Shri G.

S Institute of Technology and Science, Indore

Department of Information Technology
Presentation Topic :
Indian Calender System : Precision and Accuracy
Perspective in Astronomical Research
HUM2052
Essence Of Indian Knowledge Tradition

Submitted By: Zeenat Khan

Bulbul
Tanishq Singh
Pooja Bariya
 AGENDA
INTRODUCTION
HOW AND WHY CALENDAR BEGAN ?
DIFFRENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND WESTERN CALENDAR
BASIC OF INDIAN CALENDAR SYSTEM
PRECISION AND ACCURACY
INSTRUMENT AND OBSERVATORY
CONCLUSION
 1
INTRODUCTION
A calendar is a system of organizing and
measuring time.
It provides a framework for marking and
recording the passage of time, allowing
people to schedule events, plan activities, and
coordinate communal and societal activities.
Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, this
concept influences how people perceive time
in India.
 2
HOW AND WHY CALENDAR BEGAN?

1.Man's curiosity about astronomical phenomena led

to prolonged observations of the stars and celestial
bodies.
2.With the development of agriculture, humans
related agricultural operations to the sun and
moon, leading to the recognition of cyclic seasons.
3.The regularity of day and night and the concept of
aging prompted the need for a framework to
organize time.
 2
HOW AND WHY CALENDAR BEGAN?

4.The Indus Valley Civilization in India stood out for

its advanced chronological and astronomical
understanding.

5.Nakshatra- darshaks, a class of professional

astronomers, meticulously observed and recorded
moon phases in reference to fixed stars, setting
Indian astronomy apart from others.
 DIFFRENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND WESTERN CALENDAR 3
The Indian and Western calendars differ in several aspects, including their origins,
structures, and methods of time calculation.
1. Origin:
Indian Calendar: The Indian calendar has ancient roots and is deeply tied to Hindu
cosmology and cultural traditions. It incorporates both lunar and solar cycles.
Western Calendar: The Western calendar, also known as the Gregorian calendar, is
a solar calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. It is widely used globally
for civil purposes.
2. Basis of Calculation:
Indian Calendar: It combines lunar months with solar years, resulting in a
lunisolar calendar. The months are based on the phases of the moon, and
adjustments are made to synchronize with the solar year.
 DIFFRENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND WESTERN CALENDAR 3

Western Calendar: It is a purely solar calendar based on the Earth's orbit

around the sun. Months and days are fixed, with no direct connection to
lunar phases.
3. Number of Days:
Indian Calendar: Typically, an Indian year consists of 12 lunar months,
totaling around 354 days. To reconcile with the solar year, leap months
are added periodically.
Western Calendar: The Gregorian calendar has 365 days in a common year
and 366 days in a leap year, with an extra day added to February every
four years.
DIFFRENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND WESTERN CALENDAR 3
4. New Year's Start:
Indian Calendar: The new year in the Indian calendar can vary
regionally and is often associated with religious or cultural events.
For example, the Hindu New Year starts in the spring.
Western Calendar: The Western calendar starts the new year on
January 1st, a date not tied to any specific natural event.
5. Cultural Significance:
Indian Calendar: It holds cultural and religious significance in
various communities, with specific festivals and events aligned
with astronomical observations.
.
 DIFFRENCE BETWEEN INDIAN AND WESTERN CALENDAR 3

Western Calendar: Widely used for civil and business purposes

globally, with religious and cultural celebrations often following the
calendar's structure.
6. Months and Naming:
Indian Calendar: The months are often named based on zodiac signs
or specific cultural and religious references.
Western Calendar: The months have standardized names, with no
inherent cultural or religious associations.
.
 4
BASICS OF INDIAN CALENDAR SYSTEM

1 Tithis:
Lunar days in the Indian calendar system.
Each tithi corresponds to a specific phase of the moon.
Crucial for determining auspicious times for rituals and
events.

2 Nakshatras:
Each nakshatra is associated with specific attributes and
qualities.
Plays a significant role in astrology and daily life of human.
 4
BASICS OF INDIAN CALENDAR SYSTEM

3 Yogas:
Unique combinations of the sun and moon.
Signify specific intervals during the lunar month.
Influence the overall energy and auspiciousness of a given
period.

4 Solar Calendar:
Based on the Earth's orbit around the Sun.
Defines a year as the time taken for Earth to complete one
revolution around the Sun.
Commonly used for civil purposes and agricultural planning.
It aligns with the seasons
 4
BASICS OF INDIAN CALENDAR SYSTEM

5 Lunar Calendar:
Based on the phases of the Moon.
Defines a month as the time taken
for the Moon to complete one
orbit around the Earth.
Used in religious and cultural
contexts.
IMPORTANT TITHIS 4
 4
SEASONS
 PRECISION IN INDIAN ASTRONOMICAL CALCULATIONS
5
Several instances of precision are evident in the following calculations.

1.Planetary Positions:
Precise calculations of planetary positions and motions, aiding in celestial
navigation and understanding planetary dynamics
2.Ecliptic Predictions:
Accurate forecasts of solar and lunar eclipses, showcasing advanced
understanding of celestial events.
3. Solar and Lunar Periods:
Calculations yielding precise values for solar and lunar periods, contributing
to calendar systems and timekeeping.
 5
PRECISION IN INDIAN ASTRONOMICAL CALCULATIONS

4.Mathematical Methods:
Application of sophisticated mathematical techniques, such as
trigonometry and geometry, influencing the development of
mathematical astronomy globally.
5.Sidereal Year Calculation:
Determination of the length of the sidereal year with notable accuracy,
crucial for calendar development.
6.Celestial Phenomena:
Insights into various celestial phenomena, contributing to a
comprehensive understanding of the universe.
 6
ACCURACY IN TIME KEEPING
1.Kalas:
Smallest unit of time in the Indian calendar system.
Represents a fraction of a second, highlighting the meticulous
nature of timekeeping.
2. Muhurtas:
Larger time units, each equivalent to approximately 48
minutes.
Used for specific activities, especially in religious and
auspicious contexts.
 6
ACCURACY IN TIME KEEPING
3. Ghatikas:
Another intermediate time unit, dividing the day into smaller
segments.
Adds granularity to time measurement for various purposes.
 7
INSTRUMENTS & OBSERVATORIES
1.Astrolabe:
Circular instrument for measuring angles of celestial bodies.
Used for determining the positions of stars and planets.
2. Gnomon:
Vertical pillar or rod used for measuring the altitude of celestial
bodies.
Essential for determining the time of day and year.
 7
INSTRUMENTS & OBSERVATORIES
3. Yantras:
Geometric devices with calibrated scales for accurate
measurements.
Used in various forms for specific astronomical calculations.
Major Observatories:
Jantar Mantars:
Architectural marvels serving as astronomical observatories.
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century in various
locations like Delhi, Jaipur, and Varanasi.
 7
INSTRUMENTS & OBSERVATORIES
Ujjain Observatory:
Constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century.
Featured large-scale instruments for observing celestial
events.
Delhi Observatory:
Part of the Jantar Mantar observatories, it housed instruments
for solar and lunar observations.
Played a crucial role in timekeeping and predicting celestial
events.
 8
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, calendar systems, rooted in cultural and
historical traditions, serve as vital frameworks for
organizing time. They reflect societies' connections to
cosmic cycles, shaping cultural practices. Whether lunar
or solar-based, calendars weave a narrative of human
existence, bridging the past, present, and future within
the tapestry of time.
THANK YOU