Varahamihira: The Sage Who Discovered Gravity

Even thousands of years before, India had reached its pinnacle in astrological & astronomical sciences.
At that time, Ujjain was the centre of learning, where arts, science and culture were flourishing in prosperity of Gupta reign.
Varahamihira was born into a family of Brahmins. His father, Adityadasa was a worshipper of the Sun and he taught astrology to his son.

Varahamihira was learned in the Vedas, but he was not a blind believer in the supernatural. He was a scientist, mathematician and astrologer.
He was the first to claim that some “force” might be keeping bodies stuck to the round earth. The force is now called GRAVITY.

His books Pancha Siddhantika and Surya Siddanta gave detailed reports of solar system, planets, comets etc.
He also proposed that the Moon and planets are lustrous not because of their own light but due to sunlight. It is acclaimed that Pancha Siddhantika of Varahamihira is one of the most important sources for the history of Hindu Astronomy.
Varahamihira’s mathematical work included the discovery of trigonometric formulas. He improved the accuracy of the sine tables of Aryabhata. He defined the algebraic properties of zero as well as of negative numbers. Furthermore, He was among the first mathematicians to discover
a version of what is now known as the Pascal’s triangle. He used it to calculate the binomial coefficients.

Varahamihira made some significant observations in the field of ecology, hydrology and geology too.
His treatise such as Pancha Siddhantika, Brihatsamhita, Brahjataka have put him on as high a pedestal in Astrology as Kautilya’s in Political philosophy, Manu’s in Law or Panini’s in Grammar.
It is learnt, Varahamihira humbly said about his own treatises: “The science of Astrology is a vast ocean and is not easy for everyone to cross it. My treatises provide a safe boat.”
Truly, even now they are acknowledged as masterpieces.
Sources: Free Press Journal, Mystery Of India, and Book Facts.
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