Kerala museum to draw portrait of 16th century astronomer

Kerala State Science and Technology Museum plans to create a portrait of a 16th century astronomer-mathematician, whose pictures are non-existent in history records, with the aid of computer graphics.
The portrait of Nilakantha Somayaji (1444-1545 AD), a genius of the Kerala School of Astronomer and Mathematics, known for his works like 'Tantrasamgraha','Aryabhatiya Bhasya' and 'Grahapareeksakrama', is being drawn as part of the new Astronomy Gallery, planned in the state-run museum here.
A top KSSTM official said the new gallery would have around 45-50 exhibits on space and astronomy science, along with a handful of portraits of exponents in the field.

"We have appointed an artist to create the portrait of eminent mathematician-astronomer Somayaji. Available data and other details have been passed on to him. The picture will be drawn with the support of computer and graphics techniques," KSSTM director Arul Jerald Prakash told PTI.
The new Astronomy Gallery was planned at the planetarium of the museum, he said.
"Portraits of a number of noted astronomers, including Johannes Kepler, Aryabhatta and Tycho Brahe will also be there at the gallery," he said.
The work of the gallery is progressing and would soon be opened for visitors, the official said.