Question

What did Aryabhata write in his Sanskrit book Aryabhatiyam?
a. Day and night were caused by rotation of Earth around its own axis
b. Scientific explanation for eclipses
c. Calculating the circumference of the circle
d. All of above

Answer 1

Hint: Most of the mathematical and astronomical theories were made by Aryabhata in his book Aryabhatiyam, which is a multi-subject book authored by Aryabhata himself.

Complete Step by Step answer: The theories mentioned in the question are all given by Aryabhata in his book. Let’s look at our options one by one:
a. Day and night were caused by rotation of Earth around its own axis – this theory was given and proved by Aryabhata in his book Aryabhatiyam after he performed a research on the Rig Veda at Nalanda University. So, it might be the correct option.
b. Scientific explanation for eclipses – During his research on astronomy, Aryabhata explained the occurrence of eclipses and took the explanation from mythological terms to scientific terms in the age of the Guptas. So, it might be the correct option.
c. Calculating the circumference of the circle – He calculated the value of pi, to find the circumference of a circle and has documented it in his book Aryabhatiyam. So, it might be the correct option.
d. All of above – Since all the above options seem to be correct based on the facts available about Aryabhata and his book Aryabhatiyam, this option seems to be the most appropriate. So, it is the correct option.

Thus, The correct answer is Option D.

Note: The theories given by Aryabhata are well in accordance with the astronomical theories given by the Western Mathematicians and Astronomers. However, this might lead to a confusion if the two options are clubbed. Hence, it is advised to stick to the western scientists as they hold the credit in the modern age.