Ancient Scientists — Set 1
Inventions · प्राचीन वैज्ञानिक · Questions 1–10 of 50
Which ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer is credited with the formal invention or systematic use of zero as a number?
Correct Answer: B. Brahmagupta
Brahmagupta was the first to give rules to compute with zero in his text Brahmasphutasiddhanta. He defined zero as the result of subtracting a number from itself. His work also established foundational rules for negative numbers.
The famous ancient medical treatise 'Sushruta Samhita' primarily focuses on which branch of medical science?
Correct Answer: D. Surgery
Sushruta is often referred to as the 'Father of Surgery' for his pioneering work in the field. The text describes over 300 surgical procedures and 120 surgical instruments. It contains the earliest known descriptions of plastic surgery, specifically rhinoplasty.
Which ancient scientist is known for proposing the heliocentric theory that the Earth rotates on its axis and revolves around the Sun?
Correct Answer: B. Aryabhata
Aryabhata stated that the Earth is spherical and rotates on its own axis, causing day and night. He also provided a scientifically accurate explanation for solar and lunar eclipses. His major work, the Aryabhatiya, covers both mathematics and astronomy.
The 'Charaka Samhita' is a foundational text associated with which ancient Indian system of medicine?
Correct Answer: D. Ayurveda
Charaka is known as the 'Father of Ayurveda' for his comprehensive compilation on medicine. The text emphasizes that prevention is better than cure and focuses on the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It remains one of the most important classical texts of traditional Indian medicine.
Which ancient Indian philosopher and scientist is credited with proposing the atomic theory of the universe?
Correct Answer: D. Kanada
Acharya Kanada proposed that all matter is composed of indivisible particles called 'Anu' or atoms. He founded the Vaisheshika school of philosophy, which categorized the physical world into distinct realities. This theory pre-dates similar Greek concepts by several centuries.
The ancient mathematical text 'Lilavati', which deals with arithmetic and geometry, was written by?
Correct Answer: C. Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II, also known as Bhaskaracharya, named this book after his daughter to teach her mathematics. It is the first part of his major work, the Siddhanta Shiromani. The text covers complex topics like progressions and indeterminate equations.
Who wrote the 'Pancha Siddhantika', a summary of five ancient astronomical systems?
Correct Answer: A. Varahamihira
Varahamihira was a great polymath who lived in Ujjain and served in the court of Vikramaditya. His work preserved the knowledge of older Greek and Indian astronomical theories. He is also famous for the Brihat Samhita, an encyclopedia of diverse knowledge.
The ancient geometric rules for constructing fire altars, known as 'Sulba Sutras', were primarily authored by?
Correct Answer: D. Baudhayana
Baudhayana provided the earliest known statement of what is now called the Pythagorean Theorem. These sutras were essential for the precise measurement required in Vedic rituals. They demonstrate an advanced understanding of square roots and geometric transformations.
Who is the author of the 'Chhandas Shastra', which contains the earliest known description of a binary numeral system?
Correct Answer: A. Pingala
Pingala used binary concepts to classify various meters in Sanskrit prosody. His work also contains the basic idea behind Pascal's triangle, known in India as Meru Prastara. He is considered the pioneer of combinatorial mathematics in India.
Which ancient Indian scientist is credited with providing a very accurate value of Pi (π) as 3.1416?
Correct Answer: A. Aryabhata
Aryabhata calculated the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter with remarkable precision. He explicitly mentioned that this value is only an approximation. His mathematical innovations significantly influenced medieval Arabic and European scholars.