Pathani Samanta

Pathani Samanta
Born	Samanta Chandra Sekhar Harichandan Mahapatra (1836-01-11)11 January 1836 Khandapara, Orissa (prior to 2010), Odisha (post 2010)
Died	13 December 1904(1904-12-13) (aged 68)
Known for	Naked eye astronomy
Religion	Hinduism

Pathani Samanta (/pəthɑːnɪ sɑːməntə/; Odia: ପଠାଣି ସାମନ୍ତ born Samanta Chandra Sekhar Harichandan Mahapatra; 11th January 1836 - 13th December 1904) was an Indian astrologer and scholar who measured the distance from earth with a bamboo pipe and many other traditional instruments that he built. This earned him the "Mahamahopadhyaya" award in 1893. His observations, research and calculations were compiled into a book "Siddhanta Darpana" which has verses written in Sanskrit in Odia script.^[1]

Early life

Samanta was born in the princely state of Khandapada in Nayagarh district in the Indian state of Odisha.^[2] He was an eminent naked eye astronomer. He studied in Sanskrit and researched traditional Indian astronomy.

Instrument maker

During his research, he built many instruments using available materials such as wooden sticks and bamboo. His knowledge of astronomy ensured that these instruments had great accuracy. His findings were recorded in his book titled Siddhanta Darpana. This book found mentions in the European and American press in 1899. Samanta’s calculations are used in the preparation of almanacs in Odisha.^[3]

References

Bibliography

• Satpathy, L., ed. (2003). "Samanta Chandra Sekhar and his Contributions to Ancient Indian Astronomy.". Ancient Indian Astronomy and Contributions of Samanta Chandra Sekhar. ISBN 9788173194320. 
• "Samanta Chandra Sekhara and His Treatise Siddhantadarpana.". 500 years of Tantrasangraha: a landmark in the history of astronomy. 2002. p. 127. ISBN 9788179860090.