Who Is Jayant Narlikar? Age, Biography and Wiki
Jayant Narlikar, born on July 19, 1938, in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, was a renowned Indian physicist and author who made significant contributions to cosmology, astronomy, and science education. Known for his work on the theory of gravitation and the relationship between matter and energy in the universe, Narlikar was a trailblazer in promoting scientific thought in India. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 87th birthday before his passing earlier in 2025.
| Occupation | Astrophysicist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 19, 1938 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Kolhapur, Kolhapur State, British India (now Maharashtra, India) |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 20 May, 2025 |
| Died Place | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
Popularity
Jayant Narlikar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though precise details about his height and weight are not readily available, Narlikar was known for his scholarly presence, characterized more by intellect and charisma than by physical stature.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Jayant Narlikar was married to Dr. Dhanashree Narlikar, with whom he shared a strong partnership not only in life but also in many academic pursuits. While there is limited public information on his personal relationships beyond his marriage, it is clear that his family played an essential role in his life and work.
His father, Vishnu Vasudev Narlikar, was a mathematician and theoretical physicist who was a professor and head of department at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. His mother, Sumati Narlikar, was a scholar of Sanskrit. His maternal uncle, V. S. Huzurbazar, was a statistician.
Net Worth and Salary
By the time of his passing in 2025, Jayant Narlikar had amassed a respectable net worth, thanks to his extensive career in science, authorship, and academic contributions. Although precise figures are often speculative, estimates suggest that his net worth ranged in the millions, reflective of his esteemed position within the scientific community and various esteemed positions he held throughout his career.
Career, Business and Investments
Narlikar's career spanned several decades, during which he engaged in both teaching and research across notable institutions including the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and the University of Pune. He was also known for his work on the widely acclaimed "steady state cosmology" theory, challenging conventional perspectives on the universe's origin and development.
In addition to his scientific career, Narlikar was a prolific author, penning numerous books (both fiction and non-fiction) that aimed to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and the general public. His commitment to science education illustrated his belief in the importance of making science accessible to everyone.
Narlikar began his research career as a doctoral student in theoretical cosmology, under the guidance of Fred Hoyle in Cambridge. He was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1963. He was then a postdoctoral fellow at King's College in Cambridge and earned an additional master's degree in astronomy and astrophysics in 1964.
In 1966, Hoyle established the Institute of Theoretical Astronomy in Cambridge; Narlikar was a founding member of the institute,[citation needed] while remaining a fellow at King's College.
Social Network
Despite his esteemed academic career, Jayant Narlikar was not as active on social media as some of his contemporaries. However, he maintained a presence at academic conferences, lectures, and seminars, where he engaged with audiences and young scientists. His contributions to public understanding through outreach programs and popular science writing showcased his dedication to fostering interest in scientific fields.
Education
Narlikar showcased brilliance from an early age, with a formative education that included obtaining his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Bombay. He later pursued a Ph.D. in astrophysics at Cambridge University under the guidance of the influential physicist Stephen Hawking. His education laid the groundwork for a career that would see him become one of India’s prominent scientific figures.
Narlikar studied at Banaras Hindu University and Cambridge University, where he obtained his PhD in 1963 working with Fred Hoyle. After postdoctoral work in Cambridge, in 1972 he was appointed a professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. In 1988, he became the first director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA).
