How did Aryabhatta explain the setting and rising of the sun?

He explained it as an optical illusion caused by the Earth rotating on its own axis toward the east.

Ancient Indian Science

UPSC Archival Analysis

Q: Who among the following was the first to explain that the rotation of the earth on its own axis accounts for the daily rising and setting of the sun?

Aryabhatta was the first to explain that the daily rising and setting of the sun is caused by the Earth's rotation on its own axis. He recorded this scientific observation in his 5th-century work, the Aryabhatiya.

Exam Year

2018

Evidence Source

Link

ID: ANC_HIS_PMPG_2018_74 Ref: Aryabhatiya by Aryabhatta