From Aryabhata to Aditya-L1: Charting India’s Breakthroughs in Astronomy and Space

Introduction

India’s love for knowledge and science is centuries old. The curiosity to understand the mysteries of the cosmos has always been a part of Indian culture. Even in ancient times—long before the invention of telescopes—our sages and astronomers made astonishing discoveries using only the naked eye and complex mathematical calculations.

Today, under the leadership of ISRO, India is rapidly moving toward becoming a global space power. Let’s explore this fascinating journey of Indian astronomy.

 Part 1: Ancient India – The Foundation of Astronomy

India’s roots in astronomy run deep. Legendary scholars such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskaracharya made invaluable contributions to mathematics and astronomy.

Ujjain – The Greenwich of Ancient India

In ancient times, Ujjain served as the central hub of Indian astronomy. It was considered the Zero Meridian of India.Just like the modern world sets time based on the Greenwich Meridian in London, ancient India calculated time and Panchang (almanac) with Ujjain as the reference point.

 Part 2: Jantar Mantar – The Golden Age of Stone Observatories

In the early 18th century, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur introduced a new chapter in Indian astronomy. Being a scholar himself, he noticed significant errors in the astronomical tables and planetary predictions of his time. To correct these errors, he created the magnificent structures we now know as Jantar Mantar.

The term “Jantar Mantar” comes from Yantra + Mantra, meaning “instruments for calculation.”

These observatories used no lenses or glass; they functioned entirely on geometry, angles, and shadow movement.

Sawai Jai Singh built five observatories in:

 

• Delhi
• Jaipur
• Ujjain
• Varanasi
• Mathura (now lost)

Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar – The Finest Example

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the Brihad Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest stone sundial. Standing 27 meters tall, it can measure time with an accuracy of just 2 seconds—a stunning example of engineering brilliance from that era.

 Part 3: The Modern Era – Advanced Ground-Based Observatories

After independence, India embraced modern technology and established world-class observatories studying the universe across various wavelengths.

1. Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle – Ladakh

One of the highest observatories in the world (4,500 m). The clear, dry skies make it ideal for optical and infrared telescopes.

2. GMRT, Pune

The Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope is one of the largest facilities for radio astronomy.

Its 30 massive dish antennas study pulsars, galaxies, and the early universe.

3. Other Important Observatories

• Vainu Bappu Observatory, Kavalur
• Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

 Part 4: India’s Eyes in Space – Space Observatories (Satellites)

Because Earth’s atmosphere blocks UV and X-rays, India has launched its own observatories into space.

1. AstroSat (2015)

India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory—often called a “Mini Hubble.”

2. Aditya-L1 (2023)

India’s first dedicated solar mission, stationed at the L1 Lagrange Point (1.5 million km away) to continuously observe the Sun.

3. XPoSat (2024)

India’s first X-ray polarimeter mission, helping scientists understand black holes and neutron stars.

 Part 5: The Future – India’s Own Space Station

After the success of Gaganyaan, India’s next major ambition is:

Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS)

• First module planned by 2028
• Fully operational by 2035
• Indian astronauts will conduct experiments in microgravity

 Conclusion

From the stone sundials of Jaipur to high-altitude telescopes in Ladakh—and now sophisticated observatories orbiting in space—India’s astronomical journey is truly inspiring.

Combining ancient wisdom with modern science, India is poised to lead humanity in exploring the mysteries of the universe.