CarakaSamhita PriyadaranjanRay Text
CarakaSamhita PriyadaranjanRay Text
CarakaSamhita PriyadaranjanRay Text
CARAKA SAMHITA
(A Scientific Synopsis)
By
and
COPY RIGHT
1965
Printed in India
Sree Saraswaty Press, Calcutta-9
FOREWORD
The present monograph of Caraka Samhitd is the first of a series of studies
being published by the National Institute of Sciences of India which in 1959
constituted a Board for the compilation of a History of Sciences in India.
Several bibliographies and monographs are now ready and their publication
will 'be taken up as and when funds become available.
The work of the Board has now been taken over by the National Commis-
sion for the History of Sciences in India, inaugurated on January 15, 1965, by
Shri M. C. Chagla, the Union Minister of Education.
This synoptic survey is well documented and its authors have taken good
care of avoiding all attempts at improving upon Caraka's concepts and views
in order to give them an air of modernity, which often unfortunately occurs
in the case of many modern publications on ancient texts. This will help
ensuring a proper assessment of the standard of scientific knowledge prevailing
in India during the time of Caraka. The work will, therefore, serve as a record
of reliable source materials for the compilation of a history of Indian medicine.
A similar survey of the contents of Sufruta Samhita is now in progress. Students
of medicine and pharmacology, particularly those interested in research, will
find the publication quite useful. Moreover, it will contribute in no small
measure towards the preparation of scientific terminology in Indian languages,
so urgently needed at the present moment.
tion of the meticulous care and scholarship with which Prof. P. Ray, with the
assistance of Shri Hirendra Nath Gupta, has carried out the task. The mono-
graph will be welcomed by a wide circle of interested readers.
I do confidently hope that the book will not fail to achieve the purpose it
has in view.
D. M. Bose
February 4, 1965 Convener
PREFACE
not even much earlier as upheld by some scholars, is thus likely to be facilitated.
Students of medicine and pharmacology, interested in research work, are also
expected to find this publication particularly useful for their purpose.
the text, and have consulted the available commentaries and translations.
1. Jalpakalpataru, the complete text of Caraka Samhita, edited by Kaviraja
Gangadhara with commentary; Vols. I-III. Second Edition;
Calcutta, 1880-81.
VI
References in the present work to the chapters and verses in the original
text follow the numberings given in the two last named publications.
our readers for bringing them to our notice, if they happen to find any.
Vedantatirtha of the Asiatic Society for his kindly going through the final proof
and verifying the Sanskrit names and terms. Our thanks arc also due to
Mrs. S. Mitra, Sub-editor, National Institute of Sciences of India, for her
ungrudging assistance in reading the proofs and in seeing the work through the
press. We must also express our great appreciation for all facilities we have
received from the authorities of the Asiatic Society for working in their library.
Finally, we wish acknowledge our thankfulness to Dr. D. M. Bose, Convener,
to
for his keen interest in the work, carried out under the auspices of the National
Institute of Siences of India. Above all, we consider it our bounden duty to
offer our grateful thanks to Dr. A. C. Ukil who, as the President of the N.I.S.I.,
took the main initiative in organizing the scheme for compiling a History of
Sciences in India and, as the first convener of its Board, evinced a great interest
in our work with all possible encouragement and help.
We would also like to record here our appreciation of the patient co-opera-
tion of Sree Saraswaty Press Ltd., Calcutta, in bringing out this publication.
P. Ray
H. N. Gupta
. .
CONTENTS
Page
Foreword 111
Preface
vm
IX. POISONS .. 24
X. PHYSICOCHEMIGAL PROCESSES r
25
XI. CLASSIFICATIONS .. .. 26
composition, or even to identify its author with any certainty. The only text
available at present is a redaction by Drdhabala of the 9th century A.D., who
repeatedly mentioned in the body of the text that he merely edited an ancient
work of name, restoring and reconstructing some missing passages. In
this
fact, a major portion of the last book of the Samhita, 'Siddhisthana', was added
by him
The text gives a detailed account of how the Caraka Samhitd was originally
composed. A conference of sages, meeting somewhere in the Himalayas, with
the common object of alleviating human suffering and assuring a long, healthy
and satisfying life to all, decided to take all steps to acquire the necessary
knowledge for that purpose (Sfi. Chap. 1). Later, one of these sages, Atreya
Punarvasu by name, requested six of his disciples to compile his teachings in
writing (Su. Chap. 2). The
of AgniveSa was considered the best, and
treatise
the Samhita of AgnivcSa, revisedby Caraka at some later date, formed the basis
of Drdhabala's edition. In fact, the major portion of Caraka Samhitd is
presented in the form of questions and answers between the disciple AgniveSa
and his teacher Atreya.
There is no reason why this account, as far as the sequence of authorship
is concerned, should not be accepted as correct. Cakrapani Datta (11th
century) in his commentary Ayurvedadlpika on Caraka Samhita practically asserted
the identity of the latter with the original Agniveh Samhitd, of which he seemed
to have a full knowledge.
A great deal of difficulty is however encountered, when we try to identify
Atreya, AgniveSa, and Caraka with authors of the same names mentioned in
Brahmanical, Buddhistic, Chinese and Arabic literatures. Some of these
names are found to occur as early as the Vedic period (2nd millcnium B.C.)
and some as late as the early centuries of the Christian era. It had been a
common practice in India, for scholars of lesser fame to assume the titles of their
more renowned predecessors in their particular fields with a view to fixing a
stamp of authority on their own works. This fact introduces an element of un-
certainty in any tentative chronology.
