Among the four works mentioned below which one is encyclopedic in nature?
UPSC CSE Pre. 1993
A. Amarakosha
B. Siddhantasiromani
C. Brihat Samhita
D. Ashtangahidayam
Answer: Brihat Samhita
Option c is the correct answer.
Brihat Samhita is a 6th-century Sanskrit-language encyclopedia compiled by Varahamihira. He was a renowned astrologer and astronomer who lived in Ujjain, India. The work contains 106 chapters and covers a wide variety of topics, such as astronomy, astrology, geography, meteorology, agriculture, architecture, gemology, animal husbandry, perfumery, medicine, and many more. It is considered as one of the most comprehensive and authoritative works on ancient Indian sciences and culture.
Important Tips
Facts about various literary works:
Amarakosha is a thesaurus of Sanskrit words written by Amarasimha, a 4th-century lexicographer.
Siddhantasiromani is a treatise on mathematics and astronomy written by Bhaskara II, a 12th-century mathematician and astronomer.
Ashtangahridayam is a compendium of Ayurveda written by Vagbhata, a 7th-century physician.