UPSC Prelims 2012 Q21: Ancient History – Science & Technology
With reference to the scientific progress of ancient India, which of the statements given
below are correct?
1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD.
2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century
AD.
3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD.
4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 3 and 4 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
Scientific progress of ancient India
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Different kinds of specialized surgical instruments were in common use by 1st century AD | Correct | The Sushruta Samhita lists over 120 instruments and describes plastic surgery |
| 2. Transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the beginning of 3rd century AD | Incorrect | Organ transplant is a 20th-century achievement |
| 3. The concept of sine of an angle was known in 5th century AD | Correct | Aryabhata gave a table of sines (jya) |
| 4. The concept of cyclic quadrilaterals was known in 7th century AD | Correct | Brahmagupta gave the formula for their area |
Ancient Indian scientists:
| Scientist | Period | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Sushruta | Early centuries | Surgery |
| Charaka | Early centuries | Medicine (Charaka Samhita) |
| Aryabhata | 5th century | Aryabhatiya; value of pi; Earth rotates on its axis |
| Brahmagupta | 7th century | Brahmasphutasiddhanta; rules for zero |
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; there was no organ transplant in ancient times.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true: surgical instruments were in use.
- (c) CORRECT. Surgical instruments, sine and cyclic quadrilaterals were all known.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 on organ transplant is false.
Key point
Sushruta: surgery and instruments. Aryabhata (5th century): sine table. Brahmagupta (7th century): cyclic quadrilaterals and zero. No organ transplants.
Remember
Sushruta surgery, Aryabhata sine, Brahmagupta quadrilateral.
Common mistakes
- Accepting organ transplant as an ancient practice.
- Mixing up Aryabhata (5th century) and Brahmagupta (7th century).
- Confusing Sushruta (surgery) with Charaka (medicine).
Exam tip
One statement that sounds too modern is the false one.
Sources
- A.L. Basham — The Wonder That Was India (Appendix: Science)
- Indian National Science Academy — A Concise History of Science in India