General Awareness · Mathematics
Indian Mathematicians and Astronomers
5,060 Questions
The history of ancient Indian science is marked by legendary mathematicians and astronomers who developed foundational concepts like zero, algebra, and planetary motion. Scholars such as Aryabhatta and Bhaskara II made monumental contributions that shaped global mathematics and astronomy. This hub offers practice questions to help test-takers prepare for history and general awareness sections.
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Indian Mathematicians and Astronomers Questions
Govindasvāmin's astronomical model was later criticized by:
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Aryabhata II
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Bhaskara II
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Varahamihira
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Srinivasa Ramanujan
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Aryabhata II, an Indian mathematician and astronomer from the 10th century, criticized Govindasvāmin's geocentric model and proposed a heliocentric model instead.
Govindasvāmin's work on indeterminate equations was later generalized and extended by:
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Bhaskara II
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Aryabhata II
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Varahamihira
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Srinivasa Ramanujan
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Bhaskara II, a renowned Indian mathematician from the 12th century, generalized and extended Govindasvāmin's work on indeterminate equations, making significant contributions to the field.
Who is considered the father of Indian astronomy?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Aryabhata (476-550 CE) is widely regarded as the father of Indian astronomy for his significant contributions to the field.
Which Indian astronomer proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Aryabhata was the first Indian astronomer to propose the heliocentric model of the solar system, where the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.
Who developed the concept of the zero digit and the decimal system?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brahmagupta (598-668 CE) developed the concept of the zero digit and the decimal system, revolutionizing the field of mathematics.
Which Indian astronomer calculated the value of pi (π) to four decimal places?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Bhaskara II (1114-1185 CE) calculated the value of pi (π) to four decimal places, demonstrating his mathematical prowess.
Who wrote the influential astronomical treatise 'Surya Siddhanta'?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Varahamihira (505-587 CE) wrote the influential astronomical treatise 'Surya Siddhanta,' which became a standard text for centuries.
Which Indian astronomer developed the concept of 'grahas' or celestial bodies?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Varahamihira developed the concept of 'grahas' or celestial bodies, including planets, moons, and comets, in his astronomical studies.
Who proposed the theory of 'kendraka' or the central force holding the universe together?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Brahmagupta proposed the theory of 'kendraka' or the central force holding the universe together, demonstrating his understanding of gravitational forces.
Which Indian astronomer calculated the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Aryabhata calculated the Earth's circumference with remarkable accuracy, considering the limited resources and technology available at the time.
Who developed the concept of 'tithis' or lunar days and 'pakshas' or lunar fortnights?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Varahamihira developed the concept of 'tithis' or lunar days and 'pakshas' or lunar fortnights, which are crucial for the Hindu calendar.
Which Indian astronomer wrote the astronomical treatise 'Pancasiddhantika'?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Varahamihira wrote the astronomical treatise 'Pancasiddhantika,' which synthesized the knowledge from five different astronomical traditions.
Who proposed the idea of 'yugas' or cosmic cycles in Indian cosmology?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Varahamihira proposed the idea of 'yugas' or cosmic cycles in Indian cosmology, including the Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga.
Which Indian astronomer developed the concept of 'bhavana' or mental visualization in astronomy?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Varahamihira developed the concept of 'bhavana' or mental visualization in astronomy, emphasizing the importance of observation and imagination.
Who wrote the astronomical treatise 'Lilavati'?
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Aryabhata
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Bhaskara II
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Brahmagupta
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Varahamihira
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Bhaskara II wrote the astronomical treatise 'Lilavati,' which focused on mathematical astronomy and included topics like planetary motion and eclipses.