Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.s6.6

c6.s6.6

He searches affinities in the methods of calculations between Indian astronomers and *alfazari*.¹⁵⁴ He was aware of the debates on various issues amongst the intellectuals in India. He refers to differences of opinions on the question whether the people of lower castes can attain *mokṣa*.¹⁵⁵ He draws comparisons the concepts, cultures and traditions. In fact, he displayed the techniques of *vāda* in a novel way when he criticized Brahmagupta and made an assessment of Varāhamihira. Al-Biruni finds an inner contradiction in Brahmagupta for accepting the myth of Rāhu and Ketu on one hand and also discussing the scientific reason for the eclipse on the other.¹⁵⁶ There are many other issues on which he differs with Brahmagupta.¹⁵⁷ He cites Varāhamihira; criticizing him on the claim of giving respects to the *yavanas* and *mlecchas* if they are knowledgeable. But from this passage of Varāhamihira alone you see what a self-lauding man he is, whilst he gives himself airs as doing justice to others.¹⁵⁸ Only Al-Biruni could have unleashed such a scathing attack on a stalwart like Varāhamihira: