Salyachikitsa': Origin and Development of Surgical Science in Ancient India – A Comprehensive Study from the Perspective of the Indian Knowledge System

Ayurveda is the key source of ancient Indian Medical System. There are eight branches of Ayurveda. Surgery, or ‘Salyachikitsa’ was developed during the Vedic period. Many historians of modern era referred to Suśruta as the father of Indian Surgery. He was the pioneer of Plastic Surgery and cosmetic surgery. During his period, among all the eight limbs of Indian medical science or ‘Ayurveda’, ‘Salya Chikitsa’ was given the top priority. He developed various surgical instruments. At that time, every medical student was required to conduct a dissection of a dead body, as practical surgery requires a good knowledge of anatomy. Dead bodies were preserved for this reason. Practical training was essential for every medical student who had wish to be a surgeon. The aim of NEP to integrate ‘Ayurveda’ into the mainstream education by blending traditional wisdom with modern science.