Which Indian-born scientist received the Nobel Prize in Physics for pioneering work in astrophysics?

Introduction / Context:
The question focuses on Indian contributions to the Nobel Prize in Physics, specifically for work related to astrophysics. Recognising which Indian born scientist was honoured for pioneering theoretical work on stellar evolution is important for both science awareness and national pride. Competitive exams frequently ask about Nobel laureates, the field of their prize, and their major scientific achievements. Here, the task is to correctly identify Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar as the laureate whose work reshaped modern astrophysics.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The prize mentioned is the Nobel Prize in Physics. • The recognised field is astrophysics, particularly stellar structure and evolution. • Four Indian or Indian origin scientists are listed as options. • Only one of them received a Nobel Prize for astrophysics related work. • The question is about identity, not detailed theory.

Concept / Approach:
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his theoretical studies of the physical processes important for the structure and evolution of stars, including the famous Chandrasekhar limit for white dwarfs. C. V. Raman received his Nobel Prize for the Raman effect in light scattering, which belongs to condensed matter and optics, not astrophysics. Satyendra Nath Bose made foundational contributions to quantum statistics but did not receive a Nobel Prize. Vikram Sarabhai is known as the father of the Indian space programme but was never a Nobel laureate. The correct approach is thus to recall that Chandrasekhar is the astrophysicist among the listed names who actually received the Nobel Prize in Physics.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Note that the prize mentioned is in Physics and specifically associated with astrophysics. 2. Recall that Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar developed theoretical models describing how stars evolve and what happens as they exhaust their nuclear fuel. 3. Remember the term "Chandrasekhar limit", which is widely taught in astrophysics and is directly associated with his name. 4. Examine option a, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, and connect it with the Nobel recognition for stellar structure and evolution. 5. Consider option b, C. V. Raman, who did receive a Nobel Prize, but for discovering the Raman effect, not for astrophysics. 6. Consider option c, Satyendra Nath Bose, whose work on Bose statistics and bosons is fundamental but was never rewarded with a Nobel Prize. 7. Consider option d, Vikram Sarabhai, a pioneering space scientist and institution builder, but not a Nobel laureate. 8. Conclude that Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar is the only person who fits all criteria.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling standard exam facts: C. V. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for the Raman effect. Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar was honoured much later for astrophysics. Many textbooks explicitly mention that he received the Nobel Prize for work on the evolution of stars and white dwarfs. Lists of Nobel laureates show that Bose and Sarabhai are not among the winners. This alignment of multiple trusted sources confirms that option a is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
• C. V. Raman did receive a Nobel Prize, but it was for optical physics, not for astrophysics. • Satyendra Nath Bose made key contributions to quantum mechanics, yet he was never awarded a Nobel Prize. • Vikram Sarabhai set up India's space programme and institutions like ISRO, but he was not a Nobel laureate.

Common Pitfalls:
Because C. V. Raman is one of the best known Indian Nobel laureates, some students quickly select his name for any physics related question, even when the field described is astrophysics. Others may assume that Satyendra Nath Bose or Vikram Sarabhai must have won the Nobel Prize due to their fame, overlooking historical facts. To avoid these mistakes, it is helpful to memorise clearly which Indian born scientists actually received the Nobel Prize and for what kind of work, instead of relying on general reputation.

Final Answer:
The Indian born scientist who received the Nobel Prize in Physics for pioneering work in astrophysics is Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.