2 CARAKA SAMHITA
Most of the hymns of the fifth Maijdala of the Rgveda are attributed to Atn
or to Atreya. Again, Atreya is the name of a famous medical teacher at Taxila,
who, according to many Buddhistic and Chinese texts, was the preceptor of
Jivaka, the personal physician of Gautama Buddha (t)th century B.C.). But
the Atreya of Caraka Samhita is Atreya Punarvasu, son of Candrabhaga (Su. 13,
99), whereas no Vedic text, Buddhistic source or Chinese work even mentions
the title Punarvasu, or the parentage. The Caraka Samhita itself makes a mention
of yet another Atreya (Su. 1, 9)* Nowhere does it mention Taxila as Atreya's
place of residence. On the contrary, Punarvasu Atreya is described as taking
a walk in Kampilya, a city on the river Ganges (Vi. 3, 3). Though the
nothing to support his identity with the teacher of Jivaka, except the surname
Atreya, which is derived from the name Atri and means a descendant or
follower of Atri. The identification of the author of Caraka Samhita with the
teacher at Taxila, made by Rudolf Hoernle (Bower Manuscript, Introduction,
p. lviii), is not based therefore on any convincing evidence.
As Mahabharata refers to one Agnivesa as receiving the
for Agnivesa, the
Sanskrit) as a trusted physician in the court of the king Kaniska (c. 200 A.D.)
in the north-west of India. This Caraka has been by Sylvain Levi
identified
(Notes sur les Indo-Scythes in J.A. 1896, pp. 451-480) and by Hoernle (Studies
in the Medicine of Ancient India. Part I, p. 9) with the author of the Caraka
Samhita. Here again, the identification far from convincing; for, the name
is
and title of Caraka (literally, a wanderer) has been found in many places and
contexts in ancient Indian literature and is, in fact, associated with a particular
school of medical knowledge. Reference to this is found in the Black Tajurveda
(L. Renou, tcoles Vidique, p. 129, 144, etc.). The Taittiriya Samhita, known to
be a work dating from more than a thousand years before the Christian era,
also speaks about the Caraka School of medicine, though not in complimentary
terms (Taittiriya Samhita, VI, 4, 9). It is more than possible that all subse-
after considering all internal and relevant evidence places the date of compo-
sition of Caraka Samhitd m the pre-Buddhistic period, i.e., before 600 B.C. His
absence.
Caraka follows Vedic texts in counting the number of bones (360) in
3.
the human body, and in assuming the age of thirty as the limit of man's
youth.
4. The prose style of Caraka resembles that of the Brahmanas of the
Vedas.
5. The treatise appears to be a record of the deliberations of Vedic rsis,
often giving their discussions in full (vide discourse on tastes, Su. Chap. 26) and
clearly mentions that it was composed shortly after those deliberations.
composed in a period which antedates the Christian era, but not by a very long
period. He gives the 2nd or 1st century B.C. as the most probable
date.
Some workers (Filliozat, loc. cit., and Gananath Sen, Pratyaksa Sdriram
Vol. I, 8-1 1) have identified Caraka with Patanjali, but the evidence in support
of this view is not very convincing.
Winternitz (History of Indian Literature, part I) assigns 100 A.D. as the
the basis of
available evidence adopted this date for the text, which formed
Dfdhabala's redaction.
4 CARAKA SAMHITA
defined as the science of the causes and symptoms of diseases, of their medica-
tion, and of the maintenance of health (Su. 1, 23). It also deals with the origin
of medical science, the fundamental causes of conception and birth, and of
physical deformities. According to Caraka, life is everlasting and without any
beginning. Ayurveda, the science of life, has also been always in existence
(SU. 30, 27).
(2) Salakyci) the science of the special diseases of the eye, ear, nose,
mouth, throat, etc.
For a discussion of the above topics the treatise is divided into eight sections
{St. 30, 35):
In all, there arc one hundred and'fifty chapters on specific topics. There
are at places some later revisions or interpolations, as repeatedly admitted by
the redactor at the end of each and every chapter. In fact, Dr^habala states
that he had to rewrite and complete the last section Siddhisthana from the
materials available to him (Si. 12, 55). The twelfth or last chapter of this
section was not available at all and had to be restored by him in order to
hardness, ap confers fluid constituents, tejas the body-heat, vayu the vital breath,
dkdia the bodily orifices, and Brahman the spirit (Sd. 5, 5). Similar to the office
of the creator in the universe is the might of the individual soul in man. He
also creates life by the act of impregnation (Sd. 5, 6). Like the diverse things
present in the universe, the different entities comprising the human being are
too numerous to count (Si. 5, 4) . There is in man as much diversity as in the
testimony, (b) direct observation, (c) logical assumption, (d) inference. Any-
thing contrary to reason is to be rejected as untruth, (Su. 11, 17, 26-28). To
this might also be added (e) tradition and (/) analogy (Vu 8, 33).
The realizatipn of truth or perfect knowledge by Aian arises from the sense
of equality, i.e., from the perception of his own self as identified with everything
else in the universe ($a. 5, 7), or from the perception of the unity of the whole
beatific experience of the Divine or Brahman in man. The aim and object of
the study and pursuit of medical science with this end in view was thus defined
in the Caraka Samhitd ($d. 5, 10). .For, it serves as an aid to the fulfilment of
fourfold purposes of life, namely, dharma (performance of duties), artha (acquisi-
tion of wealth), kdma (satisfaction of desires), and moksa (salvation or self-
devoted to the service and welfare of others; ahitamdyuh (bad life) is the opposite
of this. The object of the science of life is to provide information about what
tends to develop all these four kinds of life and to determine their span
(Su. 30, 23-24).
Living things are composed of the mahdbhutas and three other constituents:
avyakta (dtman or unmanifest self), buddhi (intelligence) and ahamkdra (ego).
Thus they have the eight-fold prakfti (natural characteristics) ($a. 1, 63). The
ego is made up of action, the consequences of action, reincarnation and memory,
and is independent of the physical body. It can exist without the latter
(&. 1, 52).
The five mahdbhutas^ together with the spirit, mind, time and space, consti-
tute the totality of all substances (SB. 1, 48). They are perceptible to the senses
or to the mind (Sit. 1, 62). But they cannot exist singly or without purpose;
being ephemeral by nature they cannot escape destruction (&f. 1, 58).
