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Background: The Sushruta Samhita contains one of the most detailed descriptions of surgical instruments from the ancient world. Sushruta described 101 blunt instruments (Yantra) and 20 sharp instruments (Shastra), many named after the animals or objects they resemble, together with principles of instrument design, maintenance and surgical training. Objective: To review Sushruta’s classification of surgical instruments, his principles of instrument quality and surgical training, and to compare his instruments with their modern counterparts. Methods: Narrative and comparative review of Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 7 to 9, and historical literature on Sushruta and the evolution of surgical instruments. Results: Sushruta classified blunt instruments into six groups: Swastika (cruciform forceps), Sandamsha (tongs), Tala (flat instruments), Nadi (tubular instruments), Shalaka (rods) and Upayantra (accessories), and considered the hand the most important instrument. He described 20 sharp instruments for eight surgical procedures, including scalpels, saws, scissors, needles, hooks and probes. He specified the qualities of good instruments, their sharpening and storage, and prescribed practice on models (Yogya) before operating on patients. Many of his instruments correspond in form and function to modern forceps, specula, catheters, probes, scissors, saws and needles. Conclusion: Sushruta’s instrumentarium reflects a systematic, function-based approach to surgical tools and training that anticipates modern principles. Study of these instruments is valuable for surgical history and for teaching Ayurvedic surgery.

KEYWORDS: Sushruta; Yantra; Shastra; surgical instruments; history of surgery; Yogya; simulation training; Shalya Tantra