Jayant Narlikar Dies At 87: 5 Facts About Astrophysicist Who Challenged Big Bang Theory – News18

Last Updated:May 21, 2025, 18:01 IST

Renowned astronomer Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was known for challenging the Big Bang theory. He founded IUCAA and popularised science through his writings

Renowned astronomer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar passed away on May 20 at the age of 87. Known for challenging the Big Bang theory with alternative cosmological models, he also played a key role in popularising science through his writings in English and Marathi.

Born in Kolhapur in 1938, he was raised in an academic family—his father headed the Maths Department at BHU and his mother was a Sanskrit scholar. A Cambridge alumnus, he was a Wrangler and Tyson Medal winner.

Dr. Narlikar is remembered for his pioneering cosmology work, science outreach, academic brilliance, and mentorship of future scientists. He is remembered for his five notable contributions:

Dr. Narlikar Proposed an Alternative to the Big Bang Theory

While at Cambridge, Dr. Jayant Narlikar collaborated with renowned astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle. Together, they developed the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravitation, an extension of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. He also supported the Steady State Theory as an alternative to the widely accepted Big Bang Theory.

Established A Leading Astronomy Institute In India

After returning to India in 1972, Dr. Narlikar worked at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). In 1988, he founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, serving as its director until 2003. He later became an Emeritus Professor at the institute.

Received the Padma Bhushan At 26

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dr. Jayant Narlikar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1965 at just 26 years old. He later received the Padma Vibhushan in 2004 and the Maharashtra Bhushan in 2011. Additionally, he was honoured with the UNESCO Kalinga Award in 1996 and the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award.

Science Fiction Writer

Dr. Narlikar was also a science fiction author, penning several notable books including The Lighter Side of Gravity, Scientific Age, and Kahani Universe.

Family of Mathematicians and Scientists

Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar’s wife, Mangala Narlikar, was also a mathematician and passed away in 2023. They have three daughters—Geeta, Girija, and Lilavati—who are all active in scientific research. The family was known for living a simple and modest life.

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