GS PrelimsHistory (Ancient India)Miscellaneous2012

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. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A

1 and 2 only

B

3 and 4 only

C

1,3 and 4 only

D

1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: Option C

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is correct. The Sushruta Samhita, attributed to the physician Sushruta (whose dating varies but is often placed around or before the 1st century CE), describes a variety of complex surgical procedures and details numerous types of specialized surgical instruments, indicating their common use in ancient India by the 1st century AD. 2. Statement 2 is incorrect. While ancient Indian surgery was advanced, including techniques like plastic surgery and cataract removal, there is no historical evidence to support the claim that the transplant of internal organs in the human body had begun by the 3rd century AD. Such procedures require knowledge and technology (like immunosuppression) that were not available then. 3. Statement 3 is correct. The concept of sine (jya) in trigonometry was developed in India. The astronomer and mathematician Aryabhata, in his work Aryabhatiya (composed around 499 AD, i.e., 5th century AD), provided tables of sines and their calculations. 4. Statement 4 is correct. The mathematician Brahmagupta (who lived in the 7th century AD) made significant contributions to geometry. In his Brahmasphutasiddhanta, he discussed properties of cyclic quadrilaterals, including providing a formula for their area (Brahmagupta's formula).

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