How many of the following statements regarding medicine and related practices in medieval India is/are correct?

1. Indian medicine of the Graeco- Arabic tradition (Tibb-i-Yunani) was almost identical in its practice with contemporary Persian medicine.

2. Harvey's discovery of the circulation of blood was explained to a scholarly noble by European traveller Francois Bernier.

3. The practice of smallpox inoculation was described in contemporary Yunani Ayurvedic texts.

Select the correct answer. 

The correct answer is 2

Key PointsMedicine and Related Practices in Medieval India

• The Graeco-Arabic tradition of medicine, also known as Tibb-i-Yunani, was highly influenced by Greek and Arab medicinal knowledge. It was indeed quite similar to contemporary Persian medicine in terms of practice and theory.
  • This tradition was brought to India through Persian and Arab traders and scholars. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• William Harvey's discovery of the circulation of blood was a significant advancement in medical science during the 17th century. Francois Bernier, a French traveler and physician, who spent a considerable time at the Mughal court, did discuss European medical discoveries with Indian scholars, including such groundbreaking works.
  • However, the statement as it stands lacks specific details on whether Harvey's discovery was explained in the given context. Despite this, Bernier's interactions indicate a flow of medical knowledge from Europe to India. This makes the interpretation of statement 2 challenging without additional context, but it aligns with historical exchanges.
• The practice of smallpox inoculation, known as variolation, was indeed present in India before it was introduced to the Western world. This practice was observed by European travelers and documented in their accounts.
  • However, referring to it as a part of "Yunani Ayurvedic texts" may be misleading, as Ayurveda and Yunani are two distinct traditional systems of medicine in India, with Ayurveda being indigenous and Yunani of Greek-Arabic origin. Hence, statement 3's wording is imprecise, as it conflates two separate traditions.

Additional Information

• The Yunani system of medicine emphasizes the balance of bodily fluids and their harmony for health, drawing from Hippocratic and Galenic principles.
  • It was enriched by the works of Persian and Arab physicians and became a part of the scholarly and practical medical landscape in medieval India.
• Ayurveda, meaning 'the science of life', is one of the world's oldest holistic healing systems. It was developed more than 3,000 years ago in India.
  • It is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
• Smallpox inoculation in India predates Edward Jenner's development of the smallpox vaccine in the late 18th century. This practice demonstrated an early understanding of disease prevention through exposure to a controlled dose of the disease agent.
  • This historical instance highlights the rich tradition of medical knowledge and practices in India, contributing to global health advancements.