.
Conscious perception arises from the fusion of the atman, mind, senses and
sense-objects (Sd. 1, 34). This fusion cannot be achieved by accident; an
agent is necessary (Sd. 1, 44). The ultimate source of consciousness and
knowledge is the Purusa or transcendent self (Sd. 1, 41). The Purusa has no
beginning in time; it is not manifest to the senses, cannot be realized except by
inference and docs not come under any known category (3d. 1, 60 and 62). It
is and changeless (Sd. 1, 61). Had there been no
everlasting, all-pervading
Purusa there would have been neither good nor evil, no knowledge, no doer and
no knower (Sd. 1, 39). All these would be causeless. Neither could there
be any awareness of these, nor would they serve any purpose by their existence
(Sd. 1, 42). There would have been no dissolution nor creation, no birth nor
death, no continuity of life, no consciousness nor perception, no pleasure nor
pain, no dynamic nor static condition, no science nor scripture, no bondage
nor liberation, if there were no Purusa (Sd. 1, 38-41).
Caraka holds that life results from the combination of the body, the senses,
the mind and the self (dtman)^ and that it rests on the body, the mind and the
self, as on a tripod. If, therefore, any of these supports be missing, life ceases
to exist (Sit. 1, 42, 46). As already stated, transcendent self (parah dtmd) is
different from manifest self which participates in the union of the body, mind
and the senses (Su. 1, 41, 45, 47, 55, 56).
There are four different origins of living beings: womb, egg, sweat, and
the seed. Each of these classes shows countless varieties. The viviparous
and oviparous embryos assume the shape of such wombs as they find themselves
in, though they originate from a complex of causative factors (Sd. 3, 16).
Conception occurs inside the womb by the union of semen, ovum and
the spirit (Sd. 4, 5). By the physical act of mating union takes place between
the semen (sperm cell) and the female ovum (germ cell) ; then the spirit, associa-
ted with the mind, descends and enters into the zygote formed, and a new
embryonic life is created (Sd. 3, 2). If the spirit does not descend, no
life is created and conception fails to occur (Sd. 3, 11). The conscious spirit
gravitates to the needed ingredients; it creates its own body by gathering the
elements together first the akdia (ether) alone, then in due order the other
bhUtas. The process is completed in an infinitely small fraction of time (Sd. 4, 8)
8 CARAKA SAtyHITA
from a fragment rich in sperm and female from one rich in ovum (Sd. 2, 13).
Non-identical twins or multiplets result from unequal fragments (Sd. 2, 16).
Indeterminate sex and abnormalities occur when neither the sperm nor the
ovum predominates, or when they are diseased and weak (Sd. 2, 18-21).
3, 7); its mind, senses, consciousness, ego, memory and life-span from the
spirit ($a. 3, 10); its clarity of senses, quality of voice, appetite and vitality
from parental concordance (Sd. 3, 11); its visible shape, vigour, sense of con-
tentment and energy from nourishment [Si. 3, 12).
The embryo is a shapeless jelly (khetabhuta) in the first month (Sid. 4, 9)
and a tumour-like or fleshy shape in the second. By this time there is the
first indication of the future sex of the embryo (Sid. 4, 10). In the third
month the limbs and sense-organs are no longer latent but emerge as separate
entities (Sa, 4, 1 1) . In the fourth month, the foetus
and the mother is stabilized
puts on weight (Sd. 4, 20). It grows in month and
flesh and blood in the fifth
in strength and colour in the sixth, at the expense of the mother who becomes
emaciated, weak and pale (Sd. 4, 21-22). In the seventh month there is
an all-round development and in the eighth there is a continuous flow of
2
10 CARAKA SAMHITA
flooded with blood by the pulsating arteries of the mother. The mother's
blood transmits nourishment, vitality, and complexion.The skin-pores of the
foetus also absorb the nourishment (Sa. 6, 23). The two minds (of the mother and
the foetus) have an intimate psychical connection (Sa. 4, 15/2). The foetus may
be destroyed, deformed or may suffer psychic injuries due to physical and
emotional disturbance of the mother (Sa. 4, 15-30). Faulty diet and habits,
as well as mental shocks, a comprehensive list of which is given in the text, also
contribute to this end (Sa. 8, 21).
Instructions are also given by Caraka for the proper care of the pregnant
woman; these include specified diet, prophylactic treatment and maintenance
of emotional harmony (Sa. 8, 32/1). Such treatments ensure good health,
vitality and a pliable womb for the mother, and a soft placenta at the time
of delivery (&L 8, 32).
The text describes in some detail the symptoms of recent and advanced
pregnancy (Sa. 2, 22; 4, 16), and the pre-indications of male and female births
(Sa. 2, 24-25). Methods of ensuring the birth of male offspring (Sa. 8, 11-19)
are also indicated.
The signs of imminent delivery (Sa. 8, 36), the requirements of an well-
appointed maternity house (Sa. 8, 33-35), methods of minimizing labour pains
(Sa. 8, 38-39), proper handling and help in delivery (Sa. 8, 40-41), and post-
natal care of the child (Sa. 8, 42-45) and its mother (Sa. 8, 48-49) are also
described in detail.
minance of one of the three humors from the very moment of conception
(SB. 7, 39). The few exceptions are equipoised, enjoying perfect health;
the rest can be classified according to the continual predominance of a parti-
cular humor in their system. The inherent imbalance makes them always
susceptible to diseases (58, 7, 40). The types can be diagnosed by their
physical characteristics (Vu 8, 96-99), But diseases actually occur when
CONCEPTS AND THEORIES 11
the humors pre provoked (VL 6, 13). In normal health the three humors
are balanced (VL 6, 13/2). But if a person of the vdta type indulges in foods
and which provoke that humor, the vdta is aggravated and afflicts the
acts
person's body with physical and mental disorders of the vdta type and impairs
his strength, health, complexion and span of life (Vi. 6, 16/1). The same
consequences are in store for the person of the pitta type when that humor
is provoked, and same also holds good for the third humor, kapha (Vi. 6, 18/1).
