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Brahmagupta and the Mystery of Gravity: A Discovery Ahead of Its Time

When we think of gravity, Isaac Newton is the first name that comes to mind. However, almost 1,000 years before Newton, an Indian mathematician and astronomer, Brahmagupta, described a force that pulls objects toward the Earth.

While he didn’t create a mathematical formula like Newton, his ideas were remarkably close to the law of gravitation. So, did history overlook one of the earliest scientific minds behind gravity?

Let’s explore the genius of Brahmagupta and how he might have beaten Newton to the concept of gravity.

Who Was Brahmagupta?

Brahmagupta (598–668 CE) was a brilliant Indian mathematician and astronomer from Rajasthan, India. He led the famous astronomical observatory in Ujjain, a key learning center in ancient India.

His Major Works:

  • Brahmasphutasiddhanta (628 CE) – A groundbreaking book on astronomy and mathematics.

  • Khandakhadyaka (665 CE) – A practical guide for astronomical calculations.

His Key Contributions:

  • Introduced zero as a number.

  • Defined rules for negative numbers.

  • Advanced algebra, arithmetic, and trigonometry.

  • Discussed the concept of gravity centuries before Newton.

Brahmagupta’s Concept of Gravity

In his book Brahmasphutasiddhanta, Brahmagupta described a force that pulls objects toward the Earth. He wrote:

"All heavy things are attracted towards the Earth. The Earth attracts objects as it is in the nature of the Earth to do so, just as water flows."

How Was His Idea of Gravity Unique?

  • He suggested that Earth has a natural force pulling objects downward.

  • He compared gravity to water flowing naturally to lower levels.

  • Unlike Aristotle, who said objects fall due to their "natural place," Brahmagupta hinted at a force similar to Newton’s gravity.

This was a huge leap in scientific thought because most ancient civilizations didn’t understand why things fall.

Did Brahmagupta Discover Gravity Before Newton?

Feature Brahmagupta (628 CE) Isaac Newton (1687 CE)
Gravity Explanation Earth pulls objects naturally. Every mass attracts every other mass.
Mathematical Formula? No Yes, F=Gm1m2r2F = G \frac{m_1 m_2}{r^2}
Planetary Motion Thought divine forces moved planets. Explained it using gravity.
Scientific Proof Based on reasoning and observation. Backed by experiments and formulas.

The Key Difference

  • Brahmagupta understood the concept of gravity, but he didn’t create a formula for it.

  • Newton mathematically defined gravity, making it possible to predict planetary motion.

So, while Brahmagupta had the idea first, Newton turned it into a scientific law.

Did Brahmagupta Influence Later Scientists?

Yes. His works were translated into Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age (8th–12th century CE). Scholars in the Middle East studied his ideas, and this knowledge later reached Europe.

Although there’s no direct evidence that Newton read Brahmagupta’s work, the spread of knowledge from India to the Middle East and then Europe may have influenced later scientific discoveries.

Final Thoughts: Who Gets Credit for Gravity?

  • Brahmagupta was one of the earliest thinkers to describe gravity.

  • Newton mathematically proved and formulated gravity as a universal law.

While Newton’s law changed physics forever, the idea of gravity existed centuries before him. Brahmagupta’s insights remind us that scientific knowledge is a global journey, with contributions from many cultures.

As we celebrate Newton’s achievements, let’s also remember Brahmagupta—the Indian genius who first hinted at gravity nearly 1,000 years earlier.


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