Quiz for Document Project 12: Intellectual and Religious Life in Medieval India

1. Question

   According to Al-Biruni, how did the Hindus view their own culture (see Document 12.1)?

   A.

   As inferior to those of their neighbors

   B.

   As superior to all others

   C.

   As indebted to those of their neighbors

   D.

   As identical to that of the Greeks

   Correct: The answer is b. As Al-Biruni described them, Indians saw themselves as absolutely unique and superior. Moreover, they were extremely reluctant to share their knowledge with others.

   Incorrect: The answer is b. As Al-Biruni described them, Indians saw themselves as absolutely unique and superior. Moreover, they were extremely reluctant to share their knowledge with others.

   According to Al-Biruni, how did the Hindus view their own culture (see Document 12.1)?

2. Question

   According to Al-Biruni, why did Indian science fail to reach the level achieved by the ancient Greeks (see Document 12.1)?

   A.

   Indian scholars were unwilling to challenge the nonscientific views held by most Indians.

   B.

   Indian scholars were not as intellectually gifted as Greek scholars.

   C.

   All Greeks embraced science, while only a few Indians did so.

   D.

   The Greeks were inspired by God, while the Indians were not.

   Correct: The answer is a. The result, in Al-Biruni’s view, was that Indian scientific ideas were always mixed up with “silly notions . . . which the vulgar belief does not admit of being called into question.”

   Incorrect: The answer is a. The result, in Al-Biruni’s view, was that Indian scientific ideas were always mixed up with “silly notions . . . which the vulgar belief does not admit of being called into question.”

   According to Al-Biruni, why did Indian science fail to reach the level achieved by the ancient Greeks (see Document 12.1)?

3. Question

   Who did Al-Biruni blame for the lack of scientific progress during his own age (see Document 12.2)?

   A.

   His fellow scholars

   B.

   The common people

   C.

   Religious teachers

   D.

   Kings and princes

   Correct: The answer is d. According to Al-Biruni, it was the duty of kings and princes to offer financial support to scholars, thereby freeing their minds from “the daily anxieties for the necessities of life.” Since, in Al-Biruni’s view, the kings and princes of his day failed to support scholarship as they should, science had been reduced to the “scanty remains of bygone better times.”

   Incorrect: The answer is d. According to Al-Biruni, it was the duty of kings and princes to offer financial support to scholars, thereby freeing their minds from “the daily anxieties for the necessities of life.” Since, in Al-Biruni’s view, the kings and princes of his day failed to support scholarship as they should, science had been reduced to the “scanty remains of bygone better times.”

   Who did Al-Biruni blame for the lack of scientific progress during his own age (see Document 12.2)?

4. Question

   What concept did the Hindus associate with zero (see Document 12.3)?

   A.

   Heaven

   B.

   The moon

   C.

   Fire

   D.

   The ocean

   Correct: The answer is a. The association of zero with heaven is a highly suggestive one, implying a link between heaven and nonexistence.

   Incorrect: The answer is a. The association of zero with heaven is a highly suggestive one, implying a link between heaven and nonexistence.

   What concept did the Hindus associate with zero (see Document 12.3)?