Famous Indian Astronomers

Aryabhata was a prominent mathematician-astronomer and physicist from classical Indian mathematics and astronomy. He is recognized for his significant works, including the Āryabhaṭīya and the Arya-siddhanta. Notably, he was one of the first to mention the relativity of motion, establishing himself as a major early physicist. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and physics, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in Indian scientific thought during his time.

Bhāskara II was a renowned Indian polymath, mathematician, astronomer, and engineer. He led a cosmic observatory in Ujjain, a significant mathematical center in ancient India. His main work, the Siddhānta-Śiromaṇi, is a valuable contribution to mathematical and astronomical knowledge of the 12th century. Divided into four parts, Līlāvatī, Bījagaṇita, Grahagaṇita, and Golādhyāya, it covers arithmetic, algebra, planetary mathematics, and spheres, respectively. Additionally, he authored the treatise Karaṇā Kautūhala, further solidifying his legacy as the greatest mathematician of medieval India.

Brahmagupta was an Indian mathematician and astronomer whose professional life was marked by significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy. He authored two important works, the Brāhmasphuṭasiddhānta and the Khaṇḍakhādyaka, which showcased both theoretical and practical knowledge. In his works, he described gravity as an attractive force and introduced the term "gurutvākarṣaṇam" in Sanskrit. Additionally, he is credited with providing the first clear description of the quadratic formula, demonstrating his expertise in mathematical problem-solving and analytical skills.

Jayant Narlikar is an Indian astrophysicist and emeritus professor known for his work at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). He is recognized for developing the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of conformal gravity in collaboration with Sir Fred Hoyle. This theory combines Einstein's theory of relativity with Mach's principle, suggesting that a particle's inertial mass is determined by the masses of all other particles, multiplied by a coupling constant that varies with cosmic epoch. Narlikar's contributions have significantly influenced the field of astrophysics.

Varāhamihira, also known as Varāha or Mihira, was a renowned astrologer-astronomer based in or near Ujjain, India during the 6th century CE. He made significant contributions to the fields of astrology and astronomy, and his works were highly respected in his time and continue to be studied today. Varāhamihira's professional life revolved around the study and practice of celestial phenomena, and his expertise in these areas earned him a reputation as a leading authority in the field of astrology and astronomy.

Bhāskara I, a 7th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, made significant contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy. He was the first to introduce the Hindu–Arabic decimal system with zero represented by a circle. His commentary on Aryabhata's work showcased a unique rational approximation of the sine function. Bhāskara I's writings, including the Āryabhaṭīyabhāṣya, Mahābhāskarīya, and Laghubhāskarīya, are among the oldest known prose works in Sanskrit on mathematics and astronomy. His legacy was honored when the Indian Space Research Organisation launched the Bhāskara I satellite in 1979.

Mādhava of Sangamagrāma, an Indian mathematician and astronomer, is known as the founder of the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics. He made significant contributions to various fields including infinite series, calculus, trigonometry, geometry, and algebra. Madhava's pioneering work involved the use of infinite series approximations for trigonometric functions, marking a crucial advancement in mathematical procedures by treating their limit-passage to infinity. His professional career was marked by groundbreaking discoveries and advancements that have had a lasting impact on the fields of mathematics and astronomy.

Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan is a prominent Indian space scientist who served as the head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1994 to 2003. He has held various significant positions such as Chancellor of Central University of Rajasthan, NIIT University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has also served as the chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission and as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Additionally, Kasturirangan has been recognized with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan awards for his contributions to the field.

Shripati, an eleventh-century Indian mathematician and astronomer, was renowned for his contributions to astral science. His professional life was marked by significant writings on topics such as algebra, horoscopic astrology, and mathematics. However, he achieved particular acclaim for his astrological works, including the notable text Jyotisaratnamala. Shripati's expertise in these areas solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the field of Indian astronomy and mathematics during his time, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of astral science.