Which ancient Indian text is known as the ‘Science of Ayurveda’?

Correct option is B

Correct Answer: (b) Charaka Samhita

Explanation:

The Charaka Samhita is regarded as the foundational text of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. It was written by Acharya Charaka, a renowned physician of ancient India, around the 2nd century BCE. This text primarily focuses on internal medicine (Kayachikitsa) and provides a detailed account of disease diagnosis, treatment methods, herbal medicine, dietetics, and preventive healthcare.

The Charaka Samhita is considered one of the oldest and most comprehensive works on Ayurveda, alongside the Sushruta Samhita, which focuses on surgery (Shalya Tantra). It consists of eight branches of Ayurveda, covering various aspects of human health and healing.

Information Booster:

● Acharya Charaka is known as the Father of Indian Medicine.
● The Charaka Samhita emphasizes doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), digestion, and immunity.
● Ayurveda classifies diseases and suggests herbal remedies, therapies, and lifestyle modifications.
● The text highlights the role of diet, exercise, and mental well-being in maintaining health.
● The Charaka Samhita was later edited and expanded by Dridhabala in the 4th century CE.

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Mahabharata: Incorrect; it is an epic and does not deal with Ayurveda.
• (c) Arthashastra: Incorrect; written by Chanakya (Kautilya), it focuses on economics, politics, and statecraft, not medicine.
• (d) Manusmriti: Incorrect; it is an ancient legal text related to Hindu law and social codes, not Ayurveda.