Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Varahamihira’s well-known work Brihatsamhita, written in the sixth century CE, stated that the moon rotates around the sun. Reason (R): He utilized several Persian works to explain the movement of the planets and some other astronomical problems. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Important ancient Indian astronomers:
• Aryabhata
• Varahamihira
• Brahmagupta Varahamihira’s Brihatsamhita is an important encyclopedic work.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Varahamihira was one of the greatest astronomers and scholars of ancient India. He contributed significantly to:
• astronomy,
• astrology,
• mathematics,
• and scientific literature. His famous works include:
• Brihatsamhita,
• and Pancha Siddhantika.

Step 1: Understanding Assertion (A). Assertion (A) states: \[ \text{Varahamihira stated that the moon rotates around the sun.} \] This statement is treated as correct in the historical context of ancient Indian astronomical understanding. Varahamihira discussed:
• celestial movements,
• planetary positions,
• and astronomical observations. His writings demonstrate the advanced scientific thinking of ancient India.

Step 2: Understanding Reason (R). Reason (R) states: \[ \text{He utilized several Persian works to explain astronomical problems.} \] This statement is incorrect. Varahamihira mainly drew upon:
• Indian astronomical traditions,
• Greek influences,
• and earlier Siddhantas. There is no major evidence that Persian works formed the principal basis of his explanations.

Step 3: Evaluating Assertion and Reason together. Since:
• Assertion (A) is considered correct,
• but Reason (R) is incorrect, the correct option becomes: \[ \text{(A) is correct but (R) is not correct} \]

Step 4: Historical significance of Varahamihira. Varahamihira’s contributions are important because:
• he synthesized earlier astronomical knowledge,
• he advanced scientific observation,
• and his works influenced later Indian astronomy. He is regarded as one of the greatest scholars of the Gupta/post-Gupta age.

Step 5: Final conclusion. Assertion (A) is correct while Reason (R) is incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) is correct but (R) is not correct}} \]