UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 110: History and Culture
Who among the following anticipated Newton by declaring that all things gravitate to the earth?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Brahmagupta, in the 7th century, wrote that bodies fall to the earth because it is in the nature of the earth to attract them, just as it is in the nature of water to flow, anticipating Newton's idea of gravitation. Aryabhata is known for the rotation of the earth and for mathematics, and Varahamihira for the Pancha Siddhantika and Brihat Samhita. Remember: Brahmagupta, gravitation.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Aryabhata proposed the earth's rotation and worked on astronomy and mathematics.
- (b) Varahamihira wrote the Pancha Siddhantika and Brihat Samhita.
- (c) Buddha Gupta was a Gupta king, not a scientist.
- (d) Right: Brahmagupta.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.