Introduction

The history of scientific discovery is often punctuated with iconic names like Sir Isaac Newton, who revolutionized physics with his Laws of Motion. However, recent findings by researchers from The University of Manchester have unveiled an astonishing revelation – Indians had already laid the groundwork for these fundamental principles long before Newton’s time. This article delves into the historical evidence supporting India’s predated Laws of Motion and the significance of this discovery in reshaping our understanding of ancient Indian science.

The Vedic Era: Seeds of Scientific Inquiry

To comprehend the roots of this groundbreaking discovery, we must journey back to ancient India during the Vedic era. The Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in human history, dating back over 3,500 years, contains verses that allude to the principles of motion and momentum. The concept of ‘Rajas,’ found in the Rigveda, emphasizes the idea of force and the driving energy behind various actions in the universe.

Vaisesika Sutras: First Hints of Motion Laws

Around the 6th century BCE, the Vaisesika school of philosophy emerged, propounding an atomic theory of matter. Kanada, the founder of this school, wrote the Vaisesika Sutras, wherein he introduced the concept of “gurutva,” translated as gravity. This concept expounded on the attraction between objects due to their mass, offering early insights into gravitational forces.

The Nyaya Sutras and Momentum

During the same period, the Nyaya school of thought, founded by Gautama, developed a system of logic and epistemology. The Nyaya Sutras discussed “Tarka,” the science of reasoning, and intriguingly, the concept of “gati,” which referred to motion and momentum. The Nyaya scholars explored the nature of motion and the causes behind it, hinting at what would later become the foundations of Newton’s Laws.

Aryabhata’s Contributions

Fast forward to the 5th century CE, and we encounter Aryabhata, an exceptional mathematician and astronomer. In his magnum opus, “Aryabhatiya,” he delved into the mathematics of motion and investigated planetary motion. He proposed a model of the solar system with a heliocentric view, acknowledging that Earth rotates on its axis. Though Aryabhata’s work focused on celestial motion, it undeniably laid the groundwork for later scholars to explore terrestrial motion.

Bhaskaracharya II and His Masterpiece

One of the most renowned Indian mathematicians and astronomers, Bhaskaracharya II, or Bhaskara, made significant strides in understanding motion during the 12th century CE. In his seminal work, “Siddhanta Shiromani,” he dedicated an entire section to “Goladhyaya,” discussing the principles of astronomy and motion.

Bhaskara introduced “Bijaganita,” a book on algebra that contained a set of equations to determine objects’ positions over time, considering their initial velocity and acceleration due to external forces. These equations are eerily reminiscent of the equations found in Newton’s Laws of Motion, particularly his second law, F = ma.

Madhava’s Infinite Series

Another crucial figure in the development of India’s scientific knowledge was Madhava of Sangamagrama, a mathematician and astronomer from the 14th century CE. Madhava is celebrated for his groundbreaking work on calculus and infinite series, prefiguring some aspects of Newton’s and Leibniz’s later work in Europe.

Madhava’s discovery of infinite series expansions for trigonometric functions, including sine, cosine, and arctangent, was a revolutionary advancement in mathematics. These discoveries are crucial components in the study of motion, particularly in understanding oscillatory and periodic phenomena.

Legacy and Implications

The findings by The University of Manchester researchers have far-reaching implications for the history of science. They shed light on the remarkable advancements made by ancient Indian scholars, long before Newton’s time. India’s contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and the study of motion form a vital chapter in the global history of science, dispelling the notion that scientific progress was solely the domain of the Western world.

Moreover, this discovery challenges the prevailing Eurocentric narrative that often overlooks the contributions of non-Western civilizations to scientific knowledge. By recognizing the ancient Indian discoveries in motion and other scientific domains, we can foster a more inclusive understanding of humanity’s intellectual heritage.

Conclusion

The recent revelation by The University of Manchester researchers is a momentous milestone in the annals of scientific history. The evidence presented in this article underscores the remarkable achievements of ancient Indian scholars, who laid the groundwork for Newton’s Laws of Motion centuries before their formalization in the Western world.

India’s predated Laws of Motion exemplify the richness of its scientific tradition and its profound impact on shaping human understanding. As we celebrate the scientific heritage of India, let us acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of diverse civilizations in shaping the collective knowledge that enriches our world today.