Khanda Yantra

Description: Khanda Yantra is an ancient Indian astronomical instrument used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies. It consists of a circular plate with a graduated scale and a movable arm with a sight. The arm is rotated until the sight aligns with the celestial body, and the altitude is read off the scale.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: indian astronomy astronomical instruments khanda yantra
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the primary purpose of a Khanda Yantra?

  1. Measuring the altitude of celestial bodies

  2. Measuring the distance to celestial bodies

  3. Measuring the angular separation between celestial bodies

  4. Measuring the time of day


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Khanda Yantra is primarily used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies, which is the angle between the horizon and the celestial body.

What is the main component of a Khanda Yantra?

  1. A circular plate with a graduated scale

  2. A movable arm with a sight

  3. A plumb bob

  4. A spirit level


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The main component of a Khanda Yantra is a circular plate with a graduated scale, which is used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies.

How is the altitude of a celestial body measured using a Khanda Yantra?

  1. By rotating the arm until the sight aligns with the celestial body

  2. By measuring the angle between the arm and the horizon

  3. By measuring the length of the shadow cast by the celestial body

  4. By measuring the time it takes for the celestial body to rise or set


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The altitude of a celestial body is measured using a Khanda Yantra by rotating the arm until the sight aligns with the celestial body.

What is the typical range of altitudes that can be measured using a Khanda Yantra?

  1. 0 to 90 degrees

  2. 0 to 180 degrees

  3. 0 to 270 degrees

  4. 0 to 360 degrees


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The typical range of altitudes that can be measured using a Khanda Yantra is 0 to 90 degrees, which covers the range of altitudes from the horizon to the zenith.

What are some of the limitations of a Khanda Yantra?

  1. It can only be used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies

  2. It is not accurate enough for precise measurements

  3. It is difficult to use in windy conditions

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A Khanda Yantra has several limitations, including that it can only be used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, it is not accurate enough for precise measurements, and it is difficult to use in windy conditions.

When was the Khanda Yantra first invented?

  1. 5th century BCE

  2. 12th century CE

  3. 16th century CE

  4. 19th century CE


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Khanda Yantra was first invented in the 5th century BCE by the Indian astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata.

Who was the first person to use a Khanda Yantra?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Brahmagupta

  3. Bhaskara II

  4. Varāhamihira


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aryabhata was the first person to use a Khanda Yantra.

What is the significance of the Khanda Yantra in the history of astronomy?

  1. It was the first instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies

  2. It was used to make the first accurate measurements of the Earth's circumference

  3. It was used to discover the precession of the equinoxes

  4. It was used to develop the first accurate calendar


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Khanda Yantra is significant in the history of astronomy because it was the first instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies.

How does a Khanda Yantra work?

  1. It uses a plumb bob to measure the angle between the horizon and the celestial body

  2. It uses a movable arm with a sight to measure the angle between the horizon and the celestial body

  3. It uses a spirit level to measure the angle between the horizon and the celestial body

  4. It uses a telescope to measure the angle between the horizon and the celestial body


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A Khanda Yantra works by using a movable arm with a sight to measure the angle between the horizon and the celestial body.

What are some of the applications of a Khanda Yantra?

  1. Measuring the altitude of celestial bodies

  2. Measuring the distance to celestial bodies

  3. Measuring the angular separation between celestial bodies

  4. Measuring the time of day


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The main application of a Khanda Yantra is measuring the altitude of celestial bodies.

What are some of the advantages of using a Khanda Yantra?

  1. It is easy to use

  2. It is accurate

  3. It is portable

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A Khanda Yantra has several advantages, including that it is easy to use, accurate, and portable.

What are some of the disadvantages of using a Khanda Yantra?

  1. It can only be used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies

  2. It is not accurate enough for precise measurements

  3. It is difficult to use in windy conditions

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A Khanda Yantra has several disadvantages, including that it can only be used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, it is not accurate enough for precise measurements, and it is difficult to use in windy conditions.

What are some of the modern applications of a Khanda Yantra?

  1. Measuring the altitude of satellites

  2. Measuring the distance to stars

  3. Measuring the angular separation between planets

  4. Measuring the time of day


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

One of the modern applications of a Khanda Yantra is measuring the altitude of satellites.

How has the Khanda Yantra influenced the development of modern astronomy?

  1. It led to the development of the telescope

  2. It led to the development of the sextant

  3. It led to the development of the astrolabe

  4. It led to the development of the sundial


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Khanda Yantra influenced the development of modern astronomy by leading to the development of the sextant.

What is the future of the Khanda Yantra?

  1. It will continue to be used in astronomy

  2. It will be replaced by more modern instruments

  3. It will become a museum piece

  4. It will be used in space exploration


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Khanda Yantra will continue to be used in astronomy, although it may be replaced by more modern instruments in some applications.

- Hide questions