Aryabhatta, the greatest mathematician of all time, has several discoveries. He has left a great impact on not only mathematics but also astronomy.
Aryabhatta is known for many discoveries but primarily for his book called Aryabhatiya. It is a Sanskrit astronomical book which is the magnum opus and the only known surviving work of Aryabhatta, a 5th-century Indian mathematician. Based on historical references, astronomer philosopher Roger Billard believes the book was written around 510 CE.
Besides his book, he also made significant contributions to trigonometry and algebra. His book, Aryabhatiya, gives simple solutions to complicated mathematical problems of the time. Additionally, Aryabhatta correctly calculated the areas of a triangle and a circle.
In his time, the numbers were only nine. Aryabhatta was the one to invent the number zero and make new numbers. This is a remarkable feat for the time, as well as one of the earliest correct understandings of the idea of zero, which is fundamental to mathematics.
Aryabhatta was able to accurately conclude that the Earth is round and revolves around its axis despite the lack of precise astronomical instruments at the time. He also tied this to the existence of day and night. For the solar system, Aryabhata developed a geocentric model in which the Sun and Moon are borne by epicycles that revolve around the Earth. Despite utilising a geocentric model, Aryabhatta properly explained how the moons and planets have no light of their own and shine as a result of sunlight reflection. Furthermore, he dispelled the incorrect assumption that eclipses are caused by the shadows cast by the Earth and Moon and instead revealed the true causes of eclipses.
Aryabhatta is thus the first of India’s renowned astronomers of the classical period. He had a significant impact on Indian mathematics and astronomy, with his efforts laying the groundwork for future luminaries in these subjects.
Read Further: Aryabhata
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