Which ancient Indian astronomer and mathematician is credited with anticipating the idea of gravity by stating that all things tend to be drawn towards the earth?

Introduction / Context:
Long before the formal statement of the law of universal gravitation by Isaac Newton, several ancient scholars speculated about why objects fall to the ground and what holds celestial bodies in place. In India, some astronomer mathematicians discussed ideas that are seen as early precursors to gravity. This question asks which Indian scholar explicitly suggested that all things tend to be drawn towards the earth.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to an early statement similar to the idea of gravity.
• Options list Aryabhatta, Brahmagupta, Varahamihira, and Buddhagupta.
• We assume the learner knows the general time period and fields of these scholars.

Concept / Approach:
Brahmagupta, a 7th century Indian mathematician and astronomer, wrote about the earth s attractive force in his astronomical works. He suggested that objects fall because the earth attracts them, which resembles an intuitive understanding of gravity. Aryabhatta and Varahamihira also made important astronomical contributions but are not specifically credited with this particular statement. Buddhagupta is less central in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the statement about all things tending to fall towards the earth is associated with early gravitational thinking. Step 2: Recall that Brahmagupta discussed the earth as a massive body attracting objects. Step 3: Note that Aryabhatta is well known for his work on the rotation of the earth and astronomy but not for this specific idea of attraction. Step 4: Understand that Varahamihira was a polymath but again not primarily cited for this gravitational phrase. Step 5: Conclude that Brahmagupta best matches the description.

Verification / Alternative check:
Secondary sources on the history of science often mention Brahmagupta as an early thinker who suggested that objects fall due to an attractive force of the earth. Comparing discussions of Aryabhatta and Varahamihira shows that they are not commonly associated with the quoted idea.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Aryabhatta s major contributions include the concept of earth s rotation and methods for calculating planetary positions, not specifically a statement about gravitational attraction. Varahamihira is better known for his encyclopaedic work on astronomy, astrology, and natural science without this explicit gravitational phrasing. Buddhagupta is not widely cited in connection with this idea.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Aryabhatta is the most famous among the listed names, many learners choose him by guesswork. To avoid such errors, it is important to remember that the specific quasi gravitational statement is linked with Brahmagupta.

Final Answer:
The scholar who anticipated the idea of gravity in this way was Brahmagupta.