Ayurvedic Manuscripts
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: PIB
Context: The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of AYUSH has revived two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu.
About Ayurvedic Manuscripts:
What are Ayurvedic Manuscripts?
• Ancient manuscripts in Ayurveda serve as textual repositories of medicinal knowledge including plant names, therapeutic uses, formulations, and pharmacological actions.
• Nighaṇṭus are traditional lexicons in Ayurveda that list and explain the properties of medicinal substances, drawn from plant, mineral, and animal sources.
About Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu:
• Author: Mudgala Paṇḍita
• Composed: 1480 AD
• Key Features: Contains 18 chapters offering deep insights into drug synonyms, actions, and compositions. Draws references from Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭus. Introduces novel therapeutic substances used across classical Ayurvedic disciplines. Widely referenced in Maharashtra till the 19th century. Revived and edited by Dr. S.D. Kamat, a noted Ayurveda scholar.
• Contains 18 chapters offering deep insights into drug synonyms, actions, and compositions.
• Draws references from Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭus.
• Introduces novel therapeutic substances used across classical Ayurvedic disciplines.
• Widely referenced in Maharashtra till the 19th century.
• Revived and edited by Dr. S.D. Kamat, a noted Ayurveda scholar.
About Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu:
• Attributed to: Bhisma Vaidya
• Period: Undated, considered a post-Dhanvantari supplement
• Key Features: Acts as a specialised appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu. Comprises 182 verses, dealing specifically with homonyms in drug names. Valuable for disciplines like Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana. Offers clarity on complex naming overlaps, vital for Ayurvedic pharmacology. Edited and annotated by Dr. S.D. Kamat, known for reviving other Nighaṇṭus as well.
• Acts as a specialised appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu.
• Comprises 182 verses, dealing specifically with homonyms in drug names.
• Valuable for disciplines like Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
• Offers clarity on complex naming overlaps, vital for Ayurvedic pharmacology.
• Edited and annotated by Dr. S.D. Kamat, known for reviving other Nighaṇṭus as well.