Which famous ancient Indian physician is considered one of the principal founders of Ayurveda and wrote a 'Samhita'?

Correct answer: (a) Charaka

Explanation

Charaka wrote the Charaka Samhita, the oldest surviving text of Ayurveda, and is counted among its founders. It deals with medicine: the causes, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases, diet and drugs made from plants. Tradition makes him the court physician of the Kushana king Kanishka.

• Sushruta wrote the Sushruta Samhita, on surgery, and is known as the father of surgery.
• Patanjali is known for the *Yoga Sutras* and the *Mahabhashya*, a commentary on Panini's grammar.
• Aryabhata was an astronomer and mathematician of the Gupta age (*Aryabhatiya*).