Jeevak – the “Real” father of Medical Science
Jeevak Kaumarbhritya (525–450 B.C.), a contemporary of Lord Buddha, is recognized as the first historically documented physician of India—and possibly the world—whose mastery in medical science knew no bounds. He was not limited to serving any one kingdom; rather, his practice spanned the entire region of Aryavarta (present-day Northern and Central India). Jeevak was a healer to both ordinary people and great rulers alike. Among those he successfully treated were Lord Buddha, the Magadhan emperor Bimbisara, and the Avanti king Chand Pradyot. The Tripitaka literature in the Pali language contains numerous references to the remarkable medical achievements of Jeevak, earning him a timeless place in the history of medicine.