Around the 5th Century AD, many contributions were made to mathematics, astronomy and medical science. During this period, many new discoveries were also made. It can be said that the golden period of science in ancient India was between 4 -7th Century AD.

Aryabhata, the great astronomer, was born in Kerala in 476 AD. He completed his studies at the University of Nalanda. He laid the basic foundation for the field of astronomy in India. When he was 23-years-old, he wrote his first treatise on the Sun. 

This treatise was called ‘Aryabhatiya’. Recognising his treatise as a masterpiece, he was made head of the University. Aryabhata was the first to arrive at the conclusion that the earth is round and that it rotates on its own axis creating day and night. He deduced that the moon is dark and shines only because of the sunlight.

In his treatise, a mention was made about the Solar and Lunar eclipses indicating that they occur only from the shadows cast by the earth and the moon. He also propounded the concept that the earth was the centre of the Universe.

Apart from astronomy, Aryabhata has contributed immensely to mathematics. He was the first scholar to express large numbers in words by a novel method. Unwieldy numbers were written in this method. Not only this, ‘Aryabhatia’ also dealt with other aspects of mathematics.

In his old age, Aryabhata wrote another treatise called ‘Aryabhatasiddhanta’.  It dealt with astronomical calculations. Also, it served as a guide to astrology.

While preparing panchaangams (Hindu Calendars), Aryabhata’s astronomical data are used even today. India paid its tribute to this great astronomer and mathematician by naming its first satellite ‘Aryabhata’.