# Al-Biruni: the first comparative anthropologist

> A Khwarezmian polymath (973–1048) who calculated Earth's radius to within 1% accuracy, wrote the first objective study of Hinduism, and mastered astronomy, mineralogy, and pharmacology.

**Abu Rayhan Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Biruni** (973–1048) was born in Kath, the old capital of Khwarezm (near modern Beruniy in Karakalpakstan).

Achievements:

- **Earth's radius**: using trigonometry from a mountaintop in Pakistan, calculated the Earth's radius at 6,339.9 km — within 16.8 km (0.26%) of the modern equatorial value.
- **Kitab al-Hind** (1030) — a 600-page systematic study of Indian religion, philosophy, science, and social customs. Considered the first work of comparative religion and anthropology in history.
- Spoke fluent Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, and Khwarezmian. Read Greek and Hebrew.
- **Mineralogy**: catalogued properties of metals, gems, and their specific gravities.
- **Pharmacology**: *Kitab al-Saydalah* — classified 700 drugs with their sources.
- Astronomy: established that Earth rotates on its axis (anticipating Copernicus by 500 years).

He spent most of his productive career at the court of Mahmud of Ghazni (in modern Afghanistan), often unwillingly — Mahmud essentially kidnapped him from Khwarezm.

A crater on the Moon is named after him. The town of **Beruniy** in Karakalpakstan is named in his honour.

---
Keywords: Al-Biruni, Khorezm, polymath, Earth radius, anthropology
Updated: 2026-08-15
Category: history
URL: https://uzbguidedtours.com/kb/kb-history-al-biruni