The individual types are much less affected and may in fact be benefited by
indulging in foods and acts which provoke the other two humors (Vi. 6, 13
-18; Su. Chapter 20).
All pathological conditions of the mind and the body, and even their
The places in the body, which are usually affected by vata, pitta and
kapha in their abnormal (prakupita) condition, as described by Caraka, are:
bladder, rectum, waist, bones of the legs, and specially the smaller intestine
(pakvdiaya) for vdta affection; sweat, blood, particularly the stomach, {ox pitta
affection; head, neck, the joints, stomach, fat and particularly the chest for
(e) Vayu and Its Role in Human System and in Nature (SU. 12,% 8)
According to Caraka vayu is that which keeps the machine of the body at
work. It is the impelling force for all bodily efforts, and sets in motion the sense
organs and the ffiind; it regulates fehe body elements, maintains equilibrium
in the body, stimulates digestion, eliminates harmful matter and waste products,
and gives shape to the foetus. It manifests itself in five forms: prana, udana,
samana, vyana, and apana. Their seats in different parts of the body and their
physiological effects are also specified (Ci. 28, 4-9),
When activated in an abnormal state vayu may create diseases of the body,
cause mental depression, affect the sense' organs, destroy or deform the foetus,
or increase the period of gestation.
In nature vayu serves as an envelope for the earth, supports combustion,
causes the formation of clouds, the condensation and precipitation of water
as rain, and gives rise to streams. It helps growth of plants, flowers, fruits
and crops, and maintains the division of seasons.
Vayu in an abnormal state in nature is identified with storms and winds,
causing damage to matter and life.
The properties of vayu has been described by Caraka as dry [tuksa), cold
(jftto), light (laghu), subtle (sUk$ma) moving (cala), scattering everything in
y
different directions (vifada) and rough (khara). Vayu has been identified
with the continuity of life (Sa. 1, 59; 12, 8).
'
PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES 13
Caraka recognizes that there are three primary desires serving as the
springs or causes of all our actions. These are: desire for self-preservation
{pranaiana)) desire for wealth (dhanaisana) , and a desire for a happy future
life (paralokaifana) (Su. 11, 3, 7, 8, 13).
Production of heat in the body is said to be the basis of life process. The
life-span, vital breath, vital essence, body-heat, muscular strength, energy,
lustre, etc., all are dependent upon the production of heat inside the organism.
When the body-heat becomes abnormal, disease results; when it is suppressed
or dies out, there is an end of life (Cu 15, 3-4). In the Caiaka Samhita the
word agni has been used for body-heat; its literal meaning is fire. This is
Ingested food and drink pass into the stomach and are broken up and
softened by the digestive fluid in the stomach. During this process, the food
is transformed into a sweet, frothy mucus-like fluid. As the digestive process
continues, it becomes acidic and, issuing out of the stomach, excites the secretion
of thin bile (Cu 15, 8-10). Ultimately it is converted into assimilable nutri-
tive fluid and also some waste products. Excretions of the body arc formed
from the waste products (Su. 28, 4/7) . The process of digestion ends in the
large intestines where the remnants are converted into lumps of stool (Ci.
15,11).
The nutritive fluid formed is converted into blood, flesh, fat, bone-marrow,
semen, ligaments and clear fluid (serum ?), as well as the sensory faculties
(Su. 28, 4/2), The body elements arc replenished by the food and are able
to maintain the body in a proper condition by gathering the necessary ingre-
dients from food. This replenishment and maintenance take place when the
various metabolic processes are proceeding without interruption, and the
srotamsi (movements of body-fluids) are unimpeded in their proper channels.
The whole body ($u. 28, 3).
nutritive fluid then pervades the
The body channels, constituting the means of passage of the nutritive
fluids from food, feed the various body elements in the requisite measure
14 CARAKA SA^HITA
and with the required constituents (SO. 28, 5/1). The requirements of the
body according to size, condition and age determine the quantity of nutritive
fluid formed from food, thus maintaining the balance of the body elements
or closed container. Some of the channel systems are not visible to the naked
eye (Ki. 5,9).
The srotdmsi have specified centres and areas of operation. Such areas
develop characteristic symptoms, if any of the srotas systems is vitiated or
obstructed. (Vi. 5, 6). This obstruction is not limited to the stationary and
mobile body-channels of the specified area, but may spread to the other srotas
systems. If, however, any one of the three humors is affected, the entire body
is also affected(Vu 5, 9).
In the heart are rooted the ten main channels that carry the vital essence
through the whole length and breadth of the body. These main channels
.
PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES 15
are either dhamanis which pulsate, or srotamsi which carry nutritive fluids, or
sira (Su. 30, 8 and 12). Heart is regarded as the only seat of consciousness
(8a. 7, 8-9), while prdna (the vital current) and all the senses emanate from the
head (Si. 9, 4).
The heart is the source of the life-breath srotas; the bronchial area is the
source of the water srotas; the region of the stomach, particularly the left side,
is the source of the food srotas; the heart with its ten main channels is the source
of the srotas of nutrition and spleen are the source of the blood srotas;
; the liver
the muscles and and the
skin are the source of the flesh srotas; the kidneys
omentum are the source of the fat srotas; the body fat is the source of the bone-
matter srotas; the bones and joints, of the marrow srotas; the testes and phallus,
of the semen srotas; the kidneys and the bladder, of the urine srotas; the colon
and the rectum, of the stool srotas; and the fat and hair-follicles, of the sweat
srotas (Vi. 5, 8).
