Which eminent mathematician and astronomer from ancient Odisha proposed the heliocentric theory?

Aryabhatta
Varahamihira
Bhaskaracharya
Samanta Chandra Sekhar

The correct answer is: a) Aryabhatta

Aryabhatta was an Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 5th century CE. He is considered to be one of the greatest mathematicians and astronomers of all time. He made several important contributions to mathematics and astronomy, including the development of the decimal system, the concept of zero, and the heliocentric theory.

The heliocentric theory is the idea that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun. This theory was first proposed by Aristarchus of Samos in the 3rd century BCE, but it was not widely accepted until the 16th century CE, when it was proposed again by Nicolaus Copernicus.

Aryabhatta proposed the heliocentric theory in his book Aryabhatiya, which was written in the 5th century CE. In Aryabhatiya, Aryabhatta states that the Earth revolves around the Sun and that the Sun is stationary. He also states that the Moon revolves around the Earth and that the planets revolve around the Sun.

Aryabhatta’s heliocentric theory was not widely accepted at the time, but it was an important step in the development of astronomy. It was one of the first times that someone had proposed that the Earth and other planets revolved around the Sun. This theory would later be adopted by Nicolaus Copernicus and other astronomers, and it would eventually become the accepted model of the solar system.

The other options are incorrect because they are not mathematicians or astronomers from ancient Odisha who proposed the heliocentric theory.

  • b) Varahamihira was an Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 6th century CE. He is known for his work on astronomy, astrology, and mathematics. He did not propose the heliocentric theory.
  • c) Bhaskaracharya was an Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 12th century CE. He is known for his work on mathematics, astronomy, and astrology. He did not propose the heliocentric theory.
  • d) Samanta Chandra Sekhar was an Indian mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 17th century CE. He is known for his work on mathematics, astronomy, and physics. He did not propose the heliocentric theory.