Aryabhatta’s contribution to Mathematics and Astronomy

Aryabhatta is one of the most outstanding scientists of ancient India. He was born in 476 AD at Pataliputra (now Patna) in Bihar. Not much is known about his family background, life and education. He was an astronomer and one of the earliest mathematicians.

About Aryabhatta

1. Place of birth: Pataliputra, Bihar
2. Reign: 476-550 AD
3. Education: Nalanda University

About Aryabhatta Works

• Aryabhatta is one of the first known mathematicians who used algebra.
• Most of his work is related to astronomy.
• Aryabhata taught mathematics and astronomy.
• He carried out research on the motion of heavenly bodies and mathematics.

Contribution of Aryabhatta in Mathematics

1. He stated many rules in different branches of mathematics like arithmetic and algebra.
2. He made many new observations in geometry.
3. Trigonometry: Aryabhata’s area of a triangle is mentioned in Ganitapada 6.
4. Value of pi (1): He also calculated the value of pi (1) correct up to four decimal places (equal to 3.1414).
5. Indeterminate equations
6. Place value system and zero

Contribution of Aryabhatta in Astronomy

1. At the time of Aryabhata, it was believed that the sun, stars and other heavenly bodies revolved around the earth. It was Aryabhata who stated that the rotation of the heavenly bodies, as observed by us is due to the rotation of the earth around its axis.
2. He also established that the lunar and solar eclipses were caused due to the shadows of the earth and the moon, respectively.
3. According to him, the moon emits light from the sun but has no light of its own.
4. Heliocentric theory

Buddhagupta made Aryabhatta the head of Nalanda University as a reward for his excellent work.

Two important books of Aryabhatta

Aryabhatta was a famous mathematician and astronomer who wrote several books on his discoveries and work in these fields. Two of the important books are – Aryabhatiya and Aryabhatasidhanto.

1. In his book Aryabhatiya, Aryabhata has summarized mathematics, as known at that time, in 499 verse couplets or slokas.
2. The book Aryabhatasidhanta was a handbook for day-to-day astronomical calculations. Some astronomical calculations are even today for preparing almanacs (panchangs).

Other important books are:

1. Dash Geetika
2. Rishab’s Good Theory of Indian

Aryabhatta Death

Aryabhata died at the age of 75 years in 550 AD in India. However, his actual place of death is uncertain.

The first Indian experimental satellite that was launched in April 1975 was named Aryabhata.

Trivia