Who is Known as the Father of Indian Medicine?

The Father of Indian Medicine is Acharya Charaka. He was an ancient Indian physician and a key contributor to Ayurveda, India's traditional system of medicine. He wrote the Charaka Samhita, a detailed book on diseases, treatments and healthy living.

Akansha Arora Last updated on February 17th, 2025 05:19 pm

India has a rich history of medicine that dates back thousands of years. Ancient scholars made great contributions to medical science, helping people understand diseases and their treatments. One such legendary figure is known as the father of Indian medicine. His knowledge and writings have shaped traditional healing practices and are still studied today. But who is this great personality? Let’s find out.

Father of Indian Medicine

The Father of Indian Medicine is Acharya Charaka. He was an ancient Indian physician and a key contributor to Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine. He wrote the Charaka Samhita, a detailed book on diseases, treatments and healthy living. Charaka believed in balancing the body’s energies for good health. His ideas are still followed today, making him a great figure in medical history.

Charak Samhita, A Great Medical Book

Charaka is best known for Charaka Samhita, one of the most important texts in Ayurveda. This book is like an encyclopedia of medicine, covering topics such as:

The human body and its organs
Causes of diseases
Herbal and natural medicines
Surgery techniques
Importance of a healthy lifestyle

Charaka Samhita was later updated by another scholar, Dridhabala, making it even more useful for medical studies.

Charaka’s Ideas on Health

Charaka believed that good health depends on a balance between three energies in the body:

Vata (movement)
Pitta (digestion and transformation)
Kapha (stability and lubrication)

If these three energies become unbalanced, a person falls sick. His treatments focused on bringing them back into balance using diet, herbs, yoga and lifestyle changes.

Legacy of Father of Indian Medicine

Charaka’s knowledge was so advanced that it influenced not just Indian medicine but also Greek, Persian and Arabic medical systems. Some historians believe he worked as a physician in the court of King Kanishka of the Kushan Empire. Many scholars think Charaka was from Kashmir, a region in northern India.