Icon Detailed Description

Jayant Narlikar

Astrophysicist Who Challenged the Big Bang Theory

About Jayant Narlikar

Dr. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (July 1938–May 2025) was a towering figure in Indian science, best known for his pioneering contributions to cosmology and for advocating an alternative to the widely accepted Big Bang theory.

Besides his groundbreaking scientific work, he was a passionate science communicator, institution builder, and rationalist who inspired generations of researchers and the general public alike.

Early Life and Academic Journey

Born on 19th July 1938, in Maharashtra, Narlikar grew up in an intellectually rich environment. His father was a distinguished mathematician, while his mother was a respected Sanskrit scholar.
He completed his Bachelor of Science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1957 and went on to the University of Cambridge for advanced studies, earning a PhD in 1963 under the mentorship of eminent physicist Sir Fred Hoyle.

Scientific Contributions and Theories

Narlikar first gained international prominence through his collaboration with Fred Hoyle, co-developing the Quasi steady state theory of the universe. This model challenged the Big Bang theory by positing that the universe is eternal, with matter continuously created to maintain a constant density despite expansion.
- This theory incorporated Mach’s principle, suggesting inertia depends on the mass distribution in the universe.
Later, Narlikar refined this into the Quasi-steady State Cosmology (QSSC), proposing periodic mini-creation events rather than a Big Bang.
Though observational evidence supports the Big Bang theory more robustly, Narlikar’s steady state models provided important theoretical frameworks and stimulated valuable scientific discourse.

Institution Building and Scientific Legacy

Returning to India in 1972, Narlikar joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), strengthening the Theoretical Astrophysics Group.
In 1988, he founded the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, which under his leadership became a globally respected centre for astronomy and astrophysics research and education.
He remained IUCAA’s director until 2003 and continued as an emeritus professor, emphasizing outreach programs for schoolchildren and the public.
He believed in nurturing young talent early, famously saying–

“PhD scholars don’t fall from the sky, you must catch them young.”

Science Communication and Literary Contributions

Apart from his scientific work, Narlikar was a prolific science communicator, authoring over 300 research papers and numerous books in English and Marathi.
Notable among his literary works are the science-fiction story The Comet (Dhoomaketu), adapted into a film, and his autobiography My Tale of Four Cities (Chaar Nagarantale Maze Vishwa), which won the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Awards and Honours

Award	Year	Details
Padma Bhushan	1965	Awarded at just 26 years old
UNESCO Kalinga Prize	1996	For science popularisation
Padma Vibhushan	2004	India’s second-highest civilian honour
Prix Jules Janssen	2004	From the French Astronomical Society
Maharashtra Bhushan	2011	The highest civilian award by the Maharashtra Government.
Sahitya Akademi Award	2014	For his Marathi autobiography

Jayant Narlikar’s life exemplifies the spirit of scientific inquiry, intellectual courage, and public service. His challenge to mainstream cosmology, dedication to education, and efforts against superstition remain enduring legacies. As India advances its space and scientific missions, Narlikar’s vision and pioneering spirit continue to inspire generations.