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The Historiography of Indian Science and Technology History

Description: This quiz covers the historiography of Indian science and technology history.
Number of Questions: 10
Created by:
Tags: indian history historiography science and technology history
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Who is considered the father of Indian historiography of science and technology?

  1. Daya Krishna

  2. Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya

  3. B. V. Subbarayappa

  4. A. L. Basham


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Debiprasad Chattopadhyaya is widely regarded as the father of Indian historiography of science and technology. His work, "History of Science and Technology in Ancient India", published in 1986, is considered a seminal work in the field.

Which of the following is not a major theme in the historiography of Indian science and technology?

  1. The role of religion and philosophy in scientific development

  2. The influence of foreign cultures on Indian science and technology

  3. The impact of colonialism on Indian scientific and technological progress

  4. The development of indigenous scientific and technological traditions


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The impact of colonialism on Indian scientific and technological progress is not a major theme in the historiography of Indian science and technology. This is because the colonial period is generally seen as a period of decline for Indian science and technology.

What is the main focus of the "subaltern studies" approach to the historiography of Indian science and technology?

  1. The role of the elite in scientific and technological development

  2. The contributions of ordinary people to scientific and technological progress

  3. The relationship between science and technology and social change

  4. The impact of colonialism on Indian science and technology


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The "subaltern studies" approach to the historiography of Indian science and technology focuses on the contributions of ordinary people to scientific and technological progress. This approach challenges the traditional focus on the role of the elite in scientific and technological development.

Which of the following is not a major source for the study of the history of Indian science and technology?

  1. Archaeological evidence

  2. Literary sources

  3. Oral traditions

  4. Colonial records


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Colonial records are not a major source for the study of the history of Indian science and technology. This is because the colonial powers were generally not interested in promoting Indian science and technology.

What is the main challenge facing historians of Indian science and technology?

  1. The lack of written sources

  2. The difficulty of interpreting archaeological evidence

  3. The bias of colonial records

  4. The lack of interest in the subject


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The main challenge facing historians of Indian science and technology is the lack of written sources. This is because most of the scientific and technological knowledge in ancient India was transmitted orally.

Which of the following is not a major contribution of Indian science and technology to the world?

  1. The development of the decimal system

  2. The invention of zero

  3. The discovery of the heliocentric theory

  4. The development of Ayurvedic medicine


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The discovery of the heliocentric theory is not a major contribution of Indian science and technology to the world. This is because the heliocentric theory was first proposed by the ancient Greek astronomer Aristarchus of Samos.

What is the main reason for the decline of Indian science and technology in the colonial period?

  1. The destruction of Indian scientific and technological institutions

  2. The brain drain of Indian scientists and technologists

  3. The imposition of a Western education system

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The decline of Indian science and technology in the colonial period was caused by a combination of factors, including the destruction of Indian scientific and technological institutions, the brain drain of Indian scientists and technologists, and the imposition of a Western education system.

Which of the following is not a major factor in the revival of Indian science and technology after independence?

  1. The establishment of the Indian Institutes of Technology

  2. The creation of the Department of Science and Technology

  3. The launch of the Indian space program

  4. The adoption of a socialist economic policy


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The adoption of a socialist economic policy is not a major factor in the revival of Indian science and technology after independence. This is because a socialist economic policy does not necessarily promote scientific and technological development.

What is the main challenge facing Indian science and technology today?

  1. The lack of funding

  2. The brain drain of Indian scientists and technologists

  3. The lack of a supportive policy environment

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Indian science and technology today faces a number of challenges, including the lack of funding, the brain drain of Indian scientists and technologists, and the lack of a supportive policy environment.

What is the future of Indian science and technology?

  1. Bright

  2. Bleak

  3. Uncertain

  4. None of the above


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The future of Indian science and technology is uncertain. This is because the field faces a number of challenges, including the lack of funding, the brain drain of Indian scientists and technologists, and the lack of a supportive policy environment. However, there are also a number of opportunities for Indian science and technology, including the growing demand for scientific and technological expertise in the global economy.

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