Consider the following statements about Nagarjuna.1. He was expert in ...
One of the famous alchemist of ancient times was Nagarjuna. He was an expert in transforming the base metals into gold. Born in Gujarat in 931 AD, Nagarjuna was blessed with this power of changing base metals into gold and extraction of "Elixir of life" asper the beliefs of the people. He wrote a treatise Rasaratnakara, a book on chemistry and is in the form of dialogue between him and the Gods. The treatise mainly deals with preparation of liquids (mainly mercury). The book also emphasised on the survey of metallurgy and alchemy. To prepare the elixir of life from mercury, Nagarjuna used animal and vegetable products apart from minerals and alkalis. He also discussed the transmutation of base metals into gold. The gold could not be produced but the method has been useful in producing metals with gold like yellowish brilliance which even helps in manufacturing imitation jewellery. Nagarjuna also wrote Uttaratantra which is a supplement to Sushruta Samhita and deals with preparation of medicinal drugs. Four ayurvedic treatises have also been written by him in the later years when his interest shifted in organic chemistry and medicine.
Consider the following statements about Nagarjuna.1. He was expert in ...
Nagarjuna, also known as Acharya Nagarjuna, was a renowned Buddhist philosopher and scholar who lived in India during the 2nd century CE. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Mahayana Buddhism. Let us examine the given statements about Nagarjuna in detail:
1. Expert in transforming base metals into gold:
This statement is not true. Nagarjuna was not known for his expertise in alchemy or the transformation of base metals into gold. Instead, he is known for his profound philosophical ideas and contributions to Buddhist thought.
2. Wrote a treatise called Rasratnakara:
This statement is also incorrect. Nagarjuna did not write a treatise called Rasratnakara. Rasratnakara is a famous treatise on alchemy written by Nagarjuna's contemporary, Nagarjuna Mishra.
3. Wrote Uttaratantra, which deals with the preparation of medicinal drugs:
This statement is true. Nagarjuna is credited with writing the Uttaratantra, also known as the Ratnagotravibhaga, which is a text that deals with the preparation of medicinal drugs. However, it is important to note that this text is not about alchemy or the transformation of base metals into gold, but rather about the properties and preparation of medicinal substances within the context of Buddhist medicine.
To summarize, Nagarjuna was not an alchemist who could transform base metals into gold. He did not write a treatise called Rasratnakara. However, he did write the Uttaratantra, which is a text about the preparation of medicinal drugs in the context of Buddhist medicine. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - all of the given statements are not true.