UPSC Prelims 2008 Q46: Ancient History – Science & Technology
What does Baudhayana theorem (Baudhayana Sulva Sutra) relate to?
- (a) Lengths of sides of a right - angled triangle
- (b) Calculation of the value of pi
- (c) Logarithmic calculations
- (d) Normal distribution curve
Answer: (a) Lengths of sides of a right - angled triangle
Explanation
What the Baudhayana theorem relates to
This ancient Indian mathematical text contains an early formulation of a well-known geometric relationship.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle | Correct | The Baudhayana Sulva Sutra contains an early statement equivalent to the Pythagorean relationship, describing the relationship between the sides of a right-angled triangle |
| (b) Calculation of the value of pi | Incorrect | Not the specific content of this theorem |
| (c) Logarithmic calculations | Incorrect | Not related to this ancient text |
| (d) Normal distribution curve | Incorrect | Not related to this ancient text |
Baudhayana theorem facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Content | Right-angled triangle side relationships (Pythagorean-type theorem) |
| Source | Baudhayana Sulva Sutra, ancient Indian mathematical text |
Answer: (a) Lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Baudhayana theorem relates to the lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle.
- (b) Incorrect. Pi calculation is not this theorem's content.
- (c) Incorrect. Logarithmic calculations are unrelated to this ancient text.
- (d) Incorrect. The normal distribution curve is a much later statistical concept, unrelated here.
Key point
The Baudhayana theorem (Sulva Sutra) describes the relationship between the lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle — an early Indian formulation equivalent to the Pythagorean theorem.
Remember
Baudhayana theorem (Baudhayana Sulva Sutra): relates to the lengths of sides of a right-angled triangle.
Common mistakes
- Confusing this ancient geometric theorem with unrelated later mathematical concepts (pi, logarithms, normal distribution).
- Not knowing the Baudhayana Sulva Sutra's historical significance in Indian mathematics.
- Underestimating how early Indian mathematics anticipated concepts attributed elsewhere (like Pythagoras).
Exam tip
Baudhayana theorem = ancient Indian version of the Pythagorean theorem (right-angled triangle sides). A key ancient-Indian-mathematics fact.
Sources
- Baudhayana — Baudhayana Sulba Sutra
- Bibhutibhushan Datta — The Science of the Sulba: A Study in Early Hindu Geometry (University of Calcutta, 1932)