How many of us know of Nīlakaṇṭha Somayājī?(1444-1545). One of the greatest mathematician-astronomers of the middle ages. He provided a geoheliocentric planetary model in which planets revolved around the sun. His calculations stayed the most accurate in the world until Kepler.
Somayājī (1444-1545) was a Namboodiri Brāhmaṇa of the Gargeya lineage (Ashvalayana Rigvedi) who provided a geoheliocentric model of planetary motion nearly century before Copernicus's pure heliocentric model. His calculations on planetary orbit around the sun were revolutionary.
Somayājī's work completely challenged the dominant geocentric model of planetary motion. 200 years after his magnum opus; a Danish astronomer by name of Tycho Brahe would propose the same geoheliocentric system.
However, no one knows about Somayājī today. Why?
However, no one knows about Somayājī today. Why?
He lived to a ripe age of 105. He completely destroys the idea that Hindus were "superstitious" or "irrational" or didn't use the scientific method. He says the very foundation of science is teaching students proper experimentation that can be carried out each generation.
Somayājī refutes those who say science comes from "Gods" and says this is wrong. Science comes from the power of the rational mind to carry out experiments that meet observations & prove hypothesis. This is how we arrive at correct knowledge. God may inspire, only man thinks.
Somayājī makes it clear that just because something was authoritative 2000 years ago doesn't mean anything. If the data doesn't fit the thesis, it is wrong. Revise it or propose a new thesis. This is how science works. Accurate contemporary experiments.
vriitrahan.wordpress.com
vriitrahan.wordpress.com
He explains that some of Aryabhaṭa's work itself has become incorrect as new data has come to light. It has been periodically revised. However, Aryabhaṭa taught us to value empiricism over everything. The Shruti tells us to use logic & perception (Taittiriya Aranyaka 1.2.1)
Loading suggestions...