GS PrelimsHistory (Ancient India)Gupta Empire1995

Who among the following anticipated Newton by declaring that all things gravitate to the earth?

A

Aryabhata

B

Varahamihira

C

Buddha Gupta

D

Brahmagupta

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. The question asks which ancient Indian scholar anticipated Newton's theory of gravity by stating that all things gravitate to the earth. 2. Brahmagupta (c. 598–668 CE), a prominent Indian mathematician and astronomer, in his work Brahmasphutasiddhanta, described gravity as an attractive force. 3. He used the term 'gurutvākarṣaṇam' (गुरुत्वाकर्षणम्) to describe this force, stating that "Bodies fall towards the earth as it is in the nature of the earth to attract bodies, just as it is in the nature of water to flow." 4. While Aryabhata made significant contributions to astronomy and mathematics, and Varahamihira was a renowned astronomer and astrologer, it was Brahmagupta who explicitly discussed gravity as an attractive property of the Earth. 5. Buddha Gupta refers to a Gupta emperor, not primarily known for scientific pronouncements on gravity.

More History (Ancient India) PYQs

View all History (Ancient India) questions →

Master UPSC Revision

Get 10,000+ topic-wise MCQs, spaced repetition, daily CSAT challenges, and detailed performance analytics.

Coming Soon to Play Store
Coming Soon to Play Store