Astronomy developed concurrently with mathematics as a complement to religious obsessions in the past. Both met the requirements of objectivity and subjectivity.
Astronomy evolved from magical observations of the sky above to systematic observation and discussion, and finally to scientific investigation and interpretation, resulting in a complex field that is both effective and widely used. Astronomy developed from religious interpretations of the movement of stars and planets and developed into a popular pastime throughout history.
What are the sources to understand the history of 'Astronomy'?
Astronomical information is primarily derived from the Vedic scriptures, Jain literature, and siddhantas (texts), as well as efforts in Kerala.
Certain seals from the Indus Valley period are believed to contain information about the knowledge of the early inhabitants as well as the direction of certain clearly inspired monuments.
Major Observatories
The observatories of Jantar Mantar, built by Jaipur's Sawai Jai Singh, are a must-see.
Five such structures for time measurement and astronomical calculations are located in New Delhi, Varanasi, Jaipur, Mathura, and Ujjain. These astrolabes from the eighteenth century are significant for scientific and architectural reasons.
Sawai Jai Singh commissioned these massive stone structures in order to provide accurate astrological tables. The Jaipur observatory is home to the world's largest sundial, which features a 90-foot-tall projecting arm (the gnomon). Because the astronomical table was extremely precise, and in some cases more precise than modern western tables, the Jantar Mantars' measurements were quite impressive for their time.
This table was dubbed the Zij Muhammad Shahi in Persian and Sanskrit. Time was determined by examining the shadows cast by the core straight walls on the curving walls beyond. Sundials were used for religious and practical purposes, as well as to forecast the weather and provide other information.
Astronomy In Vedas
The Samhitas are texts that contain hymns, charms, invocations, and sacrificial formulas. They are derived from the four Vedas.
The Rig Veda (the Book of Devotional Verse)
The Yajur Veda (the Book of Sacrificial Formulae)
The Sama Veda (the Book of Chants)
The Atharva Veda (the Book of Mysticotherapeutic Priestcraft)
Their emergence follows a lengthy oral transmission period following their organisation in the four Samhitas.
The Rig Veda and Atharva Veda songs make reference to the lunar calendar's maintenance. The Moon was historically regarded as the "month-maker" (maakrt).
Numerous indicators of autumn equinox awareness exist, all of which are connected to:
Aditi (which corresponds to Pollux, longitude 113°)
Daksha (Vega, longitude 284 degrees)
Rudra (Betelgeuse, longitude 88 degrees)
Rohini (Aedebaran, 69 degrees of longitude).
The shifting longitud