(c) Tastes
26, 9). These six categories of taste, according to Caraka, emerge in different
substances from the collocation in unequal proportions (preponderance or
paucity) of the five mahdbhutas or primal elements. The same view is held
regarding the origin of colour (Su. 26, 40/2)
All tastes are conveyed through the medium of water which, according to
Caraka, sustains all animal and plant life (Su. 26, 30). But water has a taste
Single or pure tastes are to be found in many substances, but they occur
mostly in combinations. For example, alkaline substances possess a complex
taste, with saline and pungent tastes predominating. By the presence of two,
three, four, five or all six tastes in the same substance, fifty-seven mixed tastes
may arise, which with the six simple tastes make sixty-three different tastes
(Su. 26, 9 and 24).
16 GARAKA SAMHITA
In common with the bodily humors, tastes have the inherent propertiei
of heaviness, lightness, coldness, heat, oiliness and dryness. (SO. 26,9). /
knowledge of the tastes of different substances is therefore essential in th(
treatment of diseases which are caused by the abnormalities of the body humor
(Su. 26, 27). In fact, each and every substance, due to the inherent property o
taste, may be put to medicinal use, with due consideration to the appropriati
time of its application, its quantity, purity, combination with other substances
physical properties and dosage (SO, 26, 12, 29)*
45).
The application of medicated oil to the nostrils at prescribed times retarc
senilityand maintains the acuteness of sight, smell and hearing (Su. 5, 48-70
Brushing the teeth twice a day with partly crushed green twigs of certai
plants, and scraping the tongue with shaped metallic scrapers, ensure stron
teeth, sweet breath and a good appetite. Medicated gargles keep the faci;
muscles young, sharpen taste, increase appetite, and prevent dental deca
(55,5,71-80).
Daily massage of the scalp and hair with approved vegetable oils preven
insomnia, baldness, grey hairs and sagging of the face muscles (Su. 5, 81-83
Draining the ear-passage with oil prevents deafness and other affections <
The text mentions in detail the digestibility, nutritive value and medicinal
action of several hundred different edible and potable substances of various
classes (SU. Chap. 27). It is pointed out that all such substances can gain in
nutritive value orbecome harmful by combination with other items, by cooking
or preparation, and according to quantity taken, palatability, appetite, bodily
health, local climate, season, and eating habits (SU. 26, 87-89). A list of
substances which are incompatible with each other, or unwholesome in parti-
cular seasons, is given (SB. 26, 84 et seq.).
HEALTH AND LONGEVITY 19
Even light, easily digested and nutritious food should not be taken in
excess of bodily requirements, or after the appetite has been satisfied. Diffi-
cultly digestible food should not be taken habitually. If ever used, the
quantity should not exceed a fraction pf a full meal (SB. 5, 7-11). Rich
spicy foods, fats,and alcoholic drinks are stated to be beneficial in the cold
season; lightly cooked cereals and meats, salts and light wines in spring and
autumn; and light gruels, vegetables, fruits and acidulated cold drinks in
summer (Sft. Chap. 6).
According to their intrinsic properties different foods undergo meta-
bolism into body-elements of the same nature and inhibit the formation of
those having opposite properties (SB. 6, 16). A properly planned diet, using
various aggreeable and nourishing foods in rotation, regulates the body-
elements (Su. 6, 6 and 7).
(d) Rejuvenation
Revitalization therapy is a prominent feature of the Caraka Samhitd.
It is suggested that the body-fluids are capable of being replenished and
renewed by proper medication; and that it is possible to achieve not only
vitality and vigour, but also greater resistance to disease, longevity without
senile decay, heightened and an improvement in
memory and intelligence,
bodily strength, personal beauty and In fact, Caraka asserts
sense perceptions.
that even in old age it is possible to regain youth and remain youthful for a
very long period. (Ci. 1/1, 6-12).
under the constant supervision of his physician. The season and weather for
treatment must be properly selected (Ci. 1/1, 17-23).
from Himalayan forests in their proper seasons and in perfect and flawless
state. Pure honey, ghee, salts and minerals are also mentioned as ingredients
in many prescriptions. Special diets are described in all cases (Ci.
Chap. 1).
to transform entirely an aged and diseased body into a fresh and youthful one
in the course of six months (Ci. 1/4, 7).
20 CARAKA SAMHITA
epidemics (Vu 3, 7), and the use of only clean and pure water from natural
sources is recommended at various places of the text (Su. 6, 47, etc.).
The Caraka Samhita lays down an elaborate code regarding the training,
duties, privileges and social status of physicians.
Any person could aspire to be a physician, provided he had a clear idea
of the duties and obligations pertaining to the profession. Good health,
capacity for sustained effort and single-minded devotion to the science were
considered as essential qualifications for the student of medicine. An austere
and celibate life was enjoined for the disciple during his training period (Vi. 8,
3, 7, 13).
The student was free to choose his own branch of the science. The
choice of a teacher also rested with him. But it was for the teacher to assess
the merit of the candidate from his appearance, voice, acuteness of sensory
perceptions, personality, intellectual capacity and mental outlook before
selecting him as a disciple. Instructions were given free. The disciple lived
with the preceptor like a son, slave or supplicant till the training was com-
pleted and had to follow a rigid time-table (Vu 8, 3, 4, 7, 8, 13).
Aspiration for success, wealth and fame was considered normal on the
part of an intending physician; but obligations to his future patients and to
the society were repeatedly impressed upon by the preceptor. Desertion of,
or injury to, patients under any circumstances was strictly forbidden (Vu 8,
13).
A physician should remain, in a sense, a student all his life, gaining
experience, knowledge and understanding. Great stress has been laid on
periodic discussions and debates with other physicians in conferences and in
private (Vu 8, 13, 20). Theoretical knowledge, clarity of reasoning, wide
practical experience, and personal skill have been described as the four valued
qualifications of the physician (Vi, 9, 6). He is expected to lead a disciplined
and unostentatious life, to be pleasant in his manners, and to be considerate and
DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASES 21
gentle in speech (Vi. 8, 13). Friendship towards all, compassion for the ailing,
of the possible causes and symptoms of all known diseases, (ii) meticulous
observation of the patient's symptoms and complaints, (Hi) inferences based
on previous experience. In the absence of one or more of the three aids to
diagnosis, or with their fragmentary or incorrect knowledge, the physician
cannot come to a true conclusion (Vi. 4, 3-5).
