Indian Cosmology

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge of Indian Cosmology, a branch of astronomy that deals with the origin and evolution of the universe according to ancient Indian texts and traditions.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian astronomy indian cosmology ancient indian science
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which ancient Indian text is considered the primary source of information on Indian Cosmology?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Yajurveda

  3. Samaveda

  4. Atharvaveda


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas, contains hymns and verses that provide insights into the ancient Indian understanding of the universe and its creation.

According to Indian Cosmology, what is the fundamental principle that governs the universe?

  1. Dharma

  2. Karma

  3. Maya

  4. Brahman


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Brahman is the ultimate reality and the source of all existence in Indian Cosmology. It is the eternal, infinite, and unchanging principle that permeates the universe.

Which concept in Indian Cosmology refers to the cyclical nature of the universe, where creation, preservation, and destruction occur in an endless loop?

  1. Samsara

  2. Moksha

  3. Karma

  4. Dharma


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that souls undergo until they achieve liberation or moksha.

In Indian Cosmology, what is the term for the cosmic egg from which the universe originated?

  1. Hiranyagarbha

  2. Brahmanda

  3. Vishnu

  4. Shiva


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Hiranyagarbha, meaning 'golden egg', is the cosmic egg from which the creator god Brahma emerged, initiating the creation of the universe.

Which ancient Indian astronomer proposed the theory of the Earth's rotation on its axis?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata, a renowned astronomer and mathematician, proposed the theory of the Earth's rotation on its axis in the 5th century CE.

According to Indian Cosmology, what is the ultimate goal of human existence?

  1. Moksha

  2. Dharma

  3. Karma

  4. Samsara


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Moksha, also known as liberation or enlightenment, is the ultimate goal in Indian Cosmology, where the soul breaks free from the cycle of Samsara and attains unity with Brahman.

Which ancient Indian text contains a detailed description of the universe's structure and cosmology?

  1. Bhagavad Gita

  2. Upanishads

  3. Puranas

  4. Ramayana


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Puranas, a collection of ancient Indian texts, provide detailed accounts of the universe's structure, cosmology, and the genealogies of gods and kings.

In Indian Cosmology, what is the term for the cosmic ocean from which the universe emerged?

  1. Kshirasagara

  2. Brahmanda

  3. Vishnu

  4. Shiva


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Kshirasagara, meaning 'ocean of milk', is the cosmic ocean from which the universe emerged according to some Indian cosmological traditions.

Which ancient Indian astronomer proposed the theory of the Earth's revolution around the Sun?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata also proposed the theory of the Earth's revolution around the Sun, known as the heliocentric model, in the 5th century CE.

According to Indian Cosmology, what is the concept of the three gunas that govern the universe?

  1. Sattva, Rajas, Tamas

  2. Dharma, Karma, Moksha

  3. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva

  4. Hiranyagarbha, Kshirasagara, Brahmanda


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas are the three gunas, or qualities, that govern the universe and influence the nature of matter and consciousness.

Which ancient Indian astronomer developed a sophisticated model of planetary motion and calculated the length of the year with great accuracy?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata's astronomical calculations and models were remarkably accurate, demonstrating his expertise in astronomy and mathematics.

In Indian Cosmology, what is the concept of the four yugas or ages that cycle through time?

  1. Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, Kali Yuga

  2. Dharma, Karma, Moksha, Samsara

  3. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti

  4. Hiranyagarbha, Kshirasagara, Brahmanda, Vishnu


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The four yugas represent the cyclical nature of time and the gradual decline of righteousness and morality over time.

Which ancient Indian astronomer developed a method for calculating the positions of celestial bodies based on their longitudes?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bhaskara II developed a method called the 'karana-kuttaka' for calculating the positions of celestial bodies based on their longitudes.

In Indian Cosmology, what is the concept of the five elements or panchamahabhutas that constitute the material world?

  1. Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether

  2. Dharma, Karma, Moksha, Samsara

  3. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti

  4. Hiranyagarbha, Kshirasagara, Brahmanda, Vishnu


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The five elements or panchamahabhutas are the building blocks of the material world and are associated with different qualities and properties.

Which ancient Indian astronomer developed a method for calculating the time of sunrise and sunset based on the latitude of the observer?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Brahmagupta developed a method called the 'ardharatrika-ganita' for calculating the time of sunrise and sunset based on the latitude of the observer.

- Hide questions