All questions of Science and Technology through the Ages for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Nagarjuna, also known as Acharya Nagarjuna, was a renowned Buddhist philosopher and scholar who lived in India during the 2nd century CE. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Mahayana Buddhism. Let us examine the given statements about Nagarjuna in detail:

1. Expert in transforming base metals into gold:
This statement is not true. Nagarjuna was not known for his expertise in alchemy or the transformation of base metals into gold. Instead, he is known for his profound philosophical ideas and contributions to Buddhist thought.

2. Wrote a treatise called Rasratnakara:
This statement is also incorrect. Nagarjuna did not write a treatise called Rasratnakara. Rasratnakara is a famous treatise on alchemy written by Nagarjuna's contemporary, Nagarjuna Mishra.

3. Wrote Uttaratantra, which deals with the preparation of medicinal drugs:
This statement is true. Nagarjuna is credited with writing the Uttaratantra, also known as the Ratnagotravibhaga, which is a text that deals with the preparation of medicinal drugs. However, it is important to note that this text is not about alchemy or the transformation of base metals into gold, but rather about the properties and preparation of medicinal substances within the context of Buddhist medicine.

To summarize, Nagarjuna was not an alchemist who could transform base metals into gold. He did not write a treatise called Rasratnakara. However, he did write the Uttaratantra, which is a text about the preparation of medicinal drugs in the context of Buddhist medicine. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - all of the given statements are not true.

The emphasis on the use of opium in medicines and for urine examination in laboratories can be found in the Sharangdhar Samhita.


The Sharangdhar Samhita is one of the classical texts of Ayurveda, which is a system of traditional medicine that originated in ancient India. It was written by Sharangdhar, a physician who lived in the 13th century.


Opium has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its analgesic and sedative properties. In the Sharangdhar Samhita, opium is mentioned as an important ingredient in the preparation of various medicinal formulations. It is used in the treatment of conditions such as pain, diarrhea, cough, and insomnia. Opium is believed to have therapeutic effects in Ayurveda and was commonly used in ancient Indian medicine.


The Sharangdhar Samhita also emphasizes the use of opium for urine examination in laboratories. In Ayurveda, urine examination is an important diagnostic tool used to assess the state of health and identify any underlying imbalances or diseases. Opium was used to analyze the color, consistency, smell, and other characteristics of urine to determine the doshas (energetic forces) present in the body and diagnose various conditions.


Opium has been used in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties and as a tool for diagnosis. It has sedative and analgesic effects, which can help alleviate pain and induce sleep. Opium also has antidiarrheal properties and can suppress cough. In urine examination, opium was used as a tool to identify imbalances in the body and guide treatment accordingly.


The Sharangdhar Samhita, a classical text of Ayurveda, emphasizes the use of opium in medicines and for urine examination in laboratories. Opium has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties and as a diagnostic tool to assess the state of health. Its inclusion in the Sharangdhar Samhita highlights its significance in traditional Indian medicine.

Correctly matched statements:
1. Akbar - ordered to make mathematics as a subject of study in the education system during those times
3. James Taylor - translated Leelavati

Explanation:
1. Akbar - ordered to make mathematics as a subject of study in the education system during those times:
- Akbar, the Mughal emperor, was known for his keen interest in promoting education and learning in his empire.
- During his reign, he ordered the inclusion of mathematics as a subject of study in the education system.
- This decision aimed to enhance the intellectual development of the people and promote practical knowledge.
- Akbar's emphasis on mathematics contributed to the growth of scientific and mathematical knowledge in the Mughal Empire.

2. Sawai Jai Singh - compiled Tajik, dealing with the large number of Persian technical terms:
- Sawai Jai Singh was a renowned Rajput king and a great patron of astronomy and mathematics.
- He compiled several works related to mathematics and astronomy, including the renowned book "Zij-i Muhammad Shahi" or "Tajik."
- The book "Tajik" dealt with various aspects of Persian technical terms used in mathematics and astronomy.
- Sawai Jai Singh's efforts in compiling Tajik helped in disseminating mathematical and astronomical knowledge in the Indian subcontinent.

3. James Taylor - translated Leelavati:
- James Taylor was a British mathematician and scholar who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics.
- He translated the famous mathematical treatise "Leelavati" into English.
- Leelavati, written by the Indian mathematician Bhaskara II, is a comprehensive work on arithmetic and algebra.
- Taylor's translation of Leelavati made the knowledge and techniques presented in the treatise more accessible to a wider audience, including the Western world.

In summary, the correctly matched statements are:
1. Akbar - ordered to make mathematics as a subject of study in the education system during those times.
3. James Taylor - translated Leelavati.

Chaturanga is word become kannada language.chess meaning in kannada word chaturanga

Statements Analysis:

1. Aryabhatta formulated the area of triangle and discovered algebra
- Aryabhatta made significant contributions to mathematics, including the formulation of the area of a triangle and advancements in algebra.

2. The value of Pi given by Aryabhatta is much more accurate than that given by the Greeks
- Aryabhatta approximated the value of Pi (π) to a greater degree of accuracy compared to the Greeks, showcasing his mathematical prowess.

3. Aryabhatta also deals with the method of determining the movement of the sun and the moon
- Aryabhatta's work also delves into astronomy, where he developed methods for calculating the movements of celestial bodies like the sun and the moon.

Correctness of Statements:

- Statement 1: Correct. Aryabhatta's contributions to mathematics, including the area of a triangle and advancements in algebra, are well-documented.
- Statement 2: Correct. Aryabhatta's approximation of Pi was more accurate than that of the Greeks, showcasing his mathematical sophistication.
- Statement 3: Correct. Aryabhatta's work in astronomy included methods for tracking the movements of celestial bodies like the sun and the moon.

Therefore, all three statements are correct, highlighting Aryabhatta's multifaceted contributions to mathematics and astronomy.

Explanation:

Neither of the statements is correct. Here's why:

1. In Vedic times, Shiv was considered as the god of medicine
- This statement is not entirely correct. While Lord Shiva is associated with certain medicinal plants like cannabis, there is no evidence to suggest that he was considered as the god of medicine in Vedic times. In fact, in the Rigveda, the god of medicine is mentioned as Ashwini Kumars.

2. Yajur veda was the first book where we find mention about the diseases, its cure and medicines
- This statement is also not entirely correct. While the Yajurveda does contain references to diseases and some medicinal herbs, it is not the first book to do so. The Atharvaveda, which is believed to be older than the Yajurveda, contains detailed descriptions of diseases, their causes, symptoms, and treatments. It also contains references to various medicinal plants and their uses.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D, neither of them.