Historic Discovery: Reference to Halley's Comet Found in 1456 Inscription

In a significant archaeological finding, the first Indian epigraphical reference to Halley's Comet has been uncovered in a copper plate inscription dated to 1456 CE. This discovery was made at the Sri Mallikarjunaswamy temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, during a meticulous line-by-line examination of a collection of unpublished copper plate charters. The announcement was made by Dr. K. Munirathnam Reddy, Director of the Epigraphy Branch of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), who emphasized the importance of this inscription which is written in Sanskrit using Nagari script.

The inscription records a grant made by the Vijayanagara ruler Mallikarjuna to a Vedic scholar named Limgaṇarya. According to Dr. Reddy, the inscription mentions the appearance of a comet and an associated meteor shower, events that correlate with the historical appearance of Halley's Comet in 1456. The inscription states that the grant was issued ‘in order to mitigate the great calamity believed to arise due to the appearance of a comet (dhūmakētu mahōtpāta śāntyartham) and the associated meteor shower (Prakāśyāya mahōtpāta śāntyartham).’ The king donated a village named Simgapura to Limgaṇarya, a Brahmana from Kaḍiyalapura, who was likely knowledgeable in astronomy.

Dr. Reddy highlighted that although references to comets (dhumaketus) appear in various ancient and medieval Indian texts, this copper plate inscription is the first recorded reference to Halley's Comet in an inscriptional form. ‘What makes this particularly significant,’ Dr. Reddy elaborated, ‘is that the year mentioned in the inscription and the reference to the comet’s appearance matches the year in which Halley’s comet was later established to have appeared.’ This connection underscores the cultural and historical significance of celestial events in ancient Indian society.

Celestial events, particularly comets, were often viewed with trepidation in many cultures, including Indian traditions where their appearances were considered inauspicious and linked to calamities. The inscription captures this sentiment in its phrasing, indicating that the grant was made to pacify potential misfortunes associated with the comet's appearance. This reflects a broader historical perspective on how societies have interpreted astronomical phenomena.

The copper plate collection, which consists of 21 unpublished charters, is set to be published in book form soon. The findings from this analysis underscore the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the Vijayanagara Empire, a period known for its advancements in art, architecture, and science.

This discovery not only adds to our understanding of historical astronomy but also emphasizes the significance of preserving and studying ancient inscriptions. The Archaeological Survey of India continues to play a crucial role in uncovering and documenting India's rich historical heritage, ensuring that such invaluable insights into the past are not lost to time.