A Short History of Hindu Astronomy & Ephemeris

Abstract

We have summarized here the astronomical knowledge of the ancient Hindu astronomers. This knowledge was accumulated from before 1500 B.C. up to around 1200 A.D. In Section \ref{equiv} we have correlated terms used by the Hindu astronomers and their equivalents in modern astronomy. In Section \ref{coord} we have defined the different astronomical coordinate systems and their transformation relations. In Sections \ref{seasons} and \ref{cycles} we have collected the main features of solar and lunar motions in terms of modern astronomical terminology. In Section \ref{stars} we have given the names of the stars mentioned by the Hindu astronomers and their modern names with the present astronomical coordinates. In Section \ref{hist} we have given a short survey of Indian history with emphasis to Hindu astronomy. In Sections \ref{vedas} and \ref{sid} we have given short descriptions of the main sources of Hindu astronomy. In Section \ref{astron} the important features of Hindu astronomy have been described. All through the article we have tried to present the content in tabular forms for ready and unambiguous perception.

34 pages, 5 figures