INDIAN ASTRONOMY

Now we must turn our attention to the origin and history of Indian astronomy.  It is very ancient, it pertains to a period much earlier than those of the Greek philosophers and astronomers.  It started well had depth of knowledge, accurate mathematical calculations, a system of observations (but there were no telescopes etc.).  But, after political subjugation of India, the result was burning of libraries and suppression of intellectual research.  Hence, India lagged behind in experimental observation especially during the last three centuries.

Most of the Indian astronomical works are claimed as divine revelations ot various sages.  Some of these Siddhantas are mentioned:

1. Surya Siddhanta                                 10.  Marichi Siddhanta
2. Pitamaha Siddhanta                           11.  Manu Siddhanta
3. Vyasa Siddhanta                                 12.  Angirasa Siddhanta
4. Vashishtha Siddhanta                         13.  Lomasa Siddhanta
5. Atri Siddhanta                                      14.  Paulisa Siddhanta
6. Parashara Siddhanta                          15.  Chayavana Siddhanta
7. Kashyapa Siddhanta                           16.  Yavana Siddhanta
8. Narada Siddhanta                               17.  Bhrigu Siddhanta
9. Garga Siddhanta                                 18.  Saunaka Siddhanta

All the above sages are called 18 Jyothisha Pravarthakas.

A Book on Astronomy ; Relevant to Astrology

Paper I, Part 'B,' Astronomy Relevant to Astrology-I (Indian Council of Astrological Sciences, Regd. Madras, Delhi Chapter I, Jyotish Praveen)