At another place Caraka again states that the three methods for the
ascertainment of the nature of diseases are: niddna (cause and effect relation),
ptirvarttpa (invariable prognostication), and upaiaya and anupaiaya (concomitant
variation) (M. 1, 7, 8, 10).
ledge of the nature of all diseases their specific sources, exciting factors,
preliminary indications, bodily symptoms, local pains caused by them, possible
complications and aggravations, degrees of severity, periods of duration, and
indications of recovery and convalescence. By interrogation and by the
application of his own trained senses the physician should conduct a detailed
examination of the patient's appearance, voice, abnormalities, intestinal and
other internal and other body-fluids, and bodily excre-
sounds, blood
tions. If necessary, he should draw a sample of the patient's blood and test
it by offering it to a dog or a crow. He should also gather all possible infor-
mation regarding the digestion, bowel movement, vitality, acuteness of sensory
perceptions, clarity of mind, memory, psychic condition, irregularities of
behaviour, dreams, aversions, hankerings and complaints of the patient.
Latent symptoms, if any, should be tested by provocative medication. Only
then he can make a diagnosis of the ailment, determine the expectation of
recovery or imminence of death, and decide upon a course of treatment
(
Vu 4, 6-9) . It has been emphasized that fever is the first symptom of all diseases
(Ni. 1, 16).
Diseases can be mild or severe. The preliminary symptoms are often
the same* In fact, the behaviour, bodily appearance and apparent vitality
of the patient may sometimes give false indications. It is easy for the inex-
perienced physician to jump to conclusions on insufficient or misleading
evidence. A mild palliative prescribed for a disease which is destined to
become serious, or a strong medicine for a mild variety, may cause considerable
injury to the patient; even death may result. Mere identification of a disease
does not mean its diagnosis; it is absolutely necessary to foresee its possible
symptoms; such symptoms often indicate the period the patient will survive
(JVJ. 1, 6; In. Chap. 6 & 7). Some diseases are secondary, being caused by
others occurring earlier. They may occur after the original malady subsides,
or may run simultaneously with the later phase of the primary disease (JW.
8, 20-23).
In diagnosis the patient's personal history and background are of great
importance. Residents of different countries are used to different diets, have
different habits,and differ in physical fitness and mental inclinations. Hence,
what is wholesome and normal for one type of people may have opposite
effects on another. The liability to diseases of a person depends upon his
place of birth, normal place of residence and accidental presence in a foreign
country (Vu 8, 93).
The patient's nature, abnormalities, vitality, physical build, bodily
proportions, physical equilibrium, psychic condition, capacity for food, capacity
for physical exercise, and age all are important factors in diagnosis (Vu 8, 94).
METHODS OF TREATMENT, INCLUDING SURGERY 23
(2) (a) Eye-drops and -salves for eye diseases and loss of visual power
(b) Gargles for diseases of the mouth, throat, teeth and gums
(Su. 5, 78, 79, etc.).
(c) Medicinal cigars and smoking mixtures for affections of the head,
nose, throat and bronchial tract (Su. 5, 24, etc.).
(3) Liquid unguents, creams, salves, ointments, lotions and medicated oils
(4) Suppositories, tampons, and soaked cotton swabs for car-passages and
lower orifices of the body (Ci. Chap. 7, 8, etc.).
(6) Douches for flushing the rectal, vaginal and urethral passages and
for relieving congestion (Su. Chap. 9, 10, etc.). Douche cans,
tubes, and catheters, made of gold, silver or alloys, were used for
tion for peritonitis (Ci. 13, 185 et seq.) have been described in
some detail; scalpels, metallic probes, etc. were used in such
processes (Si. Chap. 9). The use of live ants of the big variety to
grip together and hold tight the skin-flaps after an internal opera-
tion has been described (Cu 13, 190 et seq.). The ants were killed
by hot water and cut in two, with their gripping jaws left behind.
(11) Psychiatric methods for curing mental conditions (Vi. Chap. 6).
In the treatment of all diseases the physician should take care to perform
the following preparatory processes: purification (purgation, emesis, etc.),
tranquilization (use of sedatives) of the system, and avoidance of all
IX. POISONS
The Caraka Samhita includes a detailed discussion of the various cate-
and the means by which they enter the human system; their
gories of poisons
symptoms, and antidotes are also described.
effects
The venoms secreted by animals, reptiles, aquatic creatures and insects
are conveyed by their bites. They generally act very rapidly causing burning
sensation, inflammation, swelling, drowsiness, fainting and diarrhoea. The
symptoms are more pronounced in the lower extremities of the body (Cu 10,
15, 17, 23).
Poisons from vegetable roots and bulbs, mineral poisons and artificially
prepared poisons enter the human body through foods, beverages, water, smoke,
vapours, skin-applications, or by mere contact (Cu 23, 106-122). Such poisons
act slowly and cause fever, spasms, throat contraction, muscular rigidity,
partial paralysis, frothy salivation and vomiting. The symptoms are more
pronounced in the upper parts of the body (Ci. 23, 16-17).
The toxic effects are liable to be mistaken for diseases (Ci*. 23, 18). They
vitiate the blood and other body-elements progressively; eight distinct stages
with increasingly graver symptoms have been noted (Ci. 23, 1 4) Death may be .
X. PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
Many of the common laboratory processes known today are found in the
Caraka Sanikitd. They occur in various passages which give instructions for
compounding medicinal preparations (CL Chap. 1, 2, 15, etc.). A list of terms
for such processes is given in Table 1 7.
(1) A flame test for food-poisons (possibly copper salts), where the
flame shows a colour like the feathers of a peacock (CL 23, 109).
(2) A process of destructive distillation (CL 15, 174).
(3) A process for the separation of the volatile components of a mixture,
using distillation and air-condensation (CL 1/2, 14).
