the "sushruta samhita" (c. 4th century) identifies 107 vital points on the human body of which 64 were classified as being lethal if properly struck with a fist or stick. sushruta's work formed the basis of the medical discipline ayurveda which was taught alongside various martial arts. with numerous other scattered references to vital points in vedic and epic sources, it is certain that indian subcontinent's early fighters knew and practised attacking or defending vital points.