MySkool Times

For centuries, the contributions of ancient Indian scholars have shaped our understanding of the world, and among the most brilliant of these luminaries was Aryabhata. Born in 476 CE, Aryabhata was a prodigious mathematician and astronomer whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for many concepts we take for granted today. His treatise, the "Aryabhatiya" is a testament to his genius, and continues to be studied and admired by scholars worldwide.

​The Dawn of Zero and Place Value:
​Perhaps Aryabhata's most significant contribution to mathematics was his sophisticated understanding and application of the decimal place-value system and the concept of 'zero'. While the exact origin of zero is debated, Aryabhata's work clearly demonstrates its integral role in his numerical system. He used Sanskrit words to denote digits and their positions, effectively employing a system that allowed for the representation of incredibly large numbers with ease. This innovation was crucial for complex calculations in astronomy and other fields, paving the way for future mathematical advancements globally.

​Unveiling the Secrets of the Cosmos:
​Aryabhata's brilliance wasn't confined to abstract mathematics; he was also a pioneering astronomer. His "Aryabhatiya" contains detailed explanations of celestial phenomena, challenging many prevailing beliefs of his time. He accurately proposed that the Earth rotates on its axis, a radical idea that predated Copernicus by over a thousand years. Aryabhata carefully observed the Sun, Moon, planets, stars, eclipses, and time cycles. Without telescopes or modern tools, he relied on naked-eye observations, sharp calculation skills, and deep reasoning. He noticed patterns in the movement of celestial bodies and recorded them with great accuracy. Instead of guessing, he measured, calculated, and verified.

One of Aryabhata’s boldest discoveries was that the Earth rotates on its axis. He explained that the daily rising and setting of the Sun and stars happens because Earth spins, not because the sky moves around us. This idea was far ahead of its time and showed his courage to challenge traditional beliefs using logic.

Aryabhata clearly explained:

• Day and night occur due to Earth’s rotation.

• Solar and lunar eclipses are caused by shadows  and not monsters or supernatural forces, as commonly believed then.

He explained that a lunar eclipse happens when Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon, and a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks sunlight from reaching Earth. This scientific explanation helped remove fear and superstition from astronomy.

Article by - Poornima