Indian Monk
The Surya Siddhanta is an incredible testimony to the advanced thinking of the ancient Indians. In this text, one can find the roots of trigonometry, as well as essential mathematical inventions, such as standard notation and the decimal system. In addition, the text describes gravity for a millennium before Sir Isaac Newton developed his theory in 1687. He explains the sidereal revolutions and how planets move eastward. Accurately calculate the size and position of distant planets, the duration of a tropical year and the amount of time that has passed since its creation. Finally, in his discussion about how time passes at different speeds and under different circumstances, it contains the seeds of relativity.
