Jayant Narlikar, Astrophysicist
Astrophysicist

Jayant Narlikar

Born 19 July 1938 · Maharashtra — Died 20 May 2025

Developed the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravitation challenging the Big Bang model.

Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was an Indian astrophysicist who performed research on alternative cosmology. He was also an author who wrote textbooks on cosmology, popular science books, and science fiction novels and short stories.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Jayant Narlikar was the youngest recipient of the Padma Bhushan award in India, receiving it for science at an age when many researchers are still early in their careers.

The Story

1
In 1963, Jayant Narlikar earned his PhD at Cambridge under Fred Hoyle, joining the cutting-edge debates on cosmology and challenging the Big Bang theory with an alternative model.
2
🌌 In 1972, he left Cambridge amid institutional changes to lead the theoretical astrophysics group at Mumbai's Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, shaping Indian astrophysics research.
3🏢 By 1988, Narlikar became the founding director of IUCAA in Pune, influencing the design of its iconic building with architect Charles Correa and creating a hub for astronomy research and education.
4📚 Beyond research, he chaired NCERT committees to reshape Indian science and math textbooks, striving to embed evidence-based thinking and counter pseudoscience like astrology.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Narlikar collaborated closely with British cosmologist Fred Hoyle and co-developed the Hoyle-Narlikar theory, which offered an alternative to the Big Bang by incorporating Mach's principle into cosmology.

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Through the Years

2 photographs from the archives
Jayant Narlikar with fellow IUCAA directors Naresh Dadhich and Ajit Kembhavi (2009)
Jayant Narlikar with fellow IUCAA directors Naresh Dadhich and Ajit Kembhavi (2009)
2009
Jayant Narlikar pictured with Dr. Mangala Naralikar in a personal photograph (2017)

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
Jayant Vishnu Narlikar was born into an academic family with his father a mathematician and physicist at BHU and mother a Sanskrit scholar.
1938
📚
Education
Graduated from Banaras Hindu University
Received Bachelor of Science from BHU before moving to Cambridge for advanced studies in mathematics and astronomy.
1957
📚
Education
PhD from Cambridge University
Completed doctoral research in theoretical cosmology under Fred Hoyle, pioneering alternative cosmological theories.
1963
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Career
Joined Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Returned to India to head theoretical astrophysics group at TIFR Mumbai after leaving Cambridge amid institutional changes.
1972
⚡
Career
First Director of IUCAA Pune
Appointed founding director of Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, shaping Indian astrophysics infrastructure.
1988
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Career
President of IAU Cosmology Commission
Led the International Astronomical Union’s cosmology commission, influencing global cosmological research agendas.
1994
🕊️
Death
Passed away
Jayant Narlikar died, prompting nationwide mourning and tributes to his contributions to science and education.
2025
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

He personally influenced the architectural design of IUCAA's building in Pune, famously engaging in creative disputes with architect Charles Correa to shape the institute's look.

02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1981, Narlikar became a founding member of the World Cultural Council, an international organization promoting cultural and scientific excellence.

03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Despite being an astrophysicist, Narlikar was also a prolific science fiction writer, blending complex scientific ideas with imaginative storytelling to popularize cosmology.

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"A scientist has to be curious to be young."

— Jayant Narlikar

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
In Conversation with Jayant Narlikar | Astrophysicist & Higher Education Teacher
·YouTube
More from this archive
In Conversation with Jayant Narlikar | Astrophysicist & Higher Education Teacher
01
In Conversation with Jayant Narlikar | Astrophysicist & Higher Education Teacher
YouTube
1997 - Prof. Jayant V. Narlikar's speech on role of science in shaping the Future of India | Part 1
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1997 - Prof. Jayant V. Narlikar's speech on role of science in shaping the Future of India | Part 1
YouTube
Jayant Narlikar | Astrophysicist | Age of The Universe
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Jayant Narlikar | Astrophysicist | Age of The Universe
YouTube
IN CONVERSATION - PROF. JAYANT VISHNU NARLIKAR
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IN CONVERSATION - PROF. JAYANT VISHNU NARLIKAR
YouTube
Eureka with Jayant Narlikar
05
Eureka with Jayant Narlikar
YouTube
Discourse on Searches for Life outside the Earth'
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Discourse on Searches for Life outside the Earth'
YouTube
Jayant Narlikar: Astronomy tradition in India 17.5.2016
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Jayant Narlikar: Astronomy tradition in India 17.5.2016
YouTube
Being Informal With... Prof. J. V. Naralikar
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Being Informal With... Prof. J. V. Naralikar
YouTube
Public Lecture by World Renowned Scientist Padma Vibhushan Dr. Jayant Narlikar at SRTMU Nanded
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Public Lecture by World Renowned Scientist Padma Vibhushan Dr. Jayant Narlikar at SRTMU Nanded
YouTube
Cosmic Illusions - by J V Narlikar [05 January, 2019 - Marathi]
10
Cosmic Illusions - by J V Narlikar [05 January, 2019 - Marathi]
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Narlikar's leadership at IUCAA established one of India's premier astrophysics research centers, elevating Pune as a scientific hub. His role in NCERT curriculum reforms introduced critical, evidence-based science education nationwide, challenging pseudoscientific beliefs. Globally, his advocacy for alternative cosmological theories kept scientific discourse vibrant beyond mainstream models.

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