History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c27.s3.t1: Scope of information content
History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c27.s3.t1
- Language
- English
Scope of information content
v1.c27.s3.t1.1
In terms of species covered, the maximum information pertains to equines. Other species covered are elephants and bovines, besides camels.
v1.c27.s3.t1.2
Owing to several qualities, elephants were used like modern tanks in wars by the kings in ancient India. Perhaps nowhere else worldover, so rich information is available on elephants as in India. According to Krishnaswami, *Hasthyāyurveda* by Pālakāpya can serve as a foundation book for further build up. It is supposed to contain well classified, varied and interesting information. Under the heading of fevers in chapter 9 of part 1, and ‘wasting diseases’ in chapter 40 of part 2, it is supposed to contain information on tuberculosis, perhaps the first record of the disease.
v1.c27.s3.t1.3
Study of book ‘Aśvavaidyakam’ reveals that not only the classification of its contents into chapters has been on scientific lines, comparable to those in modern books, rather the practice of reviewing the literature was also followed. Names of sages/gods reviewed are Śaṅkar, Brhamā, Śālihotra, Nakula and Suśruta.
v1.c27.s3.t1.4
Information on camels, whatever available, should also be exclusive, because this species was domesticated in Indian subcontinent.
v1.c27.s3.t1.5
The Aśvavaidyakam consists of 1,800 slokas distributed in 68 chapters, covering right from parts of body (Anatomy) to management, nutrition, breeding and diseases.