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Cenotaph for Aryabhatta
This monument is inspired by Étienne-Louis Boullée’s vision of "A Cenotaph for Newton" and is dedicated to the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta. Reflecting the intellectual parallels between Newton and Aryabhatta, the design adopts Boullée’s idea of sublime and geometric purity.
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The structure features a huge spherical dome half-buried in the ground, symbolizing phenomenon of an eclipse which Aryabhatta explained discarding mythological beliefs. At its center lies an Indian-style cenotaph, engraved with Aryabhatta’s contributions to mathematics and astronomy.
The monument is bounded within a square area with four wide stairways from each cardinal direction. Surrounding gardens with trimmed hedges and trees enhance its serene, contemplative set.
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Observer after reaching inner central platform is enthralled by the vast hollowness of structure being educated about the completeness of sphere behind the eclipse. He also admires large glass façade piercing the stone envelope at one section, inviting light and wind which is symbolic reminder of Aryabhatta's work with angles as it can subtend steradian angles at various internals at specific solar positions.
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