India's 15th-Century Inscription Confirms Halley's Comet Sighting

A groundbreaking discovery in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, has revealed that India recorded its first known epigraphic reference to Halley's Comet, dating back to June 28, 1456. This significant finding stems from a copper plate inscription unearthed at the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, issued during the reign of the Vijayanagara king Mallikarjuna, primarily as a legal land grant to a Vedic scholar. However, this document uniquely incorporates an unexpected mention of a celestial phenomenon, correlating with the historical appearance of Halley's Comet, a sight that was also observed across Europe and Asia.

According to Dr. Anjali Rao, an astronomer at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the inscription's date, śaka 1378, dhātr̥ āṣāḍha ba. 11, aligns precisely with the comet's visibility in the summer of 1456. "This is a remarkable intersection of ancient astronomy and modern science, showcasing that observations of celestial events were meticulously documented in India during that time," Dr. Rao stated in an interview with the Journal of Astronomical History.

The significance of this inscription extends beyond mere historical curiosity. It not only highlights the scientific acumen of scholars in 15th-century India but also emphasizes how astronomical observations were woven into the fabric of daily life, even influencing legal documents. The presence of such a reference in a formal land grant demonstrates the societal importance placed on celestial phenomena, potentially viewed as omens or significant events worthy of royal note.

Moreover, the inscription, inscribed in classical Telugu and Sanskrit, reflects the blending of royal authority, religious context, and scientific inquiry. Dr. Priya Kumar, a historian at the University of Delhi, notes that while ancient texts like the Ṛigveda and Atharvaveda contain metaphorical references to comets, this copper plate provides the first direct, date-specific account of a cometary event. "This discovery not only enriches our understanding of Indian astronomy but also illustrates a systematic approach to documenting celestial events that resonates with contemporary scientific practices," Dr. Kumar explained.

The implications of this finding are significant for the study of both Indian history and astronomy. It underscores the sophistication of astronomical knowledge during the Vijayanagara period, a time often celebrated for its cultural and architectural achievements. The fact that this comet sighting has been preserved in a durable medium such as copper, rather than solely through oral tradition, points to an advanced level of documentation and scientific observation.

As modern astronomers continue to explore the cosmos with advanced technology, this 15th-century inscription serves as a poignant reminder of humanity's long-standing fascination with the stars. It illustrates that, long before the advent of satellites and telescopes, ancient observers were keenly attuned to the movements of celestial bodies, recording their observations for future generations.

The discovery not only invites further research into India's astronomical past but also encourages a re-evaluation of the contributions of ancient civilizations to the field of astronomy. This inscription, therefore, is not merely a historical artifact; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of sky-watching and scientific inquiry that transcends time and geography.