Pathani Samanta: the legend of Astronomy

Dr. Tejaswini Pradhan
Department of Mathematics
Assistant Professor
tejaswini.pradhan@kalingauniversity.ac.in

Pathani Samanta (1835–1904), popularly called Samanta Chandrasekhar, was a renowned Indian scholar and astronomer who accomplished a great deal of work in astronomy without the use of contemporary instruments. He is renowned for his extensive understanding of traditional Indian astronomy as well as his exceptional observational abilities, which he paired with exact mathematical calculations. His work served as a bridge between the conventional and contemporary approaches to Indian astronomy, exemplifying Jyotisha, the ancient system of observation.
Early Life and Education
Khandapada, a little town in the present-day state of Odisha, India, where Pathani Samanta was born. He had little official schooling, yet he was a self-taught astronomer, mathematician, and Sanskrit expert. His work was based on the ancient Indian astronomical books, such as the Siddhantas (particularly the Surya Siddhanta), which had a great influence on him.
Contributions to Astronomy
Pathani Samanta is mainly known for his use of handcrafted indigenous instruments, like wooden and bamboo devices, to make astronomical observations without the aid of contemporary telescopes or tools. Among his instruments were:
1. Observational Astronomy
Yantras (devices) like the gnomon, cross-staff, and sundials.
Kartari yantra for measuring angles.
Armillary spheres for celestial observations.
He was able to make extremely precise observations of the positions and motions of celestial bodies, such as the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, using these crude instruments.
2. Siddhanta Darpana
The Siddhanta Darpana, a thorough astronomical treatise written in Sanskrit verse, is his greatest work. The book addresses a variety of astronomical subjects, such as:

The calculation of planetary positions.
Lunar and solar eclipses.
Tithi (lunar day) and Nakshatra (lunar mansion) calculations.
Precisely and remarkably determining the time of several astronomical phenomena.

The ancient Ptolemaic (geocentric) conception of the universe and contemporary observations were reconciled by Pathani Samanta in the Siddhanta Darpana. His meticulous computations and forecasts, made exclusively with classical methods, precisely matched contemporary astronomical evidence.

3. Mathematical Precision
The observational techniques used by Pathani Samanta were based on rigorous mathematics. He applied traditional Indian mathematical methods, like:

Spherical trigonometry to calculate the positions of celestial objects.
Algebraic equations to predict eclipses and planetary transits.
Geometry for constructing his astronomical instruments and for visualizing the motion
When compared to the outcomes of other scientific methods and telescopes, his predictions were remarkably accurate for the period.
4. Cultural Legacy
Pathani Samanta’s contributions were not only important scientifically but also played a crucial role in preserving and promoting India’s astronomical heritage, which traces back to ancient texts like the Surya Siddhanta and Aryabhatiya. He upheld the legacy of Indian scholars such as Aryabhata, Bhaskara, and Brahmagupta by applying their principles during a period when Western astronomy was making rapid progress.
His efforts helped preserve the relevance of traditional Indian astronomy in the modern scientific era. Today, his legacy is celebrated in India through various tributes:
• The Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, which bears his name, fosters astronomy education and research.
• He is revered as a national symbol for his remarkable self-taught knowledge and commitment to advancing science in the country.
5. Recognition and Later Influence
Pathani Samanta gained international recognition during his lifetime, with British astronomers and surveyors, including members of the Royal Astronomical Society, acknowledging his brilliance despite his limited access to modern instruments. In the late 19th century, he stood as a remarkable testament to the strength of traditional science and its ability to complement emerging scientific methods.
Conclusion
Pathani Samanta’s life and achievements showcase the depth of India’s astronomical heritage. Driven by determination, he attained remarkable accuracy in his observations, proving that profound scientific insights could be gained without modern instruments. His work continues to inspire, exemplifying the lasting significance of traditional knowledge systems and their ability to complement modern scientific thinking.

References
[1] Samanta Chandra Sekhar: The Great Naked Eyed Astronomer by P.C. Naik, and L. Satpathy, Institute of Physics, Bhubaneshwar, published in Bulletin of Astronomical Society of India XXVI , 33-49 (1998).