[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021) › c6.s6.6 # Vada in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.s6.6 Vāda in Theory and Practice: Studies in Debates, Dialogues and Discussions in Indian Intellectual Discourses c6.s6.6 - **Language:** English ### [c6.s6.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.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: - [Previous: c6.s6.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c6.s6.5) - [Next: c6.s6.7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c6.s6.7) - [Up: c6.s6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c6.s6) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c6.s6.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.tripathi-2021.c6.s6.6) · Pramāṇa