Question

Categorize the following astronomical works into their correct traditional genres (Karana, Arsha, Tantra, etc.):
A. Grahalaghava: Karanagrantha
B. Suryasiddhanta: Arshagrantha (Divine Revelation)
C. Aryabhatiya: Tantragrantha
D. Siddhantashiromani: Tantragrantha
E. Ketaki Grahaganita: Tantragrantha

• A. Only A, D, E
• B. Only A, B, C
• C. Only B, C, D
• D. Only D, E, C

Hint:

Aryabhatiya = Tantra. Suryasiddhanta = Arsha/Siddhanta. Grahalaghava = Karana. These are the "Big Three" of Indian astronomical text classification.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Indian astronomical literature is classified by its source and its epoch. Siddhanta texts are those believed to have divine origin (Arsha) or are comprehensive. Tantra texts start from a Yuga epoch like Kali Yuga. Karana texts start from a contemporary epoch to simplify math.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation of Texts:
1. Grahalaghava (A): As established in Question 10, this is the most famous Karanagrantha. Statement (A) is TRUE.
2. Suryasiddhanta (B): Traditionally considered to be revealed by the Sun to Maya Asura at the end of the Kritayuga, it is categorized as an 'Arsha' (Rishi-composed/Divine) Siddhanta. Statement (B) is TRUE.
3. Aryabhatiya (C): Aryabhata starts his calculations from the beginning of the current Kali Yuga. Such texts are technically classified as Tantra (though we often call it a Siddhanta in common parlance, in formal classification it is a Tantra). Statement (C) is TRUE.
4. Siddhantashiromani (D): This is a Siddhanta text by Bhaskara II. Categorizing it as a Tantra is generally considered incorrect in this strict classification context.
5. Ketaki Grahaganita (E): This is a modern work (20th century) by Venkatesh Ketkar. While it uses modern constants, it does not fit the classical 'Tantra' definition.

Step 3: Verification with Options:
- The set A, B, and C represents the standard textbook classifications of these famous works.
- Option (2) identifies this set.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correctly categorized works are Grahalaghava (Karana), Suryasiddhanta (Arsha), and Aryabhatiya (Tantra).