The Prime Meridian in Madhya Pradesh

Introduction
Geography is the study of the earth's physical features, including its atmosphere, oceans, and landforms. Astrology is the study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies, particularly the sun, moon, and stars. Both disciplines require precise measurements to be made, which is why a prime meridian was established. A prime meridian is a line of longitude that is defined as 0 degrees. All other lines of longitude are measured in degrees east or west of the prime meridian. The city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh was taken as the prime meridian by early geographers and astrologers.

Why Ujjain?
Ujjain is an ancient city located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It has been an important center of learning and culture for thousands of years. The city is situated on the banks of the Kshipra River and is home to many important temples and shrines. It was also the site of the ancient observatory known as the Jantar Mantar, which was used for astronomical observations.

Early Geographers and Astrologers
Early geographers and astrologers needed a way to measure longitude accurately. They understood that the earth was a sphere and that it rotated on its axis. They also knew that the earth's circumference was approximately 40,000 kilometers. By dividing this circumference into 360 degrees, they were able to establish a system of longitude.

Ujjain as the Prime Meridian
The city of Ujjain was chosen as the prime meridian because it was located at the center of India, making it a convenient reference point. It was also an important center of learning and culture, which meant that it was a natural choice for early geographers and astrologers.

Conclusion
The city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh was taken as the prime meridian by early geographers and astrologers because of its central location and its importance as a center of learning and culture. Today, the prime meridian is located at Greenwich, England, but the legacy of Ujjain as a reference point for longitude lives on.

Ujjain

Answer: As per the Surya Siddhanta, a 4th-century astronomical treatise, Ujjain is geographically situated at the precise spot where the zero meridian of longitude and the Tropic of Cancer intersect. This is why it was considered the navel of the earth, and is called the “Greenwich of India”.