Ancient Books — Set 6
Arts & Culture · प्राचीन पुस्तकें · Questions 51–60 of 60
The medical treatise 'Sushruta Samhita' is famous for describing?
Correct Answer: D. Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery)
Sushruta provided detailed instructions for repairing damaged noses, a procedure now known as rhinoplasty. His techniques remained the standard for centuries and influenced modern reconstructive surgery. The text mentions over 1,000 diseases and 650 drugs.
Who wrote the 'Mahabhashya', a classic commentary on Panini's grammar?
Correct Answer: D. Patanjali
Patanjali wrote the Mahabhashya to explain and refine the rules set by Panini in the Ashtadhyayi. It is considered one of the three foundational works of Sanskrit grammar (Trimuni Vyakarana). The work also provides incidental information about the social and religious life of its time.
The 'Brihat-Katha', often cited in other Sanskrit works but now lost, was written in which language?
Correct Answer: B. Paishachi Prakrit
Gunadhya wrote the Brihat-Katha in the obscure Paishachi language around the 1st or 2nd century. Although the original is lost, its stories were preserved in later Sanskrit adaptations like the Kathasaritsagara. It was one of the most influential narrative works of ancient India.
The 'Surya Siddhanta' is an ancient Indian text on?
Correct Answer: C. Astronomy
Surya Siddhanta is a seminal work on Indian astronomy that provides methods for calculating the positions of planets and eclipses. It accurately estimated the duration of the sidereal year and the diameter of the Earth. It forms the basis for traditional Indian calendars (Panchangs).
Who wrote the Sanskrit biography of King Vikramaditya VI titled 'Vikramankadevacharita'?
Correct Answer: C. Bilhana
Bilhana, a Kashmiri poet, moved to the Chalukya court in South India and wrote this epic in honor of his patron. It is an important source for the history of the Western Chalukyas. Bilhana is also famous for his romantic poem 'Chaurapanchashika'.
The 'Amarakosha' is the oldest surviving what in the Sanskrit language?
Correct Answer: D. Thesaurus/Dictionary
Compiled by Amarasimha, the Amarakosha is the most influential lexicon of Sanskrit. It provides synonyms and gender for words, organized in three 'Kandas' (sections). It was used for centuries as the primary tool for students to master the language.
Who is the author of 'Kavyadarsha', an important work on Sanskrit poetics?
Correct Answer: C. Dandin
Dandin wrote the Kavyadarsha to define the qualities of poetry and figures of speech. He categorized the styles of poetry into the Vaidarbha and Gauda traditions. This work established the criteria for literary excellence in the classical age.
The 'Prithviraj Raso', an epic about King Prithviraj Chauhan, was authored by?
Correct Answer: B. Chand Bardai
Chand Bardai was the court poet and friend of Prithviraj Chauhan who wrote this Brajbhasha epic. It provides a heroic account of the King's life and his battles with Muhammad Ghori. It is one of the earliest major works of Hindi literature.
Who wrote 'Navaratna', a work on the science of gems and minerals?
Correct Answer: B. Agastya
Sage Agastya is traditionally credited with several works on Ratnashastra, including the classification of gemstones. The text describes the mythical origin and medicinal properties of nine primary gems (Navaratna). It reflects the deep-rooted cultural and scientific interest in minerals.
The 'Yogavashistha' is a highly philosophical text written in the form of a dialogue between?
Correct Answer: A. Vashistha and Rama
The text records the instructions given by the sage Vashistha to a young Prince Rama on the nature of reality and the path to liberation. It is one of the longest texts in Sanskrit and is highly regarded in Advaita Vedanta. It uses numerous stories and allegories to explain abstract philosophical concepts.