Ancient Scientists — Set 4
Inventions · प्राचीन वैज्ञानिक · Questions 31–40 of 50
Who was the first Indian astronomer to provide an accurate calculation for the time taken by Earth to orbit the Sun?
Correct Answer: D. Bhaskara II
Bhaskara II calculated the solar year to be approximately 365.2588 days in the 12th century. This value is remarkably close to modern scientific measurements. His accuracy was achieved through rigorous observations at the Ujjain observatory.
Which ancient Indian physician is often hailed as the 'King of Medicine' and was a court physician to King Kanishka?
Correct Answer: C. Charaka
Charaka authored the Charaka Samhita, focusing on the holistic treatment of patients. He lived around the 1st or 2nd century AD and emphasized the ethics of medical practice. His work is still a fundamental textbook for students of Ayurveda.
Who wrote the 'Aryabhatiya', the oldest surviving Indian astronomical work of the classical age?
Correct Answer: A. Aryabhata
Aryabhata wrote this text when he was only 23 years old. It covers topics from arithmetic to trigonometry and planetary positions. The book famously includes a table of sines, which was vital for navigation and astronomy.
Which ancient scientist discovered that Moon and planets shine by reflected sunlight?
Correct Answer: A. Aryabhata
Aryabhata correctly identified that these celestial bodies do not have their own light. He explained that their brightness is due to the Sun's light reflecting off their surfaces. This was a revolutionary departure from the mythological explanations of his time.
The 'Vaisheshika Darshana', which discusses the categories of existence and atomism, was founded by?
Correct Answer: A. Kanada
Acharya Kanada categorized the universe into six padarthas or categories. He explored how atoms combine to form larger substances. This philosophical framework provided a basis for ancient Indian physical sciences.
The ancient text 'Sushruta Samhita' is world-famous for describing which surgical procedure first?
Correct Answer: B. Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery)
Sushruta developed the method of reconstructing a damaged nose using a flap of skin from the forehead. This technique is remarkably similar to modern pedicle flap surgery. He is celebrated globally for his contributions to reconstructive surgery.
Who wrote the 'Siddhanta Darpana', a late medieval work on astronomy that helped refine the traditional almanacs?
Correct Answer: B. Chandrasekhar Simha
Pathani Samanta Chandrasekhar Simha was an 18th-century astronomer from Odisha who worked without modern telescopes. He achieved high precision using simple instruments made of wood and bamboo. His work is a testament to the continued tradition of Indian observational astronomy.
The 'Brahma-Siddhanta' influenced which civilization's astronomical knowledge first during the 8th century?
Correct Answer: D. Arab
Indian astronomical texts were translated into Arabic at the request of Caliph Al-Mansur. This introduced Indian numerals and zero to the Arab world. From there, this knowledge eventually spread to Europe through Spain and North Africa.
Who among the following ancient mathematicians is associated with the 'Chakravala' method for solving indeterminate equations?
Correct Answer: A. Bhaskara II
Brahmagupta initiated the study of these equations, which were later refined by Jayadeva and Bhaskara II. The Chakravala method is an iterative algorithm to find integer solutions. It is considered one of the greatest achievements in ancient algebra.
The ancient system of medicine 'Ayurveda' is considered an Upaveda of which primary Veda?
Correct Answer: C. Atharva Veda
Ayurveda derives its medical and philosophical roots largely from the Atharva Veda. It deals with health, diseases, and the use of herbs for treatment. The word Ayurveda literally means 'Science of Life'.