Inauguration of the statues
Caraka and Susruta Honoured in Goa: The Vice President of India recently unveiled the statues of Caraka and Susruta at Raj Bhavan in Goa. This symbolic event highlights India’s deep roots in traditional knowledge, especially in the field of Ayurveda. Both Caraka and Susruta made exceptional contributions to ancient Indian medicine, which are still respected around the world.
Caraka and his legacy
Caraka lived during the time of the Kushan Empire, serving as the royal physician. He is often called the Father of Medicine in India for his detailed understanding of health and disease. His most notable work, the Caraka Samhita, is one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda.
The text is not just a book—it’s a documentation of a grand conference on Ayurveda held in the Himalayan foothills. The gathering was presided over by the physician Atreya, a leading figure in ancient medical thought. What makes Caraka’s work special is its focus on internal medicine. It lays out a systematic approach to diagnosis, treatment, and the principles of maintaining balance in the body through lifestyle and diet.
Static GK Fact: The Kushan Empire flourished between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE and was instrumental in the spread of Indian culture and Ayurveda across Central Asia.
Susruta’s surgical brilliance
While Caraka focused on internal healing, Susruta mastered external medicine. Often hailed as the Father of Plastic Surgery, Susruta’s innovations in surgical techniques were far ahead of his time. His text, the Susruta Samhita, serves as a detailed manual on surgery.
From anatomy to reconstructive surgeries, and even early methods of cataract removal, the text reveals how sophisticated ancient Indian medicine was. Susruta emphasized cleanliness, surgical instruments, and training, showcasing his holistic approach to medicine.
Static GK Fact: The Susruta Samhita is one of the oldest texts in the world that discusses surgery in such detail, predating many modern medical developments.
Why the statues matter?
The installation of these statues at a prominent venue like Raj Bhavan serves as a reminder of India’s rich heritage in medical science. It also brings attention to the growing relevance of Ayurveda and traditional knowledge in today’s world.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
| Event | Vice President inaugurated statues of Caraka & Susruta |
| Location | Raj Bhavan, Goa |
| Caraka known as | Father of Medicine |
| Major work of Caraka | Caraka Samhita |
| Focus of Caraka Samhita | Internal medicine and health management |
| Historical Period of Caraka | Kushan Empire |
| Susruta known as | Father of Plastic Surgery |
| Major work of Susruta | Susruta Samhita |
| Focus of Susruta Samhita | Surgery, anatomy, cataract, and reconstructive surgery |
| Notable figure in Caraka’s conference | Atreya |
| Ancient system discussed | Ayurveda |
