A Concise History of Science in India c6.s3.t2.2

c6.s3.t2.2

The importance of Āryabhaṭa lies in the fact that he probably was in the vanguard of the new astronomical movement which resulted in the recasting of this new branch of knowledge about the fifth century A.D. Piecemeal efforts might have started earlier as is evident from Varāhamihira's account of the five *siddhāntas*, and before and about the time when Āryabhaṭa flourished there were certainly astronomers of repute who were variously engaged in reforming astronomy, but little is known about their contributions as their works have not survived. As matters stand, the *Āryabhaṭīya* is the earliest preserved astronomical text bearing the name of an individual of the scientific period of Indian astronomy. Moreover, his place at the head of this movement is assured by the great influence his works and teachings wielded among astronomers of subsequent ages, and by the existence of a long line of followers who propagated his views through excellent commentaries.