1996 General Studies, all questions
UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 47: History and Culture
Who among the following is known for his work on medicine during the Gupta period?
aSaumilla
bSudraka
cShaunaka
dSusrutha
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Susruta (Sushruta) is the famous ancient Indian physician and surgeon, remembered for the Sushruta Samhita on surgery, which describes operations such as nose reconstruction. His text is older in origin, but he is the medicine name among the options. Saumilla and Sudraka are linked with drama (Sudraka wrote the Mrichchhakatika), and Shaunaka is a Vedic sage.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Saumilla was a poet-dramatist, not a physician.
- (b) Sudraka is the dramatist of the Mrichchhakatika.
- (c) Shaunaka is an ancient Vedic sage and teacher, not a physician.
- (d) Right: Susruta is the great name in Indian surgery and medicine.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.