Progress of Astronomy in India: A Scientometric Study base on paper published during 1991 – 1995 and 2011 – 2015

Abstract

Astronomy is the oldest of the natural sciences. It is well known that the period covering about seven centuries, from Aryabhata to Bhaskaracharya II (c. 476-1150), was the golden age of Indian astronomy. In the present study, we identify research trends and the growth of knowledge in the field of astronomy science research. The study is an essential tool to measure the scientific publications in the field. This study analyses the publications of astronomy research in India published during 1991-1995 and 2011-2015. The study assesses how astronomy progresses in India and its impact is reflected in the science citation index over the period 1991-1995 and 2011-2015. The publication output has been analyzed using quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as progress in research article publishing, change in authorship patterns, citation patterns during 1991-1995 and 2011-2015, articles that received the most citations, and international collaboration with other countries. Further, the study investigated highly prolific authors and highly preferred journals. The author is from one of the FORSA institutes, therefore the study includes a separate ranking for FORSA institutes in term of output as well citations.