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Indian Astronomy and Astrology

3,368 Questions

Ancient Indian astronomy and astrology encompass the historical study of celestial bodies, planetary movements, and traditional timekeeping instruments. Topics frequently include ancient astronomical texts, yantras, and the astrological significance of planets. These questions are highly useful for general studies sections in civil services and state exams.

Ancient astronomical instrumentsAstrological planetary aspectsTraditional Indian almanacsAstronomical textsTimekeeping innovations

Indian Astronomy and Astrology Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the oldest known Indian timekeeping instrument?

  1. Gnomon

  2. Water clock

  3. Sand clock

  4. Astrolabe

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
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.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Orion?

  1. Mrigashira

  2. Rohini

  3. Krittika

  4. Bharani

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Mrigashira is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Orion.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Taurus?

  1. Rohini

  2. Krittika

  3. Bharani

  4. Ashwini

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Rohini is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Taurus.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Gemini?

  1. Mrigashira

  2. Ardra

  3. Punarvasu

  4. Pushya

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Mrigashira is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Gemini.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Cancer?

  1. Pushya

  2. Ashlesha

  3. Magha

  4. Purva Phalguni

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Pushya is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Cancer.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Leo?

  1. Magha

  2. Purva Phalguni

  3. Uttara Phalguni

  4. Hasta

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Magha is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Leo.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Virgo?

  1. Hasta

  2. Chitra

  3. Swati

  4. Vishakha

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hasta is the traditional Indian name for the constellation of Virgo.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the ancient Indian astronomical text that contains information about the positions of stars, planets, and other celestial objects?

  1. Rigveda

  2. Yajurveda

  3. Samaveda

  4. Atharvaveda

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas, and it contains hymns and prayers that are believed to have been composed by ancient Indian sages. It also contains information about the positions of stars, planets, and other celestial objects.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical instrument that was used to measure the positions of stars and planets?

  1. Astrolabe

  2. Sundial

  3. Quadrant

  4. Armillary sphere

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The armillary sphere is an astronomical instrument that was used to measure the positions of stars and planets. It consists of a series of concentric rings that represent the different celestial spheres.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which has no beginning, no end, and no middle, but is always present?"

  1. The sun

  2. The moon

  3. The Earth

  4. The sky

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The sky is the answer to the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which has no beginning, no end, and no middle, but is always present?" The sky is infinite and eternal, and it is always present, even though we cannot see it at night.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can never see it?"

  1. The wind

  2. The rain

  3. The sun

  4. The moon

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The wind is the answer to the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can never see it?" The wind is invisible, but we can feel it and see its effects.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always changing, but always remains the same?"

  1. The moon

  2. The sun

  3. The Earth

  4. The sky

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The moon is the answer to the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always changing, but always remains the same?" The moon changes its appearance throughout the month, but it always remains the same object.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can only see it at night?"

  1. The stars

  2. The moon

  3. The sun

  4. The clouds

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The stars are the answer to the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can only see it at night?" The stars are always there, but we can only see them at night when the sky is dark.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can never touch it?"

  1. The wind

  2. The rain

  3. The sun

  4. The moon

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The wind is the answer to the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can never touch it?" The wind is invisible and intangible, so we can never touch it.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can only see it in the daytime?"

  1. The sun

  2. The moon

  3. The stars

  4. The clouds

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The sun is the answer to the Indian astronomical riddle that asks, "What is that which is always there, but you can only see it in the daytime?" The sun is always there, but we can only see it in the daytime when it is shining.