Science and Technology During Ancient Period: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Art and Culture)
This page lists 3 previous year UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (General Studies Paper-I) questions on Science and Technology During Ancient Period (Art and Culture), asked between 1996 to 2008. Choose an option to see the correct answer and the full explanation on the same page.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2008Art and Culture · Science and Technology During Ancient Period
Q1. What does the Baudhayan theorem (Baudhayana Sulva Sutras) relate to?
Explanation
The Baudhayan Sulva Sutras contain one of the earliest known statements of the Pythagorean theorem, relating to the lengths of the sides of a right-angled triangle. This ancient Indian text provided a geometric construction method for determining the length of the hypotenuse based on the other sides of the right-angled triangle. It predates the work of Pythagoras. The theorem is significant in the history of Indian mathematics and geometry.
UPSC 1996Art and Culture · Science and Technology During Ancient Period
Q2. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer:
List-I (Archaeological site)
List-II (Present location)
A. Vishakhadatta
1. Medicine
B. Varahamihira
2. Drama
C. Charaka
3. Astronomy
D. Brahmagupta
4. Mathematics
Explanation
A is matched with 2: Vishakhadatta is best known as a playwright and author of the Sanskrit drama Mudrarakshasa (The Signet Ring). The play is a historical drama set in the time of Chandragupta Maurya and his advisor Chanakya (Kautilya). B is matched with 3: Varahamihira was a renowned astronomer and mathematician of ancient India. He is best known for his works Brihat Samhita and Pancha Siddhantika which deal with astronomy, astrology, and mathematics. C is matched with 1: Charaka is considered one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the Charaka Samhita, a foundational text of Ayurveda. D is matched with 4: Brahmagupta was a prominent mathematician and astronomer of ancient India. He is best known for his work Brahmasphutasiddhanta which covers topics in algebra, arithmetic, and astronomy.
UPSC 1996Art and Culture · Science and Technology During Ancient Period
Q3. Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period?
Explanation
The Gupta Era (320 AD-550 AD) is considered to be the golden era of India in terms of art, literature, astronomy, medical science, etc. Sushruta is known as an ancient Indian physician and is often regarded as the "father of surgery." He authored the Sushruta Samhita, which provides detailed information on surgical techniques and medicinal practices. Although he lived slightly before the Gupta period, his work was highly influential and widely studied during the Gupta period. Hence the most appropriate answer is Susrutha. Sudraka was an ancient Indian playwright, best known for the Sanskrit drama Mrichchhakatika (The Little Clay Cart).Shaunaka was an ancient sage and scholar, traditionally credited with compiling the Brihaddevata. Saumilla is sometimes referenced in ancient Indian literature, but specific historical details are scarce.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2008
(a) Lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle
2
1996
(c) A-2; B-3; C-1; D-4
3
1996
(d) Susrutha
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Science and Technology During Ancient Period?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Science and Technology During Ancient Period (Art and Culture), asked between 1996 to 2008. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Science and Technology During Ancient Period?
Questions on Science and Technology During Ancient Period (Art and Culture) are available for 2 years, from 1996 to 2008. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
