According to the Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text on medicine and surgery, there are 101 types of Yantras (blunt surgical instruments).
Yantras are primarily used for diagnostic and non-invasive procedures such as holding, pulling, probing, and extracting foreign bodies.
This classification distinguishes them from Shastras, which are sharp instruments designed for cutting and incision.
The 101 Yantras are further grouped into six major types: Swastika, Sandamsha, Tala, Nadi, Shalaka, and Upayantra.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: This number refers to the 107 Marmas, which are considered vital points or energy centers in the body in Ayurveda. They are anatomical locations, not surgical instruments.
Option C: This is the number of Shastras (sharp instruments) described by Sushruta. Shastras are used for invasive procedures like cutting, incising, and scraping.
Option D: This is the number of Swastika Yantras, which is a specific sub-category of Yantras. It does not represent the total number of Yantras.
Related Visual
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Surgical instruments in ancient Indian medicine (Sushruta Samhita) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the historical origins of surgical tools provides context for the evolution of modern surgical practice and instrument design.
The principle behind Yantras—atraumatic handling of tissues—is a fundamental concept in modern surgery, emphasizing minimizing patient trauma to improve healing and outcomes.
Knowledge of AYUSH systems, including the historical foundations of Ayurveda, is part of the nursing curriculum in India and relevant for a holistic understanding of healthcare.
How to Approach the Question
First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'Yantras'.
Recall or recognize that this term relates to the historical classification of surgical instruments in ancient India, specifically from the Sushruta Samhita.
Differentiate between the different categories mentioned in ancient texts: Yantras (blunt instruments), Shastras (sharp instruments), and Marmas (vital points).
Access the specific factual knowledge about the count for each category.
Select the number that corresponds to Yantras, which is 101.
Cross-check the other options to confirm they correspond to other related but incorrect concepts (like Shastras or Marmas) to increase confidence in the answer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Surgical instruments in ancient Indian medicine (Sushruta Samhita)
Stem keywords: Yantras, Number
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE
Negative lead-in flag: false
Question ID
QfK304veVvCPR0WcDzh-ke
Practise the full Haryana CHO -2023
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.