The current body of knowledge is derived from three extant texts attributed to Charaka, Sushruta, and Vaghbata. Within the Charaka Samhita, the knowledge is ascribed to its founder, Atreya, who mentored a cadre of accomplished pupils, including Bhela, Jatukarna, Agnivesha, Parashara, Harita, and Ksharpani. These pupils subsequently made notable advancements in the realm of Ayurveda through the creation of their own comprehensive treatises. Of these, Agnivesha stands out as the most eminent, having authored the Agnivesha tantra, now recognized as the Charaka Samhita. Furthermore, Bhela and Harita produced their individual works, namely the Bhela Samhita and Harita Samhita, further enriching the Ayurvedic knowledge tradition.

In the Sushruta Samhita, Dhanvantari is acknowledged as the founding authority, and he passed down his wisdom to a group of disciples, which included Sushruta, Aurabhra, Aupadhenava, and Paushpakalavat.
Charaka’s School of Physicians and Sushruta’s School of Surgeons became the basis of Ayurveda and helped organize and systematically classify into branches of medicine and surgery. During the 5th century, Vaghbata compiled two compilations of texts known as Ashtanga Sangraha and Ashtanga Hridaya. These texts elaborate on the Kaya-chikitsa found in Charaka Samhita and the various surgical techniques described in Sushruta Samhita. The focus appears to lean more towards the physiological aspects of disease processes rather than the spiritual aspects. While Ashtanga Sangraha is presented in prose, Ashtanga Hridaya is composed in verse form for the purpose of recitation.
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