Carbon dating, also known as radiocarbon dating, is a scientific method utilized to ascertain the age of organic materials. This technique measures the radioactive carbon-14 content present in these materials.
The Sambhal district administration has initiated carbon dating at the Bhasma Shankar temple and its well. This effort aims to establish the historical age of the temple, contributing to the preservation and understanding of its rich heritage.
Carbon dating functions by measuring the decay of carbon-14, a radioactive isotope found in organic materials. By calculating the remaining carbon-14 levels, scientists can estimate the age of the material accurately.
The Bhasma Shankar temple, dedicated to Kartik Mahadev, holds immense cultural and religious importance. It features idols of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling, along with the Amrit Koop, a well that adds to its significance.
This temple was closed in 1978 due to communal riots that incited violence and displacement in the Khagga Sarai area, impacting the local community and the temple's operations.
To safeguard the Bhasma Shankar temple, the administration has introduced several security measures. These include the deployment of police round-the-clock, installation of CCTV cameras, and campaigns aimed at preventing encroachments on the temple premises.
Q1. What is the primary use of carbon dating?
Answer: The primary use of carbon dating is to determine the age of organic materials by measuring the quantity of radioactive carbon-14 present within them.
Q2. What materials can be dated using carbon dating?
Answer: Carbon dating can be applied to organic materials such as wood, cloth, bone, and other remains that contain carbon, making it valuable for archaeological studies.
Q3. Why is the Bhasma Shankar temple historically significant?
Answer: The Bhasma Shankar temple is significant due to its cultural and religious importance, housing important idols and being a site of community reverence.
Q4. What security measures are currently in place at the temple?
Answer: Current security measures at the Bhasma Shankar temple include constant police presence, CCTV surveillance, and initiatives to combat encroachment, ensuring the site's safety.
Q5. How does carbon dating enhance our understanding of history?
Answer: Carbon dating enhances our understanding of history by providing accurate dates for archaeological findings, helping to place historical events and artifacts in their correct chronological context.
Question 1: What is carbon dating primarily used for?
A) Measuring temperature of objects
B) Determining the age of organic materials
C) Analyzing chemical compounds
D) Assessing soil quality
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Why was the Bhasma Shankar temple closed in 1978?
A) Lack of funds
B) Structural damage
C) Communal riots
D) Natural disasters
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which radioactive isotope is measured in carbon dating?
A) Carbon-12
B) Carbon-14
C) Carbon-16
D) Carbon-10
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What is one of the security measures taken at the Bhasma Shankar temple?
A) Hiring private security
B) Installing CCTV cameras
C) Reducing visitor hours
D) Closing the temple permanently
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What type of materials can carbon dating be applied to?
A) Inorganic materials
B) Organic materials
C) Metal artifacts
D) Stone structures
Correct Answer: B
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