NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit Ruchira: Chapter 14 — चतुर्दशः पाठः – आर्यभटः
This chapter introduces Aryabhata, a prominent figure in the tradition of knowledge and science, particularly in mathematics and astronomy. It highlights his groundbreaking contributions, such as the decimal system and his theory that the Earth rotates on its axis, challenging the prevailing belief of a stationary Earth. Aryabhata explained celestial phenomena like eclipses based on scientific principles, attributing them to the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, rather than mythological reasons. Despite facing opposition from traditionalists, his theories were later recognized for their scientific accuracy, leading to the naming of India's first satellite 'Aryabhata' in his honor. The chapter emphasizes his role as a pioneer in making mathematics a science and calculating celestial movements, establishing him as a towering personality in India's mathematical and scientific heritage.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Ruchira |
| Chapter | Chapter 14 — चतुर्दशः पाठः – आर्यभटः |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 304 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the historical significance of Aryabhata in Indian mathematics and astronomy.
- Learn about Aryabhata's theories on Earth's rotation and celestial movements.
- Appreciate Aryabhata's scientific explanations for eclipses.
- Recognize the challenges faced by Aryabhata due to his innovative ideas.
- Understand the naming of the first Indian satellite 'Aryabhata' in his honor.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ज्ञान-विज्ञान | Knowledge and science |
| परम्परा | Tradition |
| प्रबु मनीषियों | Enlightened scholars |
| अग्रगण्य | Foremost |
| दशमलव पद्धति | Decimal system |
| सिद्धांत | Principle/Theory |
| रूढिवादियों | Traditionalists |
| वैदुष्य | Scholarship/Erudition |
| ज्योतिर्विद् | Astronomer |
| ग्रहणे | Eclipse |
| कालातिगामिनी | Timeless/Ahead of its time |
| उपग्रह | Satellite |
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Practice questions
- आर्यभट का जन्म कब और कहाँ हुआ था? Answer: आर्यभट का जन्म 476 ईस्वी में हुआ था। उनकी वेधशाला पाटलिपुत्र के निकट थी।
- आर्यभट ने पृथ्वी के बारे में क्या सिद्धांत प्रतिपादित किया? Answer: आर्यभट ने सिद्धांत प्रतिपादित किया कि पृथ्वी स्थिर नहीं है, बल्कि अपनी धुरी पर घूमती है।
- आर्यभट ने ग्रहणों का वैज्ञानिक स्पष्टीकरण कैसे दिया? Answer: आर्यभट ने बताया कि ग्रहण सूर्य, चन्द्रमा और पृथ्वी के संयोग से होते हैं, न कि राहु-केतु नामक दानवों के कारण।
- आर्यभट के सिद्धांतों का तत्कालीन समाज में क्या प्रभाव पड़ा? Answer: आर्यभट के नवीन सिद्धांतों का तत्कालीन रूढ़िवादियों ने विरोध किया और वे उपहास का पात्र बने।
- भारत के प्रथम उपग्रह का नाम आर्यभट क्यों रखा गया? Answer: आर्यभट के वैज्ञानिक योगदान और दूरदर्शी सोच के सम्मान में भारत के प्रथम उपग्रह का नाम आर्यभट रखा गया।
Frequently asked questions
Who was Aryabhata?
Aryabhata was a prominent ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, known for his significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
When and where did Aryabhata live?
Aryabhata was born in 476 CE. His observatory was located near Pataliputra.
What was Aryabhata's theory about the Earth?
Aryabhata proposed that the Earth is not stationary but rotates on its own axis, and the apparent movement of the Sun is due to this rotation.
How did Aryabhata explain eclipses?
Aryabhata scientifically explained eclipses as a result of the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth, refuting mythological explanations.
Did Aryabhata face any opposition?
Yes, Aryabhata faced opposition from traditionalists for his revolutionary ideas, and his theories were initially neglected.
Why is India's first satellite named Aryabhata?
India's first satellite was named Aryabhata in honor of his immense contributions to science and mathematics, recognizing him as a pioneer.
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NCERT Class 8 Sanskrit — Ruchira — Chapter 14 — चतुर्दशः पाठः – आर्यभटः. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.