The ancient Indian medical treatise for horses called Ashvashastra is attributed to which one of the following persons?

The ancient Indian medical treatise for horses, often referred to as Ashvashastra or Shalihotra Samhita, is attributed to the sage Shalihotra. Shalihotra is widely regarded as the founder of veterinary science in India, specifically in the field of hippiatrics (equine medicine). His seminal work, the Shalihotra Samhita, consists of approximately 12,000 verses and covers equine anatomy, physiology, diseases, and treatments. While other authors like Abhinavachandra also wrote works titled Ashvashastra in later periods, the foundational and most famous attribution for the ancient science of horses remains Shalihotra. Other figures mentioned in the options, such as Vagbhata and Varahamihira, were renowned for human medicine (Ayurveda) and astronomy/astrology respectively, but not as the primary authors of the Ashvashastra. The text highlights the advanced state of ancient Indian veterinary science, where horses were vital for military and imperial purposes.