The Positive Sciences of the Ancient Hindus c5.s5.2

c5.s5.2

The first motions in primordial atoms at the beginning of Creation are attributed to *adṛiṣṭa*. Among movements in masses of matter so caused are noted the motion of the globe of the earth and similar other bodies (महाभूतानां भूगोलकादीनां प्रक्षोभनं चलनम्—Praśastapâda with Śrîdhara’s commentary, कर्म्मग्रन्थ). Most probably this means earthquakes, tides, etc. Âryabhata and his school would no doubt bring under this head the diurnal motion of the earth. It is interesting to note in this connection that Bhâskara refutes the Buddhist hypothesis of the earth falling perpetually *in vacuo* by arguing that the earth must remain balanced in space as there is nothing outside to attract it.