Question

ACHIVEMENTS IN ASTRONOMY OF ANCIENT INDIA

Answer 1

Answer:

Indian astronomy flowered in the 5th–6th century, with Aryabhata, whose Aryabhatiya represented the pinnacle of astronomical knowledge at the time. Later the Indian astronomy significantly influenced Muslim astronomy, Chinese astronomy, European astronomy, and others

Answer 2

In order to comprehend the mysteries of universe astronomy developed as a subject in ancient India. In order to carry out religious and ritualistic obligations, proper understanding of heavenly bodies and their precise location, position, time of appearance etc. became necessary. Practical considerations like need for accurate prediction of monsoon rainfall and growing demand for astrological charts especially by king(s), nobles and mercantile classes provided astronomers with patrons. The subject was closely associated with mathematics and many a time it was difficult to distinguish it as an exclusive subject. It was accorded highest place of honor.

The contribution to the subject is well known and is moreover documented. Astronomical principles were many times used by astrologers in preparing horoscope, calendar etc. During vedic times Joytisha was recognized as one of the branches of studies (Vendanga). In about 40 verses of Rig Veda rules are given for making almanac (pancanga) for a cycle of 5 years of 1830 days. It The contribution to the subject is well known and is moreover documented. Astronomical principles were many times used by astrologers in preparing horoscope, calendar etc. During vedic times Joytisha was recognized as one of the branches of studies (Vendanga). In about 40 verses of Rig Veda rules are given for making almanac (pancanga) for a cycle of 5 years of 1830 days. It The contribution to the subject is well known and is moreover documented. Astronomical principles were many times used by astrologers in preparing horoscope, calendar etc. During vedic times Joytisha was recognized as one of the branches of studies (Vendanga). In about 40 verses of Rig Veda rules are given for making almanac (pancanga) for a cycle of 5 years of 1830 days. It included both astronomy as well as astrology with sufficient idea about planetary movement, solar and lunar eclipse etc.
The earliest concept of a heliocentric model of the solar system is found in vedic texts, for example, “The Sun never sets nor rises” has been stated in Aitareya Brahamana. Visnu Purana clearly states “The sun is stationed for all time …”.


The ancient and oldest text on astronomy appears to be Surya Siddhhanta. All the astronomers in ancient India held surya Siddhanta in high esteem and considered their individual work as commentaries to the same. It can even now enable prediction of eclipses with slight error. Aryabhatta-I remodelled astronomy on scientific basic. He made pioneering discoveries in the realm of planetary motion. In his magnum opus Aryabhattiya,