Promotion of Learning in India during Muhammadan Rule (by Muhammadans) c15.s1.28

c15.s1.28

“By means of this observatory, Ulugh Beg Mīrzā composed the Kūrkānī Astronomical Tables, which are followed at the present time, scarcely any other being used. Before they were published, the Īlkhānī Astronomical Tables were in general use, constructed by Khwājah Naṣr in the time of Halākū, in an observatory built at Marāgha. Halākū Khān was also denominated Īlkhānī. Not more than seven or eight observatories have been constructed in the world. Among these, one was erected by Khalīf Māmūn, in which the Astronomical Tables entitled ‘Zīch Māmūnī’ were drawn up. Another was built by Baṭlmīūs (Ptolemy). Another was the observatory erected in Hindustan in the time of Rājah Vikramājit, a Hindu, in Ujjain and Dhar in the kingdom of Mālwa, now known as the kingdom of Mandu. The Hindus still follow the Tables that were then constructed. These Tables are, however, more imperfect than any of the others. Since the building of that observatory till the present time is 1584 years.” ¹