The Study of the Universe in Ancient India

Description: This quiz is designed to assess your knowledge of the study of the universe in ancient India.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian astronomy history of astronomy ancient india
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which ancient Indian astronomer is credited with developing the concept of the heliocentric model of the solar system?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata, a renowned astronomer and mathematician from ancient India, proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system in the 5th century CE, where the Sun is at the center and the planets revolve around it.

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical treatise that contains detailed observations and calculations related to celestial bodies and planetary motions?

  1. Surya Siddhanta

  2. Brahma Siddhanta

  3. Vishnu Purana

  4. Rig Veda


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Surya Siddhanta is an important astronomical text from ancient India, believed to have been composed between the 4th and 5th centuries CE. It provides comprehensive information on astronomy, including planetary positions, eclipses, and the calculation of time.

Which ancient Indian astronomer is known for his contributions to trigonometry and the development of the sine function?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bhaskara II, an eminent mathematician and astronomer from ancient India, made significant contributions to trigonometry. He developed the sine function and formulated trigonometric identities, which are still used in modern mathematics.

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical observatory that was built in the 16th century CE and is still in use today?

  1. Jantar Mantar

  2. Ujjain Observatory

  3. Nalanda Observatory

  4. Takshashila Observatory


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Jantar Mantar is a collection of astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century CE. It consists of several instruments used for observing celestial bodies and measuring time, and is still used by astronomers today.

Which ancient Indian astronomer proposed the idea that the Earth is round and rotates on its axis?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata, in his treatise the 'Aryabhatiya', proposed the idea that the Earth is round and rotates on its axis, challenging the prevailing belief of a flat Earth.

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies?

  1. Astrolabe

  2. Sundial

  3. Quadrant

  4. Armillary Sphere


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The quadrant, also known as the 'Yastiyantra', was an astronomical instrument used in ancient India to measure the altitude of celestial bodies above the horizon.

Which ancient Indian astronomer developed a method for calculating the time of eclipses?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira, in his work the 'Brihat Samhita', developed a method for calculating the time of eclipses, demonstrating his expertise in astronomical calculations.

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical instrument used to measure the position of stars and planets?

  1. Astrolabe

  2. Sundial

  3. Quadrant

  4. Armillary Sphere


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The armillary sphere, also known as the 'Gola Yantra', was an astronomical instrument used in ancient India to measure the position of stars and planets in the sky.

Which ancient Indian astronomer proposed the idea that the planets move in elliptical orbits around the Sun?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Bhaskara II, in his work the 'Siddhanta Shiromani', proposed the idea that the planets move in elliptical orbits around the Sun, a concept later refined by Johannes Kepler.

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical instrument used to measure the time of day?

  1. Astrolabe

  2. Sundial

  3. Quadrant

  4. Armillary Sphere


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The sundial, also known as the 'Gnomon', was an astronomical instrument used in ancient India to measure the time of day by observing the position of the Sun.

Which ancient Indian astronomer developed a method for calculating the distance to the Moon?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata, in his treatise the 'Aryabhatiya', developed a method for calculating the distance to the Moon, demonstrating his understanding of celestial distances.

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical instrument used to measure the distance between two celestial bodies?

  1. Astrolabe

  2. Sundial

  3. Quadrant

  4. Dioptra


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The dioptra, also known as the 'Yasti', was an astronomical instrument used in ancient India to measure the distance between two celestial bodies.

Which ancient Indian astronomer proposed the idea that the universe is infinite and contains countless stars and galaxies?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata, in his treatise the 'Aryabhatiya', proposed the idea that the universe is infinite and contains countless stars and galaxies, challenging the prevailing belief of a finite universe.

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical instrument used to measure the angle between two celestial bodies?

  1. Astrolabe

  2. Sundial

  3. Quadrant

  4. Sextant


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The sextant, also known as the 'Sashtiamsa Yantra', was an astronomical instrument used in ancient India to measure the angle between two celestial bodies.

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

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Brahmagupta

  4. Varahamihira


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Varahamihira, in his work the 'Brihat Samhita', developed a method for calculating the time of sunrise and sunset, demonstrating his expertise in astronomical calculations.

- Hide questions