Ancient Scientists — Set 2
Inventions · प्राचीन वैज्ञानिक · Questions 11–20 of 50
The ancient text 'Vrikshayurveda', which discusses plant science and agriculture, is attributed to?
Correct Answer: D. Surapala
Surapala's work covers soil selection, plant diseases, and methods of irrigation. It provides a detailed account of how to grow and maintain gardens and orchards. This text reflects a deep ancient Indian understanding of botany and ecology.
Who among the following was a renowned ancient Indian chemist and alchemist who wrote 'Rasaratna Samuccaya'?
Correct Answer: B. Nagarjuna
Nagarjuna is often referred to as the 'Father of Indian Chemistry' for his work on metallurgy and medicinal chemicals. He described various methods for the extraction of metals like gold and silver. His research laid the foundation for chemical practices in ancient India.
Which ancient Indian text is considered the earliest work on grammar and linguistics, influencing computer science logic today?
Correct Answer: C. Ashtadhyayi
Panini authored the Ashtadhyayi, a comprehensive linguistic analysis of the Sanskrit language. His rules use a formal metalanguage that mirrors the logic of modern programming languages. He is celebrated as the Father of Linguistics.
The concept of 'Karanasiddhi', a work on astronomical calculations, was produced by which scientist?
Correct Answer: B. Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II wrote multiple astronomical texts that improved the accuracy of planetary position calculations. His work on gravity suggested that the Earth has an inherent property of attraction. He was the head of the astronomical observatory in Ujjain.
Who wrote the 'Vedanga Jyotisha', the earliest known formal text on Indian astronomy?
Correct Answer: C. Lagadha
Lagadha lived during the late Vedic period and systemized the rules for calculating the positions of the Sun and Moon. This text was essential for determining the correct timing for Vedic sacrifices. It represents the oldest systematic astronomical knowledge in the Indian tradition.
The ancient mathematician Mahaviracharya, who wrote the 'Ganita Sara Samgraha', belonged to which religious tradition?
Correct Answer: A. Jain
The correct answer is 'Jain'. Mahaviracharya was a 9th-century mathematician who wrote the first work completely devoted to mathematics. He was a contemporary of the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha. His text provided solutions to quadratic equations and explained the properties of fractions.
Which ancient Indian scientist discussed the concept of gravity long before Newton, describing it as an inherent attraction by the Earth?
Correct Answer: B. Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II stated in his texts that the Earth attracts everything towards itself by a natural force. This was written in the 12th century, centuries before the Western discovery of universal gravitation. He used the term 'Gurutvakarshan' to imply this power.
The 'Ashtanga Hridaya', a concise version of Ayurvedic knowledge, was composed by?
Correct Answer: A. Vagbhata
Vagbhata unified the surgical wisdom of Sushruta and the medicinal knowledge of Charaka into a single text. It is considered one of the 'Big Three' of Ayurvedic literature. This work was highly popular in Tibet and the Arab world during the medieval period.
Which ancient Indian work provides detailed instructions on the smelting and forging of metals, including the famous Wootz steel?
Correct Answer: B. Rasaratnakara
Nagarjuna's Rasaratnakara is a major text on alchemy and metallurgy. It describes chemical processes for converting base metals into ones that resemble gold. Ancient India's mastery of steel was evidenced by the rust-resistant Iron Pillar of Delhi.
Who is the author of 'Surya Siddhanta', a highly influential Sanskrit treatise on Indian astronomy?
Correct Answer: B. Unknown
The correct answer is 'Unknown'. The Surya Siddhanta is traditionally attributed to a divine origin and was later revised by astronomers like Varahamihira. It contains rules for calculating planetary motions and the dimensions of the Earth. It served as a standard reference for making calendars for centuries.