medical students

CBSE Board

Central Board of Secondary Education

Bachelor of Ayurveda

Charaka Samhita

Oath of Caraka

This shocker is part of the ancient text ‘Oath of Caraka’ - an initiation for- that theis planning to teach Std XI and XII students.(CBSE) students in Std XI and XII may soon be learning some regressive ideas in the garb of ancient wisdom as part of the elective subject ‘Knowledge, Traditions and Practices of India’ (KTPI).The content of these textbooks, available on the Board’s website, endorses regressive ideas on women and caste, which are being passed on to students without comment or criticism.For instance, the Std XI textbook on ‘Life Sciences (1) Ayurveda for Life, Health and Well-being - Part 1’ cites the ‘Oath of Caraka’ extracted from an ancient text, which discusses the initiation of a medical student.Part of this oath states, “Women who are unattended by their husbands or guardians shall not receive treatment… While entering the patient’s house, thou shalt be accompanied by a man who is known to the patient.”This shocker comes just a week after Mirror’s report on how the BAMS (, Medicine, and Surgery) textbook had lessons on how to conceive a male child, taken from the, the pre-2nd Century CE compilation on Ayurveda.Furthermore, Brahmins and cows are put on a pedestal through multiple references like this one, “Thoushalt pray for the welfare of all creatures beginning with the cows and Brahmanas.”What is more shocking is that the Notes at the end of the chapter, explaining the, do not criticise these words at all. In fact, it says, “Brahmanas and cows are given priority as they have dedicated their lives for the welfare of society. On the other hand, persons who are harmful to society are given the least priority.”Regarding the topic of women, the Notes read, “Extreme caution was to be exercised when interacting with women, especially because in ancient times, the physician used to make house visits.”The ‘Oath of Caraka’ instructs medical students to “lead the life of a celibate, grow hair and beard, speak only the truth, eat no meat, eat only pure articles of food”.The module then calls upon students to note its aspects relevant in today’s socioeconomic conditions.KTPI was introduced on a pilot basis in 2012. In a circular dated April 24, 2017, CBSE said that the subject was being offered as an elective from the coming academic year and interested schools can place an order for the textbooks.Through the subject, the Board aims to enable students to “develop a positive attitude towards Indian thought and traditions”.Educationists and sociologists underscored the necessity to contextualise ancient knowledge in light of advances in women’s empowerment and liberal thought. “The content is extremely misogynistic and casteist, as it is based on the concept of purity and pollution. Women are not seen as independent and are treated as minors. Teaching such values to students manifests in violence against women. Textbook content should be meticulously managed and should be examined from the prism of gender sensitivity and constitutional spirit,” said Dr Vibhuti Patel, Head of Department of Economics at SNDT, who specialises in Economics of gender development. Sociologist Dr Varsha Ayyar pointed to the conflict in knowledge dissemination.“Today we are talking about a digital India. We are telling young Indians about taking our country towards scientific and technological advances on the one hand. On the other, we are reproducing Brahminical knowledge, creating a conflict and jeopardising students’ thinking when they are at a stage where they will choose their professions.”