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The Gupta Empire saw the birth of a renowned mathematician of all times. Aryabhatta was born in the capital of the Gupta Empire, Pataliputra. He was also known for his vast knowledge of astronomy. Aryabhatta made significant contributions through his mathematical books, some of which are still highly thought of today. While many of his works were lost, the remaining ones hold immense credibility for modern scholars. His inventions and discoveries are a source of national pride and continue to inspire budding scientists. This article is a biography of Aryabhatta, so sit back and scroll.
Table of Contents
Overview of Aryabhatta
We will begin with some basic information about the legend. Here is an overview of Aryabhatta.
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Aryabhata |
| Alternate Name | Aryabhata I, Aryabhatta |
| Occupation | Astronomer and Mathematician |
| Time Period | 476–550 CE |
| Significance | First major mathematician-astronomer of the classical age of Indian mathematics and astronomy |
| Notable Works | Āryabhaṭīya, Arya-siddhanta |
| Āryabhaṭīya Information | Mentions that in 3600 Kali Yuga (499 CE), Aryabhata was 23 years old. |
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Biography of Aryabhatta
Aryabhata’s name holds a slight debate for its spelling. Although often spelt “Aryabhatta” due to its resemblance to other names with the “bhatta” suffix, the correct spelling is simply “Aryabhata.” This is confirmed by astronomical texts and references made by other scholars.
This debate extends to his date of birth as well. In his work, Aryabhatiya, his book, mentions being 23 years old in the year 3600 of the Kali Yuga. This doesn’t directly translate to the composition date of the text. However, by converting the Kali Yuga year, we can estimate his birth around 476 CE. He also identified himself as a native of Kusumapura, which is present-day Patna, Bihar.
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About Aryabhatiya
Aryabhata’s influential book, also known as “Aryabhata’s 108” or “Aryabhatiya” for its 108 verses, is a collection of aphorisms written in the sutra style. These short, easily memorable remembered statements act as a guide to complex calculations. Divided into four chapters (padas), the book begins with 13 introductory verses.
First Chapter– Gitikapada, dives into cosmology with 13 verses. Here, Aryabhata discusses the concept of a maha yuga, a cycle of time lasting a time of 4.32 million years, and explores planetary revolutions within this timeframe.
Second Chapter– Ganitapada, focuses on mathematics with 33 verses dedicated to calculations. This section covers mensuration, various types of equations (simple, quadratic, indeterminate, arithmetic, and geometric), and other mathematical concepts.
Third Chapter– Kalakriyapada consists of 33 verses. It deals with the complexities of timekeeping. Exploring various units of time, the third chapter provides methods for calculating the positions of planets on a specific day. Additionally, it covers calculations related to intercalary months (extra months added to lunar calendars), missing lunar days (Shaya-tithis), and the concept of a seven-day week with designated names for each day.
Fourth Chapter– Golapada, steps in the world of geometry and trigonometry. It covers the celestial sphere, exploring features like the ecliptic (sun’s path across the sky), the celestial equator, nodes (intersection points of the moon’s orbit with the ecliptic), and even the shape of the earth. Aryabhata also explores the causes of day and night, the rising of zodiac signs on the horizon, and other celestial phenomena.
This is not the whole part of the biography of Aryabhatta, we have more for you. Keep scrolling.
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Aryabhatta’s Discoveries
Arybhatta has not just contributed to one field, he covered two fields majorly mathematics and astronomy. Moreover, he has stepped his feet in many more, but these two have been common.
| Field | Discovery | Details |
| Mathematics | Value of Pi | Calculated Pi to 2 decimal places (3.14) |
| Zero | Understood the concept of zero and used null coefficients | |
| Algebra | Explained planetary systems using algebraic concepts | |
| Astronomy | Earth’s Rotation | Proposed the Earth rotates on its axis daily, causing the apparent movement of stars |
| Eclipses | Explained the scientific reasons behind solar and lunar eclipses | |
| Sidereal Period | Calculated the sidereal rotation of the Earth (very close to the modern value) | |
| Heliocentrism | Advocated for a heliocentric model (planets revolving around the Sun) |
FAQs
Aryabhatta is known to be the father of Indian mathematics. A major reason for the same is his contribution to the subject.
The famous mathematician Aryabhatta discovered ‘zero.’ Afterwards, many people discovered further figures.
Infinity wasn’t “found” by a single person, but rather the concept developed over time. Early Greek philosophers like Zeno of Elia grappled with its ideas around 450 BC.
Relevant Blogs
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