Who was Aryabhatta?
India has a glorious heritage in the fields of science, mathematics and astronomy. Throughout history, many Indian scholars have enlightened the world with their extraordinary knowledge. The most famous of them has been Aryabhata. He is considered to be the first mathematician and astronomer in ancient India. At a time when most of the world had little understanding of these subjects, Aryabhata was laying the foundations of fundamentals of science and mathematics that would influence generations to come.
Here we will know about Aryabhata biography in detail, who was Aryabhata, how was his life, what important works did Aryabhata do, and what was his contribution to mathematics and astronomy.
Biography of Aryabhata
Name: Aryabhata
Birth: Around 476 AD
Place of Birth: Some historians believe that Aryabhata was born in Kusumpur, Bihar, which is now known as Patna. While some people say that he was born in South India.
Death: It is believed that Aryabhata died around 550 AD.
Aryabhata’s life is not fully known, so not much information is available about him. From the books and texts written by Aryabhata, we come to know that he was a very intelligent and knowledgeable person. He made some discoveries in mathematics and astronomy which are considered important even today. And they are used even today.
About the book written by Aryabhata- (Aryabhatiya)
Aryabhatta’s major work – Aryabhatiya
“Aryabhatiya” is the most famous book of Aryabhata, which was written by him at the age of just 23. This text is in Sanskrit, which is written in the form of shlokas and this book has four parts:
- Geetika Pada: This part is related to the calculation of astronomical time. Geetika Pada explains how to calculate time based on the position of planets and constellations. Like how day, night, month and year are formed.
- Ganit Pada: This Pada is related to mathematics. As is clear from it’s name. Mathematical principles like algebra, arithmetic, square root, cube root, and trigonometry are used in astronomical calculations.
- Kalakriya Pada: This Pada is written on the movement of planets and calculation of time. It is explained in Kalakriya Pada how the planets move and how future time is calculated by finding out their movement.
- Golapada: It describes how the earth and the universe were formed. This Golapada describes the shape of the earth, the position of the planets and the arrangement of the entire universe.
In short, the Charopadas written by Aryabhata contain different but important aspects of Indian astrology which help in understanding and calculating celestial events.
Major Contributions of Aryabhata
1. Concept of Zero
Although the credit of discovery of zero has been given to many scholars, but Aryabhatta explained how it should be used in calculations of questions. He used the decimal system in which the role of zero was important.
2. Exact value of π (pi)
Aryabhata gave the value of π (pi) which is 3.1416, which is still in use today. He also told that π is an irrational number, meaning it cannot be written exactly in the ratio of any two numbers.
3. Development of Trigonometry
Aryabhata defined “sine” as “jya”. He prepared a table of trigonometric functions which later started being used by Indian astronomers and Islamic mathematicians as well.
4. Planetary motion and astronomical calculations
Aryabhata told us that:
- The earth revolves around the sun.
- Day and night are caused by the rotation of the earth, not the rotation of the sun.
- Explained the scientific explanation of lunar and solar eclipse.
He calculated the position of planets, lunar months, solar months and years at that time so well that even modern calculations are close to them.
5. Algebra and techniques of square root, cube root
Aryabhata also contributed to algebra. Aryabhata identified square and cube numbers and then developed their corresponding formulas. also created formulas to simplify complex calculations.
- Aryabhata’s major work – Aryabhatiyam | Aryabhatta’s major contributions
- Aryabhata and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- The Government of India launched its first satellite in the name of ‘Aryabhatta’ in the year 1975. This name was given respectfully to Aryabhata as he was a great mathematician and astronomer. This clearly shows that Aryabhatta’s contribution is still inspiring for people in the field of science and technology.
Let us understand in a little more detail:
- Aryabhata was a very famous mathematician and astronomer of ancient India. Aryabhata made many important discoveries in astronomy and mathematics, such as the value of ‘π’ (pi) and the motion of planets.
- When India sent its first satellite into space in 1975, it was named “Aryabhata”. This was considered a major achievement of India’s space program.
- The purpose behind naming this satellite Aryabhata was to honor his contribution and to tell the coming generations that India has had deep knowledge and talent in the field of science since ancient times.
Why is Aryabhata still relevant?
Aryabhata promoted fact-based science.
His discoveries were based only on mathematical knowledge without any technical equipment.
He proved that India has been at the top in science and mathematics since ancient times.
Aryabhatta and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
Important questions related to Aryabhata in competitive exams
Which book was written by Aryabhata? – Aryabhatiyam
When was Aryabhata born? – Around 476 AD
What was the value of π (pi) given by Aryabhata? – 3.1416
After whom was India’s first satellite named? – Aryabhatta
What did Aryabhatta say was the reason for day and night? – Rotation of the Earth
Conclusion
Not only India but the whole world is proud of Aryabhatta. He gave such theories in the ancient era which are still inspiring for scientists. His thinking, calculation ability and contribution to astronomy are proof of the fact that India has been spreading the light of knowledge for centuries.
If we impart this knowledge to the Indian youth in the right way, then today’s youth will not only be able to know their history but will also move ahead in the field of science and mathematics.