19 Questions
Who among the following ancient Indian mathematicians wrote the book 'Aryabhatiya'?
Aryabhata
Which Indian mathematician correctly propounded the heliocentric theory?
Aryabhata
Which trigonometric function was discovered by Aryabhata according to the text?
Sine
What was the earliest reference to trigonometry in India according to the text?
Suryasidhanta
Who correctly predicted solar and lunar eclipses, day duration, and distance between Earth and Moon according to the text?
Aryabhata
'Suryasidhanta' is a text that dates back to approximately which century?
4th century
'Aryabhatiya' contained trigonometric tables and formulas written by which ancient Indian mathematician?
Aryabhata
'Trigonometry in Ancient India' was developed primarily to solve problems related to which field?
Astronomy
'Aryabhata was an Indian mathematician and astronomer from which century?'
'5th century'
What inspired Sir Isaac Newton to formulate 'The Universal Law of Gravitation'?
An apple falling from a tree
Which ancient Indian civilization is known for advanced urbanization and sculpture of the bronze dancer?
Harappan Civilization
In which fields did Ancient India make significant contributions according to the text?
Astronomy, Geometry, Ayurvedic Medicine
Which Indian organization played a critical role in the success of the Chandrayan-3 Mission?
ISRO
Which ancient Indian mathematician is known for achievements in Mathematics, Physics, and Medicine?
Aryabhata
Who among the following Indian astronomers and mathematicians was the first to suggest the idea of Gravity, even though he did not give it a specific name or meaning?
Varahamihira
Which Indian mathematician and astronomer believed that the Earth attracts all things towards it and talked about 'Gravity' by comparing it to elements like water and fire?
Brahmagupta
In which astronomical text did Bhaskaracharya explain the concept of Gravitational Force (Gurutvakarshan Shakti), stating that there is a mutual attraction between the planets?
'Surya Siddhanta'
Which Indian astronomer and mathematician held the view that objects fall towards the earth due to a force of attraction by the earth, describing it as the Earth's nature to attract bodies?
Brahmagupta
Who was the Indian Astrologer and Mathematician from the 11th century who continued the work on gravity started by Brahmagupta, contributing to 'Surya Siddhanta'?
Bhaskaracharya
Study Notes
Ancient Indian Astronomy
- Ancient Indian astronomers studied celestial bodies and their movements, believing that the motions of the planets could indicate auspicious and inauspicious times for religious observances.
- They believed in the existence of seven celestial bodies orbiting Earth: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and two "Evil" celestial bodies, Rahu and Kethu, which caused Solar Eclipses.
- Astronomical texts, such as the Vedas and the Puranas, were used to learn about celestial bodies and their movements.
- The Jantar Mantar in Jaipur is one of the six major observatories built by the Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, used to determine auspicious dates and events, and map the precise position of the stars in the sky.
Aryabhata's Contributions
- Aryabhata presented a mathematical system that took the Earth to spin on its axis and considered the motions of the planets with respect to the Sun around 500 BCE.
- He made an accurate approximation of the Earth's Circumference and Diameter and discovered how Lunar and Solar Eclipses occur.
- He correctly propounded the Heliocentric Theory, stating that the Earth is round, rotates on its own axis, and revolves around the Sun.
Trigonometry in Ancient India
- Trigonometry was developed in India to solve astronomy problems, with the earliest reference occurring in the text "Suryasidhanta" (c. 400 CE).
- Aryabhata discovered the sine function and introduced the concept of sine and explored its properties in his book "Aryabhatiya".
Ancient Indian Knowledge and Science
- Ancient India was advanced in mathematics, physics, and medicine, with significant contributions in astronomy, arithmetic, geometry, metallurgy, and the Ayurvedic System of Medicine.
- The desire to observe and understand nature has been present in human society since prehistoric times, leading to significant achievements in science and technology.
Law of Gravity: Ancient India Connection
- Varahamihira (505-587 CE) thought of the idea of Gravity, claiming that there should be a force keeping bodies stuck to the Earth and heavenly bodies in their determined places.
- Brahmagupta (598-670 CE) held the view that the Earth is spherical in shape and attracts all things towards it, comparing it to elements like water and fire.
- Bhaskarachaya (11th century) continued the efforts of Brahmagupta, explaining that the Earth has Gravitational Force (Gurutvakarshan Shakti), allowing planets to hold themselves firmly in space.
Test your knowledge on the significant contributions of ancient India to modern science and technology, including theories that served as the basis for Weather Forecast, Astronomy, Astrology, Aviation, and Mathematics. Explore the achievements of renowned mathematicians from ancient India.
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