BHASKARA II

By: Nishant Potghan

(J23IMT631)
Vibbhav Chandan
(J23IMT653)
 MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS
• Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, was a renowned Indian mathematician and
astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astronomy during the 12th century.
His work, particularly in the Siddhanta Shiromani, covered various aspects of astronomy
including planetary motion, eclipses, and the mathematics behind these phenomena.
1. Planetary Motion: Bhaskara II developed mathematical models to describe the motion of the
planets. He proposed a theory of epicycles to explain the retrograde motion of the planets, which
was a significant advancement in understanding celestial mechanics at the time.
2. Eclipses: Bhaskara II studied solar and lunar eclipses extensively. He accurately calculated the
occurrence of eclipses and provided methods to predict their timings and durations. His calculations
were based on the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
3. Calculation of Sine Table: Bhaskara II is also credited with the development of an early version of
the sine table. Sines and cosines are fundamental trigonometric functions used in astronomy for various
calculations, including determining the positions of celestial bodies.
4. Mathematical Treatises: Bhaskara II's astronomical contributions were documented in his major
work, the Siddhanta Shiromani. This comprehensive treatise consisted of four sections: Lilavati
(arithmetic), Bijaganita (algebra), Goladhyaya (sphere), and Grahaganita (mathematics of the planets).
The Grahaganita section specifically dealt with planetary motion and related calculations.
5. Specific Calculations: One notable calculation attributed to Bhaskara II is his approximation of the
length of the sidereal year. He calculated it to be 365.2588 days, which is remarkably close to the
modern value of approximately 365.2564 days.
 POSSIBLE METHODS
•Bhaskara II's approximation of the length of the sidereal year was based on his observations and
mathematical calculations. While the exact details of his calculations may not be explicitly
documented, we can infer some of the methods he might have used based on the knowledge and
techniques available during his time. Here's a hypothetical outline of the calculations he might have
made:
1. Observational Data: Bhaskara II likely gathered observational data on the motion of celestial
bodies, particularly the Sun and the stars. He may have observed the apparent motion of the Sun
against the background of stars over a period of time.
2. Angular Motion: Bhaskara II would have calculated the angular distance the Sun travels along
the ecliptic in one year. This involves observing the Sun's position relative to the background stars at
different times of the year and calculating the total angular displacement.
3. Conversion to Linear Motion: Using
trigonometric principles, Bhaskara II would have
converted the angular motion of the Sun into linear
motion along the ecliptic. This would involve
calculations using the Earth's orbital radius and the
observed angular displacement.
4. Comparison with Modern Data: While
Bhaskara II did not have access to precise modern
measurements, he likely compared his calculated
value to existing astronomical data and
observations from his time. This would have
involved comparing his calculated length of the
year with the traditional Indian astronomical texts
and observations.
 जब जीरो दिया मेरे भारत ने, भारत ने मेरे भारत ने,
दुनिया को तब गिनती आई।
तारों की भाषा भारत ने, दुनिया को पहले सिखलाई।
देता न दशमलव भारत तो, यूँ चाँद पे जाना मुश्किल था ।
धरती और चाँद की दूरी का अंदाजा लगाना मुश्किल था ॥