(4) A process for continuous extraction of the fatty matter present
in a plant product by repeated distillation with a volatile oil,
4
:
26 CARAKA SAMHITA
For the purpose of heating, wood and the dried cakes of various animal
dungs were used according to the temperature required (Ci. Chap* 1, 2, 15,
etc.).
XL CLASSIFICATIONS
Vibhdgavidyd (Vi. 4, 4), or the theory of classification, is a feature of the
Caraka Samhitd.
Many substances and phenomena are divided into rational groups.
(1) The days of the Sarpvatsara (solar year) are divided into :
(f)
Mrga (herbivorous animals) (SU. 13, 11)
(j) Gomdyu (creatures with poisonous fangs or stings) (Ci. 23, 10)
CLASSIFICATIONS 27
(j)
Hrdya (cordial)
(k) Trptighna (removes sense of satiety)
(jj)
Kafahara (curative of cough)
(kk) Svasahara (curative of laboured breathing)
(//) Svayathuhara (curative of swelling and oedema)
28 CARAKA SAI^HITA
(5) Dravya (material substance) can be of three types in the context of their
medicinal use:
(i) Jangama (originating from mobile living bodies)
CLASSIFICATIONS 29
Chap. 19).
::
30 garaka samhita
Table 1
Living Creatures
Syn.
DHENU Ci. 2/3, 3
VA Si. 12, 18
fcSABHA Ci. 10, 48
JARADRAVA Si. 3, 10
#
9. GRDHRA Vulture (Vulture monachus) Bird
MUSAKA Vu 3, 7/3
UNDURA Ci. 23, 9
Table I (Gontd.)
Syn.:
HASTlN Su. 1, 102
KUftJARA Ci. 10, 40
32 caraka sA&mrrA
Table I (Contd.)
Name in Caraka, reference, and English and /or Latin name Modern
synonyms (if any) classification
Syn.:
KAGGHAPA Cu 2/2, 10
Syn,
DHARTARATRA Su. 27, 85
Tablb I (Contd.)
'
34 CARAKA SAMHITA
Table I (Contd.)
VIKIRA-VARGA Su. 27, 47, 49 Birds that scatter their food Gallinaceous birds
Table I (Gontd.)
KJgtMI-VARGA Su. 19, 4/9 Parasites inhabiting the living body Nematoda
(a) Living in the body exactions
1. yOka
2. PIPlLIKA
3. AUDUMBARA
4. JANTUMATARA
36 CARAKA SAyHITA
Table I (Contd.)
5. KESADA
6. LOMADA
7. LOMADVlPA
8. SAURASA
(c) Living in the mucus and phlegm
9. ANTRADA
10. GURU
11. DARBHA-PUPA
12. H&DAYADA
13. MAHAGUDA
14. SAUGANDHIKA
15. UDARAVETA
(d) Living in th faeus
16. KAKERUKA
17. LELIHA
18. MAKERUKA
19. SASULAKA
20. SAUSURADA
GOMAYU-VARGA CI 23, 9, 10 Creatures with poisonous fangs or
stings
Table I (Contd.)
SARPA
Syn.:
AHI 10, 31
Ci.
URAGA Ci. 27, 31
ASIVIA Ci. 13, 9
1. BHUJAGAPATI Ci. 23, 99 King cobra (Naja bungarus)
3. GODHERAKA-SARPA Ci. 23, 134 Hybrid of the snake and the iguana (?)
8. RAJIMAN-SARPA Ci. 23, 124 Striped snake with spots on its body
9. TAK$AKACz. 23, 195 Trimeresurus gramineus ?
UNCLASSIFIED
1. AJA SU. 2, 93 Goat (Capra hircus) Mammal
Syn.:
BASTA Su. 25, 39
CHAGA Ci. 23, 77
13. RAJAHAMSA Su. 12, 18/1 Royal Chinese swan (Cygnus cygnoides) Bird
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< 5 <.4
^ CN Pi-
SR" ft Pmcm
S5 a ^;C5
6
CM CM si
CO
CM
48 CARAKA SAMHITA
1
CM
I 8"
.12
I
1 H
33 3
g C
s
o
6=3
2 S v PS
>> J w O m
a a a
3
a a
w
a
.2
f T3
&
6 s
s
'6
r SI f-9
o c
-a Its I
S SCrt
*
c c * e
II <lj <u
HH t wl I
>5
be
*
t
V
.0
J
"p H PS
c o c
.2
.2 X!
a i !D u
J3
V
.5 J
a J3
-a
3 QJ
5 8
O < 5
'3 '3
-3 en C*h 3 .Q * Cm o
*T>
be 5 *c 3O T'o J3
c "S "S d o
W w
E 3 -5 <e Q Q E
8 <u
^
fclj
-<
^. E
Q
E
00
CO ^
CM c^
CM
5*
CM ^ ci5
*1
CM CO
CN
-* rj O us
a 5 s 5 d < k
co
co
< M <
CO
CO
CO .* < % * s X
Srf < ^ flu
I
h
<*d X < pi >
**
*co<n 3
wr4
2
***
B
r 1
G B g '
.2
SS.S
8*
"^
B
5 .S 8 ^ Cx g
d
<
a
en
ho
C
J. -a
I k, i
i i
*3
all
JS >S 5- S- sS&vS-S. ~2.cS.S23-
^
ti
c
W)
s
1 u D
4J V .2
5 C "in
ff 3 Cm
*0 *
OT 8
i* .3
lb
.5* 1 i I
i E
c
fc O S u u i
to
If
M "**
CO
CM c3
*
***
CO
00 CM
t-
m
1^
CM
SJ i*T
rf
ss c
< Q <
<Z>
< H
mm
& *co
TABLE 2 MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES OF ANIMAL ORIGIN
: 51
'a
-8
S3 a
08 tf
^ Vj
~2 fl
%
a
I
a
s
03 S
'3
Si
J3 I s
o a
3 a 8J a
d
13
^
I is a s 3
Cm
.a
c
H p
15 BaQ
>H ^
* i I ti d
d a a s * rt
^
* &
fe
S
A ,S ^ -S (3
T3
g
a bo O
cr d
i
.a
| as
a a 6 a
bo
U S'S
d
a
J3
i Z
T3
o.g J
J2 -d.s
a i S H E P
2<eo
52 CARAKA SA^KITA
fid v 'Sm
a |3
I'i
r
1 1
.On
SI
s a P*
.a
S'S i
V U 3
b - a^
1-9
AG
3 el .5
if
s ~
CO
1
5
it 1 1.
