Question

‘Vrikshayurveda’, a classical book, was written by
A. Sushruta
B. Charaka
C. Vagbhata
D. Surapala

Answer 1

Hint: He worked in Bundelkhand in central India and under the royal patronage of King Bhimapala. He is the man behind various experiments in the field of horticulture and botany.

Complete answer:
Vrikshayurveda is the ancient Indian science based on plant life. VRIKSHAYURVEDA was systematically compiled by Surapala approximately 1000 years ago in the form of 325 Sanskrit slokas. The Rigveda and Atharvaveda also mentioned Vrikshayurveda in a very precise and nice manner . It has lots of references regarding plants and the environment. Studies indicate that ancient India had achieved a level of agricultural technology which is equal to what is known in modern times. The different procedures explained in Vrikshayurveda clearly indicate that level of knowledge was high and equivalent to modern agriculture. In today’s scenario, several crores are being spent every year on pesticides to control pests, knowledge of Vrikshayurveda proves to be a boon for the society by cutting down unnecessary expenses by use of traditional approaches. The information on pest management based on sound ecological principles could be gathered by detailed study of Vrikshayurveda.

Additional Information: Sushruta was an ancient Indian physician known today as the “Father of Indian Medicine” and “Father of Plastic Surgery” for inventing and developing surgical procedures. He wrote the Sushruta Samhita.
Charaka also contributed to the field of Ayurveda. He is known for his contributions to the fields of physiology, etiology and embryology.
Vagbhata is also one of the classical writers of Ayurveda.
So, the correct answer is ‘Surapala’.

Note: The whole text of Vrikshayurveda is written briefly in the Devanagari script. Varahamihira and Sharangadhara (two well known figures of the 13th century) have also made significant contributions to this branch of science.