Ancient India boasts a rich tradition of astronomy, with remarkable contributions from scholars who made significant advancements in understanding celestial phenomena. These astronomers, with their profound insights and pioneering works, played a crucial role in shaping the early foundations of Indian astronomy. Here, we explore some of the prominent astronomers of ancient India and their noteworthy contributions:

1. Aryabhata (476–550 CE):

• Aryabhata was an extraordinary mathematician and astronomer from ancient India. His magnum opus, the “Aryabhatiya,” composed in 499 CE, provided groundbreaking insights into mathematics and astronomy.
• Aryabhata proposed a heliocentric model of the solar system, where the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. He accurately calculated the length of a solar year, emphasizing the significance of mathematical precision in astronomical calculations.

2. Varahamihira (505–587 CE):

• Varahamihira, a polymath, made notable contributions to astronomy through his work “Panchasiddhantika” (Five Astronomical Canons). This text integrated the teachings of earlier astronomers and became a significant reference for subsequent scholars.
• His observations on planetary motion, eclipse predictions, and the calculation of celestial phenomena demonstrated a deep understanding of astronomy.

3. Brahmagupta (598–668 CE):

• Brahmagupta, a renowned mathematician and astronomer, authored the “Brahmasphutasiddhanta,” a seminal work that significantly influenced Indian astronomy and mathematics.
• He proposed a mathematical model for the motion of planets, providing a detailed explanation of their orbits. Brahmagupta also contributed to understanding eclipses, particularly solar eclipses, and formulated rules for solving astronomical problems.

4. Bhaskara I (600–680 CE):

• Bhaskara I, also known as Bhaskara the Elder, made significant contributions to astronomy through his work “Mahabhaskariya.” His writings focused on planetary motion, lunar and solar eclipses, and the accurate calculation of astronomical phenomena.
• Bhaskara I’s pioneering efforts in determining the positions of celestial bodies laid the groundwork for future advancements in Indian astronomy.

5. Bhaskara II (1114–1185 CE):

• Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, was a distinguished mathematician and astronomer. His magnum opus, “Siddhanta Shiromani,” included the sections “Lilavati” and “Vijaganita,” which covered mathematical and astronomical concepts.
• He accurately calculated the time taken by the Earth to orbit the Sun, anticipated the concept of differential calculus, and made significant contributions to trigonometry.

6. Madhava of Sangamagrama (c. 1340–1425 CE):

• Madhava, a remarkable mathematician-astronomer from the Kerala school of mathematics, is often regarded as a pioneer in calculus. Although many of his original works have been lost, his contributions are evident in later texts.
• He developed the concept of infinite geometric series and made early strides in the discovery of the infinite series for trigonometric functions. Madhava’s insights were foundational for later mathematicians like Newton and Leibniz.

7. Nilakantha Somayaji (1444–1544 CE):

• Nilakantha Somayaji, belonging to the Kerala school of astronomy and mathematics, authored the “Aryabhatiyabhashya,” a commentary on Aryabhata’s “Aryabhatiya.” He also wrote the “Tantrasangraha” and “Tantrasamgraha-vyakhya,” which further expanded on astronomical concepts.
• Nilakantha proposed a computational model for the motion of the Moon and made advancements in understanding planetary positions.

8. Jyesthadeva (c. 1500–1610 CE):

• Jyesthadeva, another scholar from the Kerala school, wrote the mathematical treatise “Yuktibhasa,” which significantly influenced subsequent developments in Indian astronomy and calculus.
• He introduced the concept of differentiation and integration, presenting an early form of calculus. Jyesthadeva’s work laid the groundwork for later mathematicians in India and Europe.

9. Ganesha Daivajna (16th century CE):

• Ganesha Daivajna, an astronomer from the Vijayanagara Empire, wrote “Dikshitendu Sangraham,” a Sanskrit text that provided methods for calculating the positions of celestial bodies and predicting eclipses.
• His work includes detailed calculations for solar and lunar eclipses, as well as the positions of planets. Ganesha Daivajna’s contributions added to the wealth of Indian astronomical knowledge.

10. Sawai Jai Singh II (1688–1743 CE):

• Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber (Jaipur), was an astronomer and architect. He established observatories known as “Jantar Mantars” in various locations, including Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi.
• The Jantar Mantars were equipped with large-scale instruments for measuring time, predicting eclipses, and observing celestial bodies. Jai Singh’s observational tools and instruments showcased an advanced understanding of astronomy during his time.