Indian Timekeeping Instruments

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge about Indian Timekeeping Instruments. The quiz covers various types of instruments used in ancient India to measure time.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian astronomy timekeeping instruments history of science
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Which of the following is the oldest known Indian timekeeping instrument?

  1. Gnomon

  2. Water clock

  3. Sand clock

  4. Astrolabe


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The gnomon is a simple device consisting of a vertical rod or pillar with a horizontal crossbar at the top. The shadow cast by the crossbar indicates the time of day.

What is the principle behind the functioning of a water clock?

  1. Flow of water

  2. Evaporation of water

  3. Condensation of water

  4. Freezing of water


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A water clock, also known as a clepsydra, works on the principle of the flow of water. Water is allowed to flow from one container to another at a constant rate, and the time is measured by marking the water level at regular intervals.

Which of the following is an example of a sand clock?

  1. Hourglass

  2. Sandglass

  3. Sand timer

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Hourglass, sandglass, and sand timer are all different names for the same device, which consists of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck. Sand is allowed to flow from the upper bulb to the lower bulb at a constant rate, and the time is measured by marking the sand level at regular intervals.

What is the main component of an astrolabe?

  1. A graduated circle

  2. A pointer

  3. A sighting tube

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

An astrolabe consists of a graduated circle, a pointer, and a sighting tube. The graduated circle is used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, the pointer is used to indicate the time, and the sighting tube is used to sight celestial bodies.

Which Indian astronomer is credited with the invention of the astrolabe?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Varahamihira, a renowned Indian astronomer and mathematician, is credited with the invention of the astrolabe in the 6th century CE.

What is the purpose of a sundial?

  1. To measure the time of day

  2. To measure the length of day

  3. To measure the angle of the sun

  4. To measure the distance to the sun


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A sundial is a device that uses the position of the sun to tell the time of day. It consists of a flat surface with a pointer or gnomon that casts a shadow. The position of the shadow indicates the time of day.

Which of the following is an example of a mechanical clock?

  1. Water clock

  2. Sand clock

  3. Astrolabe

  4. Weight-driven clock


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A weight-driven clock is a mechanical clock that uses a weight to power its mechanism. The weight is attached to a cord or chain that is wrapped around a drum or pulley. As the weight falls, it turns the drum or pulley, which in turn drives the clock's mechanism.

What is the main component of a weight-driven clock?

  1. A pendulum

  2. A balance wheel

  3. A mainspring

  4. A gear train


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A gear train is the main component of a weight-driven clock. It consists of a series of gears that transfer the power from the weight to the clock's mechanism. The gear train also regulates the speed of the clock.

Which Indian astronomer is credited with the invention of the weight-driven clock?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Brahmagupta, a renowned Indian astronomer and mathematician, is credited with the invention of the weight-driven clock in the 7th century CE.

What is the principle behind the functioning of a pendulum clock?

  1. Flow of water

  2. Evaporation of water

  3. Condensation of water

  4. Swinging of a pendulum


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A pendulum clock works on the principle of the swinging of a pendulum. The pendulum is a weight suspended from a pivot. As the pendulum swings, it drives the clock's mechanism. The period of oscillation of the pendulum is constant, which makes it a reliable timekeeper.

Which Indian astronomer is credited with the invention of the pendulum clock?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The pendulum clock was not invented in India. It was invented by Christiaan Huygens, a Dutch scientist, in the 17th century CE.

What is the main component of a spring-driven clock?

  1. A pendulum

  2. A balance wheel

  3. A mainspring

  4. A gear train


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

A mainspring is the main component of a spring-driven clock. It is a coiled spring that stores energy when it is wound up. When the mainspring is released, it unwinds and drives the clock's mechanism.

Which Indian astronomer is credited with the invention of the spring-driven clock?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The spring-driven clock was not invented in India. It was invented by Peter Henlein, a German locksmith, in the 15th century CE.

What is the main component of an electronic clock?

  1. A pendulum

  2. A balance wheel

  3. A mainspring

  4. A quartz crystal


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A quartz crystal is the main component of an electronic clock. It is a piezoelectric material that vibrates at a constant frequency when an electric current is applied to it. This vibration is used to drive the clock's mechanism.

Which Indian astronomer is credited with the invention of the electronic clock?

  1. Aryabhata

  2. Bhaskara II

  3. Varahamihira

  4. Brahmagupta


Correct Option:
Explanation:

The electronic clock was not invented in India. It was invented by Warren Marrison, a Canadian physicist, in the 20th century CE.

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