Thread by @SearchingRoots

The Great Indian Sages..

The exemplary contribution of ancient Indian sages to science never received its due credit and ironically still remains unsung.

Here is an attempt to throw some light on the accomplishments of one such great ancient Indian scientist, Aryabhata.

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Aryabhata (476–550 CE):

Aryabhata was a fifth-century astronomer, mathematician, and the author of singularly famous astronomical treatise – Aryabhatiya.

Aryabhatiya contains 118 verses on mathematics, time and planetary models, and spheres and eclipses.

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Aryabhata’s contribution to astronomy is phenomenal. He formulated the process of calculating motion of planets & time of eclipses.

He was the first to state that the earth is round, rotates on its axis, orbits the sun, & is suspended in space – 1,000 yrs bfore Copernicus.

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He mentions the orbit of planetary motion is elliptical & gave a systematic treatment of the position of planets in space; calculated the circumference of the earth as 24835 miles(4967 yojanas), an excellent approximation to the currently calculated value of 24902 miles

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The mathematical areas covered by him included arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, fractions, quadratic equations, sums of power series, and tables of sines.

Aryabhata also provided an extremely accurate approximation of Pi (π) - 3.14159265 (correct to 8 decimal places)

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Famous French mathematician, G.Ifrah also states that Aryabhata is sure to have known the numeral symbols and place value system.

In his book A universal history of numbers: From prehistory to the invention of the computer, G. Ifrah writes:..

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“..it is extremely likely that Aryabhata knew the sign for zero & numerals of the place value system. This supposition is based on the following two facts:

first, the invention of his alphabetical counting system would have been impossible w/o zero or place-value system;

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..secondly, he carries out calculations on square and cubic roots which are impossible if the numbers in question are not written according to the place-value system and zero.”

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Above all, Aryabhata’s most spectacular contribution was the concept of zero w/o which modern computer technology would have been non-existent.

The list is long; however, the big question is why Aryabhata is not given the due credit & fame that this grt scientist deserved!

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One can understand the insecurities of the West to admit his genius work but the unconsidered treatment to his work in his own motherland is deplorable and beyond justifications..

P.S. - information has been collated from multiple articles/websites.

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