3.4 Sushruta (A Peep into the Past) - Class 6 - Kumarbharati

Author: Dr. Chirantana Mathkari (adapted text)

Genre: Historical / Informative Prose

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Class 6

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The lesson Sushruta (A Peep into the Past) tells us about the contributions of Sushruta, regarded as the Father of Indian Medicine, Surgery, and Plastic Surgery. He wrote the Sushruta Samhita, one of the earliest works on medicine. During his time, physicians were trained not only for human health but also for animals. Shalihotra, known as the Father of Veterinary Sciences, was Sushruta’s disciple. Once, Shalihotra asked Sushruta what was needed to perform surgery on a horse. Though Sushruta listed instruments and medicines, Shalihotra said three things were missing. By observing his teacher, Sushruta discovered them: an eagle’s eye (for careful observation), a lion’s heart (for courage), and a mother’s touch (for compassion). The second part of the lesson describes the tradition of veterinary medicine in India. Shalihotra wrote Asvayurveda Siddhanta. Later, Nakula of the Pandavas wrote Asva Chikitsa. During the Mauryan period, veterinarians treated animals in the army, and Emperor Ashoka built the world’s first veterinary hospitals. Ancient Indians also used animal by-products wisely, such as milk, wool, and meat. The lesson highlights the balance of science, compassion, and responsibility in healthcare.

Theme / Central Idea

The lesson conveys the importance of science, compassion, and courage in medicine. It also shows India’s ancient wisdom in veterinary and medical sciences, proving that true healing requires both skill and empathy.

Character Sketches

Sushruta

• Known as Father of Indian Medicine and Surgery.

• Wrote Sushruta Samhita.

• Great teacher, knowledgeable in medical and surgical practices.

• Learned that medicine needs observation, courage, and compassion.

Shalihotra

• Father of Veterinary Sciences.

• Disciple of Sushruta who specialised in animal treatment.

• Authored Asvayurveda Siddhanta.

• Taught Sushruta that a good doctor must have an eagle’s eye, lion’s heart, and mother’s touch.

Emperor Ashoka

• Great Mauryan emperor.

• Built the world’s first veterinary hospitals.

• Arranged cultivation of herbal medicines for men and animals.

• Promoted animal care and compassion as part of governance.

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions (5)

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: “Sushruta wanted to discover the missing things.”

   Answer: The infinitive is to discover. It shows purpose.

2. Passive Voice

   Change the voice: Ashoka built the first veterinary hospitals.

   Answer: The first veterinary hospitals were built by Ashoka.

   
   

3. Modal Auxiliary

   Use ‘should’ in a sentence based on the lesson.

   Answer: A good doctor should combine knowledge with compassion.

   
   

4. Tense Change

   Change into future tense: Shalihotra observed the horse carefully.

   Answer: Shalihotra will observe the horse carefully.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Make a Wh-question for the underlined part: Sushruta wrote the Sushruta Samhita.

   Answer: What did Sushruta write?

   
   

Personal Response Questions (5)

1. Question: What qualities of a doctor do you admire the most?

   Answer: The qualities of a doctor admired by me are observation, courage, and compassion. These qualities ensure proper treatment and care of patients.

   
   

2. Question: Why do you think Shalihotra called for an eagle’s eye, lion’s heart, and mother’s touch?

   Answer: Shalihotra called for these qualities because observation helps in diagnosis, courage is needed in surgery, and compassion gives comfort and healing.

   
   

3. Question: How do you feel about India’s ancient contribution to medicine?

   Answer: India’s ancient contribution to medicine makes me feel proud. It shows our ancestors had advanced knowledge of surgery, veterinary science, and natural remedies.

   
   

4. Question: Do you think compassion is as important as knowledge in medicine? Why?Answer: Compassion is as important as knowledge because patients need emotional care along with treatment. Compassion builds trust and helps in healing.

   
   

5. Question: What lesson do you personally take from this chapter?

   Answer: The lesson teaches me to balance knowledge, courage, and kindness in life. Whatever the profession, these values lead to success and respect.

   
   

True or False (5)

1. Sushruta is known as the Father of Veterinary Sciences. → False (He is the Father of Medicine and Surgery; Shalihotra is Father of Veterinary Sciences.)

2. Shalihotra was a disciple of Sushruta. → True

3. Nakula, one of the Pandavas, wrote Asva Chikitsa. → True

4. Ashoka built the first veterinary hospitals. → True

5. Ancient Indians never used animal by-products. → False (They used milk, wool, meat, etc.)

   
   

Probable Board / Exam Questions (5)

1. Question: What are the contributions of Sushruta to medicine?

   Answer: Sushruta is called the Father of Indian Medicine and Surgery. He wrote the Sushruta Samhita and taught surgical practices. His teachings balanced science with observation, courage, and compassion.

   
   

2. Question: What did Shalihotra teach Sushruta about being a good veterinarian?Answer: Shalihotra taught that a good veterinarian must have an eagle’s eye for observation, a lion’s heart for courage, and a mother’s touch for compassion.

   
   

3. Question: What was the role of Emperor Ashoka in veterinary care?

   Answer: Emperor Ashoka built the world’s first veterinary hospitals, arranged herbal medicine cultivation, and promoted animal welfare. His work highlighted compassion in governance.

   
   

4. Question: How did India’s ancient knowledge contribute to veterinary science?Answer: India’s ancient knowledge contributed through texts like Asvayurveda Siddhanta by Shalihotra and Asva Chikitsa by Nakula. Veterinarians accompanied armies, and practices of prevention, hygiene, and use of by-products were common.

   
   

5. Question: Why is the lesson titled Sushruta – A Peep into the Past?

   Answer: The lesson is titled so because it gives us a glimpse into India’s ancient medical practices, focusing on Sushruta and Shalihotra, who shaped medicine and veterinary science.

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The lesson Sushruta (A Peep into the Past) is a fascinating account of India’s early contributions to medicine and veterinary science. It introduces great figures like Sushruta and Shalihotra, who combined knowledge with compassion. The story of the three missing things—an eagle’s eye, lion’s heart, and mother’s touch—makes the message memorable. The second part shows India’s pride in having the earliest veterinary hospitals under Ashoka and texts written thousands of years ago. The lesson is memorable because it links history, science, and values. It inspires us to respect ancient wisdom and reminds us that true healing always balances skill with empathy.

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