Question

What knowledge did the Arabs gather from

(a) Indian and

(b) various other ancient civilizations?

Answer 1

(a) The Arabs, learnt a great deal from the ancient Indian civilization. Knowledge of Indian mathematics, medicine, astronomy, philosophy and the art of administration were assimilated by the Arabs, leading to further enrichment of the Arab civilization and culture. 

(b) Knowledge absorbed and assimilated by Arab scholars from different civilizations

1. Chinese: 

• Art of paper making, 
•  Glass making techniques, 
•  Use of mariner’s compass. 

2. Greeks: 

• Geometry. 

3. Persian: 

 Astronomy. 

4. Indians: 

• Mathematical theories 
•  medicine 
• Astronomy 
•  Philosophy 
•  Administration