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Context

The Vice President of India unveiled statues of Acharya Charaka and Sage Sushruta at Goa's Raj Bhavan as part of a campaign to highlight India's rich medical legacy.

Who is Sushruta?

Sushruta, an ancient Indian surgeon from the 7th century BC, wrote 'Sushruta Samhita', a comprehensive handbook on medicine and surgery. He is recognised as the "Father of Plastic Surgery" and is responsible for the improvement of medicine in ancient India. Sushruta revolutionised surgery, leading to the era known as 'The Golden Age of Surgery' in ancient India.

Topic	Details
Associated Kingdom	Practised in Kashi (Varanasi), possibly under the rule of King Divodasa
Key Contribution	Sushruta Samhita – the oldest known surgical text
Surgical Contributions	- Detailed 300+ surgical procedures - Listed 100+ surgical instruments
Advancements in Anatomy	Introduced dissection-based anatomy, anaesthesia techniques, and classification of fractures/dislocations
Pioneering Surgery	Known for rhinoplasty (nasal reconstruction) – admired even in colonial medical records
Other Medical Areas Covered	- Public health - Embryology - Toxicology - Pediatric care (Kaumarbhritya)
Neonatal & Ritual Care	Included newborn care rituals and Ayurvedic practices still relevant today
Medical Education Ethics	Emphasised step-by-step surgical learning, simulation training, and human dissection

About Acharya Charak

Identity & Period	Acharya Charaka (c. 100 BCE – 200 CE); Father of Indian Medicine
Associated Kingdom	Flourished in Taxila under the patronage of Kushan ruler Kanishka
Key Contribution	Charaka Samhita – foundational Ayurvedic text
Focus Area	Internal Medicine (Kayachikitsa)
Major Classifications	- Ayurveda into Ashtanga Ayurveda (Eight Branches) - Detailed Garbha Vigyan (Embryology)
Disease Theory	Explained pathology of diseases and holistic health approach
Three Doshas (Tridosha Theory)	- Vata, Pitta, Kapha – basis of diagnosis and treatment
Preventive Healthcare	Advocated lifestyle practices and environmental harmony
Medical Ethics	Physician’s duties: confidentiality, non-maleficence, devotion to healing
Modern Relevance	Aligns with patient rights and evidence-based medicine principles

Significance of Charaka and Sushruta in Medicine

Ayurveda's foundation: Their treatises are fundamental to the Bruhat Trayi, a trilogy of classical books that shape Indian medicine.
Scientific Embryology: Both provided remarkable advances in fetal development, which have been confirmed by current research.
Surgical Innovations: Sushruta's surgical methods and tools precede current surgical systems, and they affected Arab and European medicine.
Pediatric Focus: Their work on Kaumarbhritya paved the way for child health, from neonatal rites to therapeutic approaches.
Translations into Arabic (e.g., Kitab-i-Susrud) have helped to advance worldwide medical knowledge and intercultural understanding.