second jewel

 The Nine Jewels of India – Part II

Varahamihira – The Man Who Measured the Heavens

"The stars may guide us, but it is the curious mind that seeks to understand them."

Every age has men who ask questions that others never think to ask.

Why do eclipses occur?

Can rainfall be predicted?

How should a city be planned?

Where can underground water be found?

What do the movements of the planets reveal about the universe?

More than fifteen centuries ago, one extraordinary Indian scholar devoted his life to finding answers to these questions.

His name was Varahamihira.

He looked at the sky not merely with wonder but with enquiry.

He observed nature with patience.

He recorded facts with care.

He brought together knowledge from astronomy, mathematics, geography, architecture and the natural world into works that continue to fascinate scholars even today.

Such was the brilliance of one of India's celebrated Nine Jewels.

A Scholar of Ujjain

Varahamihira lived during the sixth century CE and is closely associated with Ujjain, one of the great centres of learning in ancient India.

At that time, Ujjain was regarded as an important centre for astronomical observations. Scholars gathered there to study the movements of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars.

Tradition places Varahamihira among the Navaratnas—the Nine Jewels of King Vikramaditya's court. While historians debate the exact historical details of this tradition, there is no disagreement about Varahamihira's immense contribution to Indian science.

His reputation travelled far beyond his own lifetime.

The Sky Was His Classroom

Most people looked up at the night sky and admired its beauty.

Varahamihira looked up and asked questions.

He carefully observed celestial movements and compared earlier astronomical traditions. Rather than rejecting older knowledge, he examined it, refined it and presented it with remarkable clarity.

His work reminds us that science advances by observation, calculation and thoughtful enquiry.

The Five Astronomical Traditions

One of his greatest works, the Pancha Siddhantika, is a remarkable survey of five earlier schools of astronomy.

Instead of claiming that only one tradition possessed all wisdom, Varahamihira compared different systems with intellectual honesty.

This willingness to study, compare and improve existing knowledge is the hallmark of a true scientist.

The Brihat Samhita

If one book reveals the breadth of Varahamihira's genius, it is the Brihat Samhita.

It is not merely a book on astronomy.

It is an encyclopaedia of ancient Indian knowledge.

Within its pages are discussions on weather, rainfall, earthquakes, architecture, town planning, precious stones, agriculture, water resources, trees, perfumes, calendars and many other subjects.

Few scholars in world history possessed such astonishing range.

Reading the Brihat Samhita is like entering a great library where every branch of knowledge has found its place.

Reading Nature

Varahamihira believed that nature leaves clues for those who observe carefully.

He studied clouds, winds, seasonal changes and the behaviour of plants and animals while discussing weather patterns.

He even wrote about methods of locating underground water by observing the landscape and vegetation.

Modern science has naturally advanced far beyond these early observations, yet his curiosity and systematic approach remain deeply impressive.

He reminds us that careful observation is the beginning of all scientific discovery.

A Humble Scholar

Despite his immense learning, Varahamihira respected the work of those who came before him.

He often acknowledged earlier scholars and built upon their ideas.

True wisdom, he believed, does not grow through pride but through learning from others.

That humility is one reason his writings continue to command respect.

Lessons for Our Times

Today we possess satellites, telescopes and supercomputers.

Yet the spirit of science remains unchanged.

It begins with curiosity.

It grows through observation.

It matures through honest enquiry.

Varahamihira teaches us never to stop asking questions.

He reminds us that knowledge has no boundaries.

Astronomy leads to mathematics.

Mathematics leads to engineering.

Engineering serves society.

Everything is connected.

The Second Jewel

Among the Nine Jewels, Varahamihira shone with the light of knowledge.

He measured the heavens, but his vision embraced the Earth.

He observed the stars, but he also cared about farmers awaiting rain.

He studied the planets, but he also advised on cities, buildings and water.

His scholarship united science with everyday life.

Centuries have passed since Varahamihira gazed at the night sky over Ujjain.

The stars he studied still shine.

The questions he asked still inspire.

And his life reminds us that the greatest discoveries begin not with certainty, but with curiosity.

That is why Varahamihira remains not merely one of India's greatest astronomers, but one of the world's remarkable scientific minds.