India’s recent progress in
astronomical science has not occurred in a vacuum – but is the culmination of a trend that began
long, long ago.
Ancient Indians made many remarkable observations (and discoveries) about the universe we live in – and thus contributed to the exploration of the universe. Stargazing was very much a part of life in the ancient Vedic civilization.
In fact, much of Vedic mythology is a symbolic retelling of this astronomical knowledge.
The early Indus civilization gave importance to the phases of the Moon. . But, gradually, the Sun became more important due to the emphasis given to agriculture and the seasons. The Sun was considered to be the prime supporter, controller and light-giver of the universe. The motions of the sun and the moon were also tracked against the backdrop of the planets.
But, for a period of about two thousand years (starting about 1,500 B.C.), there was no further progress in India’s astronomical tradition…
This was followed by the age of mathematical astronomy. The main focus of these astronomers was the calculation of planetary orbits and the development of algorithms for this purpose. Many theoretical texts (Siddhantas) were written in this period; the most famous being the one by Aryabhatta – the great astronomer and mathematician - in 500 A.D. The Jesuits introduced this knowledge of practical astronomy – magnetic compass and telescope - to India. They also used astronomical tables and charts. But the most significant (long term) impact was the setting up of modern and scientific observatories under the patronage of Indian Kings. Some of the most prominent observatories dating from this period were:
• The stone observatories of Jai Singh (known as Jantar Mantar) that were constructed from stone and masonry.
• The Madras observatory
• The Calcutta observatory
• The Royal observatory (Lucknow), which was perhaps the best-equipped observatory in India at that time.
• The Takhta Singhji observatory (Pune) which was the leading spectroscopic observatory.
Some of the leading Indian scientists of the modern era were C.V. Raman, M.N. Saha and V.V. Narlikar. In 1946, a year before freedom, India launched its first rocket with a scientific pay-load. And after India gained freedom, astronomical research also picked up momentum. Astronomy and astrophysics began to be taught in our universities once again… But the most significant development was the formation of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in 1969 that heralded the dawn of a new era in Indian astronomy.