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Ancient Indian Scholarship

Ancient Indian Science: Medicine vs Mathematics

Bhaskaracharya is not associated with medicine; he was a renowned ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer. Charaka, Susruta, and Dhanvantari are the key figures in the medical tradition of Ayurveda.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII - Themes in Indian History

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Who among the following is not associated with medicine in ancient India?

[UPSC CSE Pre 1993]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Ancient Indian scholarship was highly specialized, with distinct figures leading the fields of medicine (Ayurveda) and mathematical sciences.

Authentic Source Evidence


Bhaskaracharya (Bhaskara II) was a 12th-century mathematician and astronomer, author of the Siddhanta Shiromani. He is famous for works on algebra and calculus, not medicine.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Dhanvantari is the mythological god of medicine/Ayurveda.

  • Logic 2: Charaka is the author of Charaka Samhita, a foundational text on internal medicine.

  • Logic 3: Susruta is known for the Susruta Samhita, the pioneering text on surgery.

  • Logic 4: Bhaskaracharya’s work (Lilavati, Bijaganita) focused on arithmetic, algebra, and planetary mathematics.

    • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "What is Bhaskaracharya's most famous mathematical treatise?"

    His most famous work is the Siddhanta Shiromani, which is divided into four parts including Lilavati and Bijaganita.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "The confusion between these figures often arises from the vast and overlapping timeline of ancient Indian contributions to global science."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Ayurveda 4
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