INDIAN ASTRONOMY
India is the one of the oldest place where curiosity to know
the universe started. Indian Astronomy started
around 2000 B.C. Khagola-Shastra was the name given to the Indian
astronomy. Word Khagola was originated from the famous astronomical universe of
Nalanda.
Indian Astronomy became an established tradition by the 1st
millennium BCE, when Jyotisa Vedanga and other supplementary branches of
learning called Vedanga began to take place. This time onwards, number of
Indian astronomers studied various phenomenon of astronomical science. Number
of techniques and instruments were developed keeping the various culture in
mind. These techniques and instrument were used in calendric studies.
Indian Astronomy reflects the intertwine of various religions
in initial ages. The first texture mention of Indian astronomical concept comes
from the Vedas. The cardinal directions of Indian Astronomy are found in the
Sulbasutra (1st millennium BCE), a discourse containing mathematical
applications used for alter construction. Mathematics and astronomical
instruments were used widely to calculate time after sunlight, daylight period,
computation of sun rise, computation of sunset, and general measurement of
time.
Jyotisa Vedanga astronomy was on top between the 6th
and 4th centuries BCE. The Pancasiddantika (Varahimira, 505 CE)
approximates the method for fortitude of the meridian direction from any three
positions of the shadow using Gnomon. The Indian religious texts also shows the
information about he astronomical observation were used during the ritual.
Hindu kept a pancanga for calculation of tithi ( date), vara
( weekday), naksatra (asterism) and karan (half lunar day) for social and
religious events that are closely related to Indian Astrology. Hindu calendar
also shows that a year was divided on the basis of religious rituals and
seasons (Ritu).
Aryabhata wrote one of the most important books of Indian
Astronomy called Aryabhatasiddhanta. The
facts of this book were also used in works of Varahimira, Bhaskara I,
Brahmagupta and other astronomers.
Indian Astronomy is one of the
famous astronomical science which is being used for its most interesting
aspects of study and practice.
Dharmendra
Kumar (DMR)
DMR’S ASTRONOMY CLUB
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