Pathani Samanta

Samanta was born in the princely state of Khandapada in Nayagarh district in the Indian state of Odisha.[2] He was an eminent naked eye astronomer. He studied in Sanskrit and researched traditional Indian astronomy. Pathani Samanta was born on 13-12-1835 Sunday (Purnimanta Pousha Krishna Ashtami) and he died on 11-06-1904 Saturday (Purnimanta Adhika Jyeshtha Krishna Trayodashi)'. He was the son of Samanta Syamabandhu Singha and Bishnumali Devi.Even if he was born in royal family,he was poor

In his childhood he used to measure the length of the shadow in different parts of day. He also measured that how many vultures are flying how far in the sky and in what speed with naked eyes.

During his research, he built many instruments using available materials such as wooden sticks and bamboo. His knowledge of astronomy ensured that these instruments had great accuracy. His findings were recorded in his book titled Siddhanta Darpan. This book found mentions in the European and American press in 1899. Samanta’s calculations are used in the preparation of almanacs in Odisha. The calculations in "Siddhanta Darpan" were done only with the help of a bamboo pipe and two wooden sticks by him in night when he remained sleepless through his lifetime.[3]

• Satpathy, L., ed. (2003). "Samanta Chandra Sekhar and his Contributions to Ancient Indian Astronomy.". Ancient Indian Astronomy and Contributions of Samanta Chandra Sekhar. ISBN 9788173194320.
• "Samanta Chandra Sekhara and His Treatise Siddhantadarpana.". 500 years of Tantrasangraha: a landmark in the history of astronomy. 2002. p. 127. ISBN 9788179860090.