UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies

Question 67: History and Culture

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists: List I I. Visakhadatta II. Varahamihira III. Charaka IV. Brahmagupta List II A) Medicine B) Drama C) Astronomy D) Mathematics

aI – A, II – C, III – D, IV – B

bI – B, II – A, III – C, IV – D

cI – B, II – C, III – A, IV – D

dI – C, II – B, III – A, IV – B

AnswerThe answer is (c).

Visakhadatta wrote the drama Mudrarakshasa; Varahamihira, the astronomer, wrote the Panchasiddhantika and the Brihat Samhita; Charaka compiled the Charaka Samhita on medicine; and Brahmagupta, the mathematician, wrote the Brahmasphutasiddhanta. So I-B, II-C, III-A, IV-D. Remember: Charaka and Sushruta for medicine; Aryabhata, Varahamihira and Brahmagupta for astronomy and mathematics.

I. Visakhadatta - Drama (B).
II. Varahamihira - Astronomy (C).
III. Charaka - Medicine (A).
IV. Brahmagupta - Mathematics (D).

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Makes Visakhadatta a physician and Brahmagupta a dramatist; both are wrong.
(b) Makes Varahamihira a physician and Charaka an astronomer; both are wrong.
(c) Right: Visakhadatta - drama, Varahamihira - astronomy, Charaka - medicine, Brahmagupta - mathematics.
(d) Makes Varahamihira a dramatist and gives Brahmagupta drama as well.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.