The commentary ‘A statistical test of astrology’ by Narlikar et al.1 attracts attention as a pioneering attempt at the critical evaluation of ‘jyothisha’ (or Indian astrology). It marks the dawn of a new paradigm in Indian science, indicating themethods to scientifically test a body of knowledge branded as pseudoscience. As it seems, the work did not get proper attention or exposure, despite the fact that it trails the most intense and elaborate debate in the history of Current Science (2000, 79, No. 9 through 2001, 81, No. 2), following the controversial decision of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2001 to start graduate, postgraduate and research courses in ‘Jyotir vigyan’. The implications and ramifications of the work are worth discussing.
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