Question

Ashtanga hridayam on ______ was written during medieval Kerala.
A. Surgery
B. Ayurveda
C. Philosophy
D. Economy

Answer 1

Hint: Ashtanga Hridayam (‘The Heart of Medicines’) is a book written in Kerala during the medieval period. The book, written by Bhagbata, hoards a coherent account of the knowledge of medicines. Bhagbata, the author of Ashtanga Hridayam and Ashtanga Samgraha, was a disciple of Charaka and was one of the most influential writers of classical Ayurveda.

Complete step by step answer:
Ashtanga Hridayam, a book on Ayurveda, was written in medieval Kerala. Bhagbata, the author of Ashtanga Hridayam and Ashtanga Samgraha, was one of the most influential writers of classical Ayurveda. Bhagbata was a disciple of Charaka. His book was originally written in Sanskrit with 7000 sutras. According to Bhagbata, 85% of the diseases prevailing in this world are curable and can be cured without a doctor.
The Ashtanga Hridayam (‘The Heart of Medicines’) is written in poetic verses. The Ashtanga Samgraha (‘Compendium of Medicines’) is detailed yet less concise work. However, both of the books hoard a coherent account of the knowledge of Ayurveda. In Sanskrit, Ashtanga means ‘eight components’. Here, Ashtanga refers to eight sections of Ayurveda, i.e. internal medicine, gynecology and pediatrics, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), surgery, rejuvenation therapy, toxicology, aphrodisiac therapy, and psychiatry. The book comprises different sections on longevity, common causes of illness, personal hygiene, the influence of season and time on the human organism, significance of the sense of taste, types, and classifications of medicine, pregnancy and possible complications during birth, etc.
The Ashtanga Hridayam is perhaps the greatest classic of Ayurveda and is the central work of authority for the Ayurvedic practitioners of Kerala.
So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: In Sanskrit, Ashtanga means ‘eight components’. Here, Ashtanga refers to eight sections of Ayurveda, i.e. internal medicine, gynecology and pediatrics, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), surgery, rejuvenation therapy, toxicology, aphrodisiac therapy, and psychiatry.