Aryabhatta: The Father of Algebra

 Aryabhatta: The Father of Algebra

India is a country renowned for many feats, most of which are not known to most people because they have been shrouded behind foreign achievements for centuries now. This is why I’ve decided to start a series on Indian history, covering and unmasking achievements, dynasties and famous people. This is my second article in this series. 

Aryabhata was born in the year 476 CE, in what we believe is now Bihar. He was a great scholar who made remarkable strides in the worlds of astronomy and mathematics. He was born in the Gupta era and, even during his life, was an extremely renowned astronomer. He has written multiple books about mathematics and astronomy, his mathematical books are revered to this day and have attained a status of something holy. Due to the era he lived in, many of his works have been lost, but many are still studied to this day. Aryabhata brought pride to India, and inspired all mathematicians who came after him. 

Aryabhata’s most known work is his Aryabhatiya. It is split into 4 chapters and 108 verses, a form of writing called a ‘sutra’. The four chapters’ contents are as follows:

Gitikapada (1st chapter): 

The Gitikipada focuses on astronomy and millions of years of astronomical history. It discussed planetary revolutions, the existence of a ‘solar system’ and the events of the Maha Yuga. 

Ganitapada (2nd chapter): 

The Ganitapada is all about mathematical calculations and the way they should be done. Ganita means calculation in Sanskrit, that’s why this chapter is dedicated to calculations. This chapter discusses quadratic equations, the writing of geometric and arithmetic proofs, trigonometry and mensuration. 

Kalakriyapada (3rd chapter): 

The Kalakriyapada is about time as a concept. This chapter discusses the different measurements of time (hours, minutes, days) and the reasoning behind them. In short, it justifies the existence of time. 

Golapada (4th chapter): 

The Golapada is yet another astronomical chapter where Aryabhata discusses the planet Earth. He writes about eclipses, the shape of our planet, the reason why we have seasons and day and night, and finally the zodiac signs. 

Aryabhata has had a massive contribution to all of mathematics, but notably trigonometry. He calculated values for sine and cosine 0 through 90 degrees. The names for sine and cosine also originated from his original trigonometrical works. To honor his contribution, the first satellite India sent to outer space was named after him and Bihar, his hometown, has dedicated a university to him.