Aryabhata Biography

Aryabhata was an ancient Indian mathematician-astronomer. This

biography profiles his childhood, life, works, achievements and timeline.
Quick Facts

Aryabhata was an acclaimed mathematician-astronomer. He was

born in Kusumapura (present day Patna) in Bihar, India. His contribution
to mathematics, science and astronomy is immense, and yet he has not
been accorded the recognition in the world history of science. At the age
of 24, he wrote his famed Aryabhatiya. He was aware of the concept of
zero, as well as the use of large numbers up to 1018. He was the first to
calculate the value for pi accurately to the fourth decimal point. He
devised the formula for calculating areas of triangles and circles. He
calculated the circumference of the earth as 62,832 miles, which is an
excellent approximation, and suggested that the apparent rotation of the
heavens was due to the axial rotation of the earth on its axis. He was the
first known astronomer to devise a continuous counting of solar days,
designating each day with a number. He asserted that the planets shine
due to the reflection of sunlight, and that the eclipses occur due to the
shadows of moon and earth. His observations discount the flat earth
concept, and lay the foundation for the belief that earth and other planets
orbit the sun.
Major Works
Aryabhatas major work, Aryabhatiya, a compendium of
mathematics and astronomy, was extensively referred to in the Indian

mathematical literature, and has survived to modern times. T he

Aryabhatiya covers arithmetic, algebra,and trigonometry.

Trivia
Named after the great Indian astronomer of the same name, Indias
first satellites image used to appear on the reverse of Indian 2 rupee
banknotes. Named after the great Indian astronomer is the remnant of a
lunar impact crater located in the eastern Sea of Tranquility on the Moon.
Submerged by lava-flow, now only an arc-shaped ridge remains.
Personal Life & Legacy
Aryabhatas work was of great influence in the Indian astronomical
tradition and influenced several neighboring cultures through
translations. Some of his works are citedby Al-Khwarizmi, and in the 10th
century by Al-Biruni. The Aryabhata Knowledge University (AKU), Patna,
has been established by the Government of Bihar in his honor for the
development and management of educational infrastructure related to
technical, medical, management and allied professional education.
Indias first satellite Aryabhata is named in his honor. At the Aryabhata
Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIOS) near Nainital,
India, research in astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences is
conducted.