Astronomical Inscriptions in India

Description: This quiz aims to evaluate your knowledge about Astronomical Inscriptions in India. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the astronomical understanding and practices of ancient Indian civilizations.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian astronomy astronomy in indian art and architecture astronomical inscriptions
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which ancient Indian astronomical inscription is considered the oldest known astronomical text in the world?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Surya Siddhanta

  3. Jyotisha Vedanga

  4. Lagadha's Vedanga Jyotisha


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lagadha's Vedanga Jyotisha, dating back to around 1400 BCE, is the oldest known astronomical text in the world. It contains information about the movements of celestial bodies and the calculation of time.

What is the primary language used in most astronomical inscriptions in India?

  1. Sanskrit

  2. Tamil

  3. Hindi

  4. Telugu


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sanskrit is the primary language used in most astronomical inscriptions in India. It was the language of ancient Indian scholars and astronomers and was widely used for scientific and religious texts.

Which astronomical inscription is known for its detailed description of the precession of the equinoxes?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Aryabhatiya

  3. Panchasiddhantika

  4. Brihat Samhita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Surya Siddhanta, composed around the 4th century CE, provides a detailed description of the precession of the equinoxes, a phenomenon where the position of the equinoxes gradually shifts over time.

What is the name of the astronomical inscription that contains information about the construction of sundials?

  1. Yavanajataka

  2. Romaka Siddhanta

  3. Paulisa Siddhanta

  4. Vasistha Siddhanta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Yavanajataka, translated from Greek texts, contains information about the construction of sundials and other astronomical instruments.

Which astronomical inscription is attributed to the astronomer Aryabhata?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Aryabhatiya

  3. Panchasiddhantika

  4. Brihat Samhita


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Aryabhatiya, written by Aryabhata in the 5th century CE, is a seminal astronomical text that presents his revolutionary ideas about the Earth's rotation and the heliocentric model of the solar system.

What is the name of the astronomical inscription that describes the use of the zodiac in Indian astrology?

  1. Brihat Jataka

  2. Saravali

  3. Jataka Parijata

  4. Phaladeepika


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Brihat Jataka, written by Varahamihira in the 6th century CE, is a comprehensive text on Indian astrology that discusses the use of the zodiac and planetary positions in predicting events.

Which astronomical inscription provides information about the construction of astrolabes?

  1. Yantra Rajavarti

  2. Karanaratnakara

  3. Lilavati

  4. Bijaganita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Yantra Rajavarti, written by King Bhojaraja in the 11th century CE, contains detailed instructions for constructing various astronomical instruments, including astrolabes.

What is the name of the astronomical inscription that describes the use of the nakshatras in Indian astronomy?

  1. Vedanga Jyotisha

  2. Surya Siddhanta

  3. Aryabhatiya

  4. Panchasiddhantika


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Vedanga Jyotisha, one of the six Vedangas, provides information about the nakshatras (lunar mansions) and their use in determining auspicious times for various activities.

Which astronomical inscription is known for its discussion of planetary motions and eclipses?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Aryabhatiya

  3. Panchasiddhantika

  4. Brihat Samhita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Surya Siddhanta provides detailed explanations of planetary motions, including the calculation of their positions and the occurrence of eclipses.

What is the name of the astronomical inscription that contains information about the construction of armillary spheres?

  1. Yantra Rajavarti

  2. Karanaratnakara

  3. Lilavati

  4. Bijaganita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Yantra Rajavarti also provides instructions for constructing armillary spheres, which were used to demonstrate the relative positions of celestial bodies.

Which astronomical inscription is attributed to the astronomer Brahmagupta?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Aryabhatiya

  3. Panchasiddhantika

  4. Brahmasphuta Siddhanta


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Brahmasphuta Siddhanta, written by Brahmagupta in the 7th century CE, is a significant astronomical text that presents his theories on planetary motion and astronomical calculations.

What is the name of the astronomical inscription that describes the use of the calendar in Indian astronomy?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Aryabhatiya

  3. Panchasiddhantika

  4. Brihat Samhita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Surya Siddhanta also provides information about the construction of calendars and the calculation of time based on astronomical observations.

Which astronomical inscription is known for its discussion of the Earth's shape and size?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Aryabhatiya

  3. Panchasiddhantika

  4. Brihat Samhita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Surya Siddhanta presents a spherical Earth model and provides estimates for its circumference and diameter.

What is the name of the astronomical inscription that contains information about the construction of quadrants?

  1. Yantra Rajavarti

  2. Karanaratnakara

  3. Lilavati

  4. Bijaganita


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Yantra Rajavarti also provides instructions for constructing quadrants, which were used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies.

Which astronomical inscription is attributed to the astronomer Lalla?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Aryabhatiya

  3. Panchasiddhantika

  4. Sisyadhivriddhida Tantra


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Sisyadhivriddhida Tantra, written by Lalla in the 8th century CE, is a significant astronomical text that presents his theories on planetary motion and astronomical calculations.

- Hide questions