598-665?

Indian Astronomer and Mathematician

Brahmagupta, a Hindu astronomer and mathematician, is best known for work performed while head of the Ujjain astronomical observatory, one of the leading centers for astronomical and mathematical research in ancient India. While there, he developed a number of important mathematical concepts, investigated the motions of planets and other celestial bodies, and arrived at a fairly accurate estimate of the length of the terrestrial year. His most important contributions are the introduction of the number zero to mathematics and his masterpiece, Brahma Sphuta Siddhanta (The opening of the universe), in which many of his mathematical and astronomical discoveries were set out in verse form.

Brahmagupta was likely born in northwestern India, and spent the majority of his life in what is now the city of Bhinmal, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Little else is known of his early life.

By the age...