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Indian HistoryMediumAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2023, Paper I

The ancient Indian medical treatise for horses called Ashvashastra is attributed to which one of the following persons?

  1. A.Vagbhatta of the seventh century
  2. B.The sage Shalihotra
  3. C.Bhartrihari of the seventh century
  4. D.Varahamihira of the sixth century

Correct answer

B. The sage Shalihotra

Explanation

The correct answer is B, The sage Shalihotra. Indian tradition credits Shalihotra with the science of horses, and veterinary medicine for horses came to be called Shalihotra Shastra after him.

Shalihotra is regarded as the founder of veterinary science in India. The work attributed to him deals with the breeds, care, diseases and treatment of horses, and also with their physical features and signs. Later texts on horses and elephants drew on this tradition, and in many parts of India a horse doctor was long known as a "salotri", a word derived from his name.

A is wrong because Vagbhata wrote the Ashtanga Hridaya, a classic of Ayurveda for human medicine. C is wrong because Bhartrihari is known for the Vakyapadiya on grammar and the three Shatakas of verse. D is wrong because Varahamihira wrote on astronomy and astrology, in works such as the Brihat Samhita and the Pancha Siddhantika.

Exam tip: Shalihotra for horses, Palakapya (Hastyayurveda) for elephants, Charaka and Sushruta for human medicine.

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Q1.Indian HistoryAsked in: UPSC CAPF · CAPF 2023, Paper IHard

Consider the following statements with reference to Jainism: 1. Vardhamana Mahavira attained Kaivalyajnana outside the town of Jrimbhikagrama, on the banks of river Rijupalika and in the field of a householder named Samaga. 2. The state when the Karma particles actually begin to flow towards the Jiva to bind it is known as Asrava. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 only
  3. C.Both 1 and 2
  4. D.Neither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Both 1 and 2

Both statements match the Jaina tradition: the place of Mahavira's enlightenment and the meaning of asrava. Mahavira left home at about thirty and spent some twelve years in hard penance.

Q4.Indian HistoryAsked in: NDA · NDA-II 2025, GATMedium

In the Harappan Civilization, traces of canals have been found at

  1. A.Banawali
  2. B.Lothal
  3. C.Shortughai
  4. D.Dholavira
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Shortughai

Shortughai, a Harappan trading settlement in north-eastern Afghanistan, is the site where traces of irrigation canals have been found. Most Harappan farmers relied on river floods and wells, and no canals have been found in the Indus heartland.