Golden
age of
India
Driving Question - Based on what artifacts historians proclaim’
Gupta rule as the golden Period of india
Project story:-
I chose astronomy because i wanted to know how gupta people found
7 planets and other things that they made
Introduction about Gupta empire
The Gupta Empire, a prominent ancient Indian dynasty, reigned over
a significant portion of the Indian subcontinent from approximately
320 to 550 CE. This period, often referred to as the "Golden Age of
India," was characterised by remarkable cultural, intellectual, and
economic achievements. Under Gupta rule, India experienced a
flourishing of art, literature, science, and trade. The empire's
political stability, efficient administration, and patronage of scholars
and artists contributed to its enduring legacy. This introduction
provides a glimpse into the Gupta Empire, a historical epoch that left
an indelible mark on Indian civilization and continues to be
celebrated for its exceptional cultural contributions.
Gupta astronomy:
Gupta astronomers made many discoveries about the sun, moon and
earth
The scientists of the Gupta period realised that the solar system
had 7 planets
They also had developed a technology that allowed them to detect
solar and lunar eclipse
Their discoveries were more that those of the Greeks
Aryabhata was one of the Gupta Empire’s most famous scientist
Aryabhata have discovered that the earth rotates on its own axis
and revolves around the sun
Aryabhata calculated that a year is approximately 365 days
Here are some astrologers in the Gupta period – Aryabhata,
Varahamihira, Bhramagupta etc…
The astronomical system of Aryabhata was known as the “Aud Ayaka
system”
He was of the opinion that the motion of stars was a result of the
motion caused by the rotation of the Earth. This Theory contradicts
the previously believed the notion that it is the sky that rotates and
not the stars.
Aryabhata saw the development of various astronomical texts
collectively as siddhantas. The texts contained information about
planetary movements, the calculation of =eclipse and other celestial
phenomena.
The Gupta astronomers developed sophisticated calendar systems
including the Hindu Calendar which is still in use today. These
calendars were based on astronomical observations and calculations.
Cities like Ujjain become prominent centers for astronomical
observations and during the Gupta age where scholars gathered to
study the cosmos.
Indian astronomers during the Gupta age developed various
observational instruments such as gnomon (A sundial-like instrument)
and astrolabe which helped them make more accurate measurements
of celestial positions.
The astronomical knowledge developed during Gupta age had a
profound influence on subsequent Indian and Islamic astronomy as
well as European astronomy.
The Kushan Empire
The Kushan Empire was characterised by its cultural diversity and
openness to various influences, including Greek, Indian, and Central
Asian traditions. Greek astronomy, inherited from the earlier
Hellenistic period, had a notable impact on Kushan astronomy.
The Kushan astronomers adopted Greek constellations and
knowledge of celestial objects. They used Greek star catalogs and
adapted them to the local region, adding their own observations.
The Kushans are known for creating their star catalogs, which
included information about the positions and movements of stars.
These catalogs were used for navigation, astrology, and timekeeping.
Mauryan Empire
During the Mauryan Empire, the study of celestial objects was
closely related to the development of calendrical systems. The
accurate measurement of time and the establishment of calendars
were essential for agricultural, religious, and administrative
purposes. Mauryan astronomers made observations of celestial
events, such as eclipses, and developed basic instruments for their
study. Instruments like the gnomon and astrolabe were used for
measurements.
Surya siddhanta
The Surya Siddhanta is one of the oldest Hindu astronomical texts,
providing insights into the ancient Indian understanding of
astronomy and mathematics. It is traditionally attributed to Sage
Surya, the Sun god, and is considered a foundational work in Hindu
astronomy. Believed to have been written around the 4th or 5th
century CE, it outlines a geocentric model of the solar system,
offers methods for calculating planetary positions, estimates the
length of a tropical year, explains the occurrence of solar and lunar
eclipses, introduces the concept of Yugas (vast time cycles), and
contains early trigonometric ideas and tables. While subsequent
advancements in astronomy have refined our understanding, the
Surya Siddhanta remains a significant historical document reflecting
the scientific achievements of ancient India
Conclusion
The Gupta empire found 7 planets astronomers made
many discoveries about the sun, moon and earth
In the end, I conclude that Guptas must be “The
Golden Age of India” because of their talent in
astronomy.
Thank you
Gupta Empire Astronomy and Astronomical System of
Aryabhatta (the indian history.org)
Maurya Empire - Wikipedia
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