reminds me of many things, projects and processes, I have been involved in. Please add the quote in SICU QUOTES group.

Best regards,

TOM