Ancient Scientists — Set 3
Inventions · प्राचीन वैज्ञानिक · Questions 21–30 of 50
In ancient Indian mathematics, the 'Meru Prastara' is the equivalent of which modern concept?
Correct Answer: D. Pascal's Triangle
The correct answer is 'Pascal's Triangle'. Pingala first described this arrangement of binomial coefficients in his study of poetic meters. It allows for the calculation of the number of combinations of a specific length. This demonstrates that advanced combinatorial theory was well-developed in ancient India.
Which ancient Indian scientist is credited with the development of the 'Katapayadi' system, a method to denote numbers with letters?
Correct Answer: D. Vararuchi
Vararuchi is traditionally associated with this alphanumeric system used for recording numerical data in verses. It was particularly popular in Kerala and used to store astronomical constants. This system allowed for easier memorization of complex numerical values.
The 'Brahma-Sphuta-Siddhanta', which established rules for calculations involving zero and negative numbers, was written by?
Correct Answer: A. Brahmagupta
Brahmagupta's text was the first to treat zero as a number in its own right rather than just a placeholder. It was through the translation of this work into Arabic that Indian mathematics reached the Islamic world. His mathematical concepts eventually traveled to Europe during the Renaissance.
Which ancient philosopher founded the Nyaya school, which specialized in the logic and the scientific method of inquiry?
Correct Answer: C. Gotama
Acharya Gotama is known for the Nyaya Sutras, which provide a framework for valid reasoning. The school defined four sources of knowledge: perception, inference, comparison, and testimony. This logical rigour was applied to both scientific and philosophical investigations.
The 'Hastyayurveda', an ancient Indian veterinary text dedicated specifically to elephants, was written by?
Correct Answer: A. Palakapya
Sage Palakapya is considered the authority on the health and biology of elephants. This work details the anatomy, diseases, and management of these animals used in war and royalty. Ancient India also had a similar text for horses by Shalihotra.
Who is considered the pioneer of Veterinary Science in India, specifically for his work on horses titled 'Haya Ayurveda'?
Correct Answer: A. Shalihotra
Sage Shalihotra's text covers the breeding, training, and medical treatment of horses. It is often referred to as the Shalihotra Samhita. His name is so synonymous with veterinary science that veterinarians are sometimes called 'Shalihotri' in parts of India.
Which ancient astronomer provided the first known mathematical formula for calculating the area of a cyclic quadrilateral?
Correct Answer: A. Brahmagupta
Brahmagupta's formula relates the area to the lengths of the four sides of a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle. This was a sophisticated discovery that was not repeated in Western mathematics for nearly a millennium. His contributions to geometry were as significant as those to algebra.
The 'Arthashastra', while a political text, contains detailed ancient descriptions of mining and metallurgy. Who is its author?
Correct Answer: C. Kautilya
Kautilya, also known as Chanakya, described the identification of ores and the manufacturing of coins. The text demonstrates a high state-managed understanding of mineral resources. It also covers the distillation of liquor and the production of perfumes.
Which ancient Indian mathematician is famous for his work on 'Bijaganita' (Algebra)?
Correct Answer: D. Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II's Bijaganita is a comprehensive textbook on algebra. It was the first to recognize that a positive number has two square roots (one positive and one negative). He also dealt extensively with the concept of infinity and division by zero.
The 'Siddhanta Shiromani' is a massive four-part work covering mathematics and astronomy by?
Correct Answer: B. Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II composed this work in 1150 AD, dividing it into sections like Lilavati and Bijaganita. It represents the pinnacle of classical Indian mathematical achievement. The text reflects a deep synthesis of observation and calculation.