Introducing Ayurveda The Science of Health and Disease | Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Notes
By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 5 min read
Introducing Ayurveda The Science of Health and Disease – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Introducing Ayurveda The Science of Health and Disease from Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.
Literature in Ayurveda
The ancient Ayurvedic physicians were not only keen observers but also meticulous documenters of their clinical observations and inferences. Ayurveda encompasses three branches: human (manuṣya), plant (vṛkṣa), and animal (mṛga) Ayurveda. A large body of knowledge in these branches has been preserved in classical texts authored by ancient and later-day physicians, indicating the continuity of this indigenous medical system. Important texts in Manuṣya Ayurveda include Atreya Saṃhitā, Agniveṣa Tantra (later known as Caraka Saṃhitā), Suśruta Saṃhitā, Nimi Tantra, Harita Saṃhitā, Bhela Saṃhitā, Kaśyapa Saṃhitā, and works by Divodāsa Dhanvantari. These texts cover various aspects such as internal medicine, surgery, anatomy, ophthalmology, pediatrics, and general medicine. For example, Suśruta Saṃhitā is renowned for its detailed treatment of surgery and reconstructive techniques like rhinoplasty. The Caraka Saṃhitā is a compilation of proceedings from a conference chaired by Atreya, attended by Ayurvedic doctors worldwide. Besides human Ayurveda, Vṛkṣa Ayurveda deals with the life cycle, diseases, and treatment of plants, while Mṛga Ayurveda focuses on veterinary medicine, including horses, elephants, and cows. The extensive literature reflects Ayurveda's comprehensive scope and its integration with other disciplines such as metallurgy, chemistry, and agriculture.
📊 Diagram: See figure_4: Figure on page 3; See figure_5: Figure on page 3; See figure_6: INTRODUCING AYURVEDA: THE SCIENCE OF HEALTH AND DISEASE; See table_1: Table on page 3 (10×2); See figure_7: Figure on page 4; See figure_8: Figure on page 4; See figure_9: Figure on page 4; See table_2: Table on page 4 (9×2).
🧪 Activity: Activity: Identify medicinal plants in your school and neighbourhood; find Sanskrit names of common medicinal plants; gather information from elders about medicinal ingredients used in cooking.
🔗 Connection: This section leads to the discussion on the role of basic sciences and darśanas in Ayurveda, highlighting its theoretical foundations.
Table on page 3 (10×2)
| Books and authors | Some interesting details |
|---|---|
| Written in B.C.E. | |
| Atreya Saṃhitā by Atreya | 46,500 verses and 5 adhyayas (chapters) |
| Agniveṣa Tantra by Agniveṣa, a disciple of Atreya; this text is now known as Caraka Saṃhitā after the redactor Caraka | Focuses on internal medicine and elaborates on the fundamental principles and management of health and diseases in Āyurveda; translated into Arabic, Latin, Persian, Chinese, Tibetan, Mongolian and Khotanese; over 43 commentaries have been written |
| Suśruta Saṃhitā by Suśruta | Deals with surgery, anatomy and the topics of contemporary interest such as cataract and reconstructive surgery |
| Nimi Tantra by Nimi | Focuses on ophthalmology and surgical interventions |
| Harita Saṃhitā by Harita, disciple of Atreya | On general medicine |
| Bhela Saṃhitā by Bhela; disciple of Atreya | Explains brain and mind, and discusses blood circulation |
| Kaśyapa Saṃhitā by Kaśyapa | Only 78 of the 200 chapters are available now; the only currently available ayurvedic text focusing on pediatrics, mother and child care; female doctors are mentioned |
| Dhanvantari Saṃhitā, Cikitsā Tattva Vijñāna, Cikitsārpaṇam, Cikitsā Darśana, Cikitsā Kaumudi by Divodāsa Dhanvantari | The author established University of Kāshi; teacher of Suśruta and Nimi |
Table on page 4 (9×2)
| Vaidya Sandeha Bhañjana and Janaka Tantra by Janaka | Books not available now |
|---|---|
| Kumāra Tantra by Rāvana, Parvataka Tantra, Bandhaka Tantra, Hiranyākṣa Tantra | Other books on paediatrics |
| Vaidyaka Sarvasvam, Aśva (horse) Śāstra and Nakula Samhita by Nakula | Books not available now |
| Vyādhi Sindhu Vimardana and Gavā (cow) ayurveda by Sahadeva | Books not available now |
| Written in C.E. | |
| Aṣṭāṅga Saṅgraha and Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya by Vāgbhāṭṭa | Concise compilation of all ayurvedic knowledge available then and also updated information on new plants and diseases |
| Śāraṅgadhara Saṅhitā by Śārangadhārācārya | Has 3 divisions and 32 chapters; a concise treatise to help ayurvedic clinical practice; mentions pulse (nādi) diagnosis and elaborates on preparation of medicines |
| Mādhava Nidhān by Mādhava | Best compilation of the cause and development of diseases, their symptoms and the associated complications for easy understanding and diagnosis of diseases |
| Bhāva Prakaśa (Bhāva Miśra) | 80 chapters and 10268 verses; a systematic compilation of available information on plants and herbs used in medicinal preparations |
Frequently asked questions
Explain about the *manuṣya* and *mṛga Āyurveda*.
Manuṣya Āyurveda refers to the branch of Ayurveda that deals with human health and diseases, focusing on the maintenance of health and treatment of ailments in human beings. Mṛga Āyurveda, on the other hand, is the branch of Ayurveda concerned with the health and treatment of animals. It includes veterinary science and the care of animals, emphasizing the similarities and differences in biological processes between humans and animals.
What are the eight branches of *Āyurveda*?
The eight branches of Āyurveda, known as 'Aṣṭāṅga Āyurveda', are: 1) Kāyachikitsā (Internal Medicine), 2) Śālākya Tantra (ENT and Ophthalmology), 3) Śālya Tantra (Surgery), 4) Bhūtavidyā (Psychiatry and Demonology), 5) Kaumāra Bhritya (Pediatrics), 6) Rasāyana (Rejuvenation Therapy), 7) Vājīkaraṇa (Aphrodisiac Therapy), and 8) Agadatantra (Toxicology). These branches cover a comprehensive range of medical knowledge and treatment modalities.
Explain the role of *Vāta*, *Pitta* and *Kapha* in maintenance of biological cycle.
In Āyurveda, Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha are the three fundamental bio-energies or doshas that govern physiological and pathological processes in the body. Vāta is responsible for movement and communication, controlling nerve impulses, circulation, and elimination. Pitta governs metabolism, digestion, and transformation of substances, maintaining body temperature and enzymatic activities. Kapha provides structure, lubrication, and stability, maintaining moisture and immunity. The balance of these thr
Name the Ayurvedic surgeon who is also acknowledged in modern surgery.
The Ayurvedic surgeon acknowledged in modern surgery is Susruta. He is known as the 'Father of Surgery' and authored the Susruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text that details surgical techniques, instruments, and procedures including rhinoplasty and cataract surgery.
Ready to ace this chapter?
Get the full Introducing Ayurveda The Science of Health and Disease chapter — interactive notes, diagrams, worked solutions, polls and a free practice quiz — in the ConceptScroll app.
Study smarter with ConceptScroll
Daily NCERT-aligned reels, AI doubt solving and chapter quizzes — all free.
Start learning freeContinue reading
- Yoga | Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on Yoga for Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India.
- Yoga | Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on Yoga for Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India.
- Yoga | Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India Notes
Clear NCERT-aligned notes on Yoga for Class 11 Knowledge Traditions Practices of India.