Page:Hindu astronomy, Brennand (1896).djvu/16

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viii.
Contents.

The Lunar Year more ancient than the Solar, according to Sir W. Jones.

The Lunar Month having a different beginning in different parts of India.

Phases of the Moon.

Lunar Months, according to the Puranas.

The same, according to Jyotishicas (Mathematical Astronomers).

Names of the Seasons.

CHAPTER V.

THE RISHIS.

Heliacal Riving of Regulus, marking the position of Summer Solstice, 2280 B.C

The Rishis—Seven Indian Sages, authors of Vedic hymns, etc., translated to the Celestial Sphere, as stars, Alpha to Heta Ursæ Majoris.

Meaning of the word "Rishi."

Explanation of the motion erroneously ascribed to these stars.

The "Line of the Rishis," a fixed great circle.

The Solstitial Colure, as distinct from the Line of the Rishis.

The Annual Rate of Precession determined by ancient Hindu Astronomers by means of retrogression of Colure from Line of Rishis.

An alternative theory adopted by later astronomers, i.e., a libration of the Equinox on each side of a mean point.

Probable origin of the theory of libration.

"Line of Rishis" fixed in position, 1590 B.C.

CHAPTER VI.

THEORY REGARDING THE CAUSE OF THE PLANETARY MOTIONS.

The Sun and Planet, supposed to be carried diurnally Westward with the stars by Pravaha (a mighty wind).

The irregular motions caused by deities situated at the Apsides and Nodes, attracting or deflecting them.