Traditional Knowledge in Engineering

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Questions and Answers

Indian civil has sparkled with rich customs and traditions. Modern civil can be more efficiently applied by understanding our Indian traditions because they are always related to ______ and for welfare of human beings.

science

By studying ancient techniques, we can easily understand different facts of ______.

science

As the law is incomplete without evidence in the same way our memory is incomplete without ______.

history

In Indians our elders always told us not to sleep with our head in ______ direction. Whereas dead body is kept in that way.

south Signup and view all the answers

In villages elders advised children not to go near Ficus and banyan tree sometimes elder scares kids saying ghost are there, but science says these trees produce CO2 at night which is not good for ______.

health Signup and view all the answers

It is told to Indians that keep your face in ______ direction.

north Signup and view all the answers

Magnetic waves flow from ______ to south direction.

north Signup and view all the answers

The distance between the sun and earth is written in “hanuman chalisa” as jug sahastr jojan par Bhanu which is proven right by ______.

Nasa Signup and view all the answers

The iron pillar of Delhi has 99% resistance to ______.

corrosion Signup and view all the answers

In Harappan civilization, the underground drainage system was from small to big sewer then to channel and then channel to ______.

river Signup and view all the answers

The shadow of the main dome of Jagganath Temple is not visible whatever be the time, it shows architecture ______.

feat Signup and view all the answers

The Sudarshan chakra on the top of Jagganath Temple seems always facing you, irrespective of whatever you ______.

stand Signup and view all the answers

The Konark sun temple is one of the UNESCO heritage sites. The main attraction of the temple is its twelve pairs of wheels located at the base of the temple. These wheels are not ordinary wheels but tell time as well; the spokes of the wheels create a ______.

sundial Signup and view all the answers

One can calculate the precise time of the day at the Konark sun temple by just looking at the shadow cast by these ______.

spokes Signup and view all the answers

The Kailash temple of Ellora caves is carved from a massive rock structure. The whole rock is cut by ______.

manpower Signup and view all the answers

Ancient Building Materials: Mud, bricks, lime, stones, wood, metals, and precious stones should be used in construction of ______.

houses Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for studying ancient techniques in Indian civil engineering?

To understand the relationship between Indian traditions and science Signup and view all the answers

Why are Indian elders cautious about sleeping with their head in the south direction?

Due to the magnetic properties of the earth Signup and view all the answers

What is the scientific reason behind advising against going near Ficus and banyan trees at night?

They emit harmful gases during nighttime Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the Konark sun temple's ability to tell time from the shadow cast by certain objects?

It is based on ancient timekeeping techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Sudarshan chakra on the top of Jagganath Temple always facing the observer?

It uses scientific principles to maintain its alignment Signup and view all the answers

Why does Indian civil engineering have a deep influence of Indian culture and tradition?

Due to the rich customs and traditions embedded in Indian civil engineering Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason given in the text for the magnetic waves flowing from north to south direction?

To activate brain cells Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the significance of the iron pillar of Delhi?

It has 99% resistance to corrosion Signup and view all the answers

What is the main attraction of the Konark sun temple according to the text?

Its twelve pairs of wheels Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about the Kailash temple of Ellora caves based on the information provided in the text?

It was carved from a single rock structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Sudarshan chakra on the top of Jagganath Temple according to the text?

It always faces you Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the ancient Indian book “vimanashastram” mentioned in the text?

It shows procedures to make an aeroplane Signup and view all the answers

Based on the information provided in the text, what can be inferred about the understanding of civil and science by ancient Indians?

They had highly advanced knowledge and technology Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the fact that the shadow of the main dome of Jagganath Temple is not visible at any time?

Advanced architectural feat Signup and view all the answers

"Hanuman chalisa" mentions the distance between the sun and earth as jug sahastr jojan par Bhanu. What does this indicate according to the text?

"Hanuman chalisa" accurately measures astronomical distances Signup and view all the answers

"Vimanashastram" shows procedures to make an aeroplane according to the text. What does this indicate about ancient Indian knowledge?

Ancient Indians had knowledge of aeroplane construction procedures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Indian Civil Engineering and Traditions

Indian civil engineering is deeply rooted in rich customs and traditions.
Understanding these traditions enhances the application of modern civil techniques for human welfare.

Ancient Techniques and Knowledge

Studying ancient techniques reveals diverse aspects of civil engineering.
Laws and memory are interconnected, similar to the reliance on evidence in legal matters.

Cultural Practices and Beliefs

Elders caution against sleeping with the head facing south; dead bodies align this way, suggesting cultural beliefs about direction.
Villagers warn children about Ficus and banyan trees, attributing ghostly tales while science links these trees to nighttime CO2 production, which is harmful.
It's customary for Indians to keep their face towards the east direction; magnetic waves are believed to flow from north to south.

Astronomical Insights

"Hanuman Chalisa" reportedly mentions the distance from the Earth to the Sun as "jug sahastr jojan par Bhanu," which has been verified by modern measures.

Architectural Marvels

The Iron Pillar of Delhi exhibits 99% resistance to corrosion, showcasing advanced ancient metallurgical science.
Harappan Civilization's drainage system employed a progressive approach, moving from small sewers to larger channels.
Jagannath Temple's main dome casts no shadow regardless of time, indicating sophisticated architectural design.
The Sudarshan chakra atop Jagannath Temple consistently appears to face observers, emphasizing its symbolic significance.

Konark Sun Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Konark Sun Temple features twelve pairs of wheels that serve as timekeepers; their spokes help tell the time by casting shadows.
The precise timing can be gleaned from shadows cast by elements of the temple, highlighting ancient architectural precision.

Kailash Temple

Carved from a single massive rock, the Kailash Temple at Ellora showcases remarkable rock-cut architecture and the ingenuity of ancient builders.

Significance of Ancient Texts and Culture

"Vimanashastram" details procedures for constructing aeroplanes, illustrating advanced knowledge in ancient Indian civilization.
These insights indicate a profound understanding of science and civil engineering in ancient India, interlacing cultural and spiritual beliefs with practical knowledge.
The consistent design features and architectural techniques found in these ancient structures reflect an enduring legacy of Indian civil engineering principles.

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Description

Explore the influence of Indian culture and tradition on Indian civil and architectural engineering. Understand the application of modern civil engineering through the study of ancient Indian techniques and their relation to science.