Indian Astronomers and Cosmologists

Description: This quiz evaluates your knowledge about the contributions of Indian astronomers and cosmologists throughout history.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian astronomy indian astronomers cosmology history of science
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Who is considered the father of Indian astronomy?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata (476-550 CE) is widely regarded as the father of Indian astronomy for his significant contributions to the field.

Which Indian astronomer proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata was the first Indian astronomer to propose the heliocentric model of the solar system, where the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.

Who developed the concept of the zero digit and the decimal system?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Brahmagupta (598-668 CE) developed the concept of the zero digit and the decimal system, revolutionizing the field of mathematics.

Which Indian astronomer calculated the value of pi (π) to four decimal places?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bhaskara II (1114-1185 CE) calculated the value of pi (π) to four decimal places, demonstrating his mathematical prowess.

Who wrote the influential astronomical treatise 'Surya Siddhanta'?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira (505-587 CE) wrote the influential astronomical treatise 'Surya Siddhanta,' which became a standard text for centuries.

Which Indian astronomer developed the concept of 'grahas' or celestial bodies?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira developed the concept of 'grahas' or celestial bodies, including planets, moons, and comets, in his astronomical studies.

Who proposed the theory of 'kendraka' or the central force holding the universe together?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Brahmagupta proposed the theory of 'kendraka' or the central force holding the universe together, demonstrating his understanding of gravitational forces.

Which Indian astronomer calculated the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata calculated the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy, considering the limited resources and technology available at the time.

Who developed the concept of 'tithis' or lunar days and 'pakshas' or lunar fortnights?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira developed the concept of 'tithis' or lunar days and 'pakshas' or lunar fortnights, which are crucial for the Hindu calendar.

Which Indian astronomer wrote the astronomical treatise 'Pancasiddhantika'?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira wrote the astronomical treatise 'Pancasiddhantika,' which synthesized the knowledge from five different astronomical traditions.

Who proposed the idea of 'yugas' or cosmic cycles in Indian cosmology?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira proposed the idea of 'yugas' or cosmic cycles in Indian cosmology, including the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga.

Which Indian astronomer developed the concept of 'bhavana' or mental visualization in astronomy?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira developed the concept of 'bhavana' or mental visualization in astronomy, emphasizing the importance of observation and imagination.

Who wrote the astronomical treatise 'Lilavati'?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bhaskara II wrote the astronomical treatise 'Lilavati,' which focused on mathematical astronomy and included topics like planetary motion and eclipses.

Which Indian astronomer developed the concept of 'ganita' or mathematics in astronomy?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Brahmagupta developed the concept of 'ganita' or mathematics in astronomy, emphasizing the use of mathematical techniques to solve astronomical problems.

Who proposed the idea of 'kshetraja' or the Earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira proposed the idea of 'kshetraja' or the Earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse, demonstrating his understanding of celestial phenomena.

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