Vagbhata
Also called: Ashtanga Hridaya · Topic: Gupta Empire and the Classical Age · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Vagbhata was an author on Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. He lived in about the 7th century CE. He wrote the Ashtanga Hridaya and the Ashtanga Sangraha. These books bring together, in a clear and easy form, the teachings of the older Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, which had been given their final shape in the Gupta period. "Ashtanga" means the eight branches of Ayurveda. His works became standard textbooks in Kerala, and they were also translated into Tibetan.
Example
The Ashtanga Hridaya is written in verse and covers diagnosis, treatment, diet, daily routine and the eight branches of medicine. Its verse form made it easy for students to learn by heart, and it is still studied by Ayurvedic students today.
Don't confuse with
- Charaka and Sushruta: the earlier authorities. Charaka is linked mainly with general medicine and Sushruta with surgery. Vagbhata came later and summed up their work.
Related concepts
- Aryabhata
- Aryabhatiya
- Hindu-Arabic numerals
- Bakhshali manuscript
- Surya Siddhanta
- Varahamihira
- Bhaskara I
- Virahanka
- Kalidasa
- Abhijnanashakuntalam