8
oiss
If8
"<
>
I lis!! *
ss's 'gdirf
1
fu-
&
jl jl> ^<sp
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 53
r* go
frl CM
54 CARAKA SAMH1TA
"8
"8
lis
g} ot o
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 55
Ba
ft
"'I
o C
"
KC OPh
s < "& s
4 s&l slw
56 caraka sM/aarX
.3
I
I
CO
I
03
i
3'
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 57
H^ en >
~i SI *
VS
i% % if
Q$*i
2S
Q*!>
y p| Q& O fi'
1 a
58 CARAKA SAMHITA
.9
1- I
a
I I
s p
>&
.s
- .. .8 8 12
"3-1
T3-
*i '-Si
8
|
If II
1.1
li
as
3
a
IE
tig
8 a.1
air
H J.
j o
Cm
8 o g
I Is
"2 8-:
8.S. J, 8
1 1
Is
11 y
8
V
K ef
& -
i* Pllgl g
CO-
a
TABLE 3 1 MEDICINAL PLANTS *& PLANT PRODUCTS 59
5 S
00 CARAKA SAJCHITA
I
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 61
J-
.*s'
A G
I
I
5
.3 <*
s
**E
-a
I
It i-
fl *
J3 "8
tSfl e fcx.s
v
ts
Is lis 3R.S
to 8
s
Si5
*2
. S? er>
62 CARAKA SA^HITA
.S
42
1
ii
ga
!a
4 ^4f2 234 ^ 1
c tr ***
2
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 63
64 CARAKA SA]#HITA
$ .
s 4 4 & $
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 65
66
CARAKA SAJklHITA
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 67
si & *g
1 l ill* a
a 8
Bo
CM
01
5 g S3
S3
5 5
H-4
#
g 3? $ s s d
CM CM CM
68 CARAKA 8AVH1TA
2i g s
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS
1
g
'I -8
"1
s
s
<3 J
ft.
SI
as:
<3
5 a,a |
3
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 71
72 CARAKA SA1|IHITA
TABLE 3: MEDICINAL PLANTS & PLANT PRODUCTS 73
a
74 CARAKA SAMHITA
4 5
ao
H I
^6 w
U
43
I
n a.
'a
6*1
f .s
61 5 3
M .a %
T3 '5 i
e
O s
.5 3^ "3
o
.a 83
U 73
8*
a o 4) V
3
ft .3 3.3
.5
o 2 JI
O g 8
Ua
a
l'
B
1 1
8
2
ii H M 'e Id
T5
If
T3 n.
j*5
8.
i
5
J3
Bam
flj p-h CM
x
cm
to
*
B MB Pc
So
CO
r-
60
*-
i~t
CO
cm
i
CO
CO
*-i
CO
in
io
to
CO
76 CARAKA SA^HITA
i
If I i
ft
1.9 i I
13
i c
a.!
s-|i .9'
38.8
3* 1
el .s
".a
& S 1
h I 8
1 I
4*
OT
1 a 1 i
H -a
1
a il if
a;
^p
rfi I i
f
3f
111
It *4 til *l
4 *1
-I
4
a
u
I
a
I
Si
CO
2
78 CARAKA SAMHITA
1
&
S
o I
g &
3
>
.s
'v
S
rs8|
i
S
i 1 6 II ill" M Hill!
8-1
ai
,8
i g 5
C B( u
I
8 Si
.sS-.s I?
1 11 g
"S
q
13
E
g-^ 5
s
Eg
-3*313
's E Eii
n 7
13
1 (3 85*5 &&&& IS
Id
i
,3$
^ 6
i I
1
3
t
S"
as E o^ a
I I a
a8?
"8 Q<
J 3
"3 3
i 3
il
. s CO
In
$
tff?s2
... - tf sd g
R ?a*-rf
n
* .w
**
G GsJ3i<
s-:Sas
i Br 8
<4w fis $!
TABLE 4: MINERAL SUBSTANCES 79
-o
c
o
u
1
5 i
o
Iso
!
18
s
^8
3
* i o 1
2 fa
1
i
w o
Si ^s Is
52 *C B 1)
I SB
'S. 5 I "8
! S 9 S G .3 .s.s*
,-s-
a
O
ii i .a
T3T3 *P
eg 1
11 "lei
IS
S e e S ^
a ILlils-sliel *S 2-2
In
^^-y^tS-S^ 8*3.53,5 mm w ? g .5 B
& 11 Tj -j
5^ ^^S
a;
A S t?3 S
g.
1
"8
I"
18. g
o
.9 |
1 i
a o
o !
+-.2
w Si
I
- P
S M
CO
o CO
s
i|G
O" 8
3 2 * *f
3
^
_ < 5 d
H- ^ &q
fc H- z*
w o ss* <ti
^ s
2g Q
CO' > 3
%t
* S*
5
9 a
cj
80 CARAKA SAtyHITA
TABLE 4: MINERAL SUBSTANCES 81
nil
e
3 3
juiiAI!
8(58 33 8 | j a-
5
ft ^IcSds
00
a ^.^a, 2,,*,
A t3 s MA
.-3 s
s 8
J
Fill E * &
81
is
8 Ml 8 r
7 8-
ff
rt
si?
o bo
-a
g g g g
J* I
"*
rt
S
P
a a
llll'2 E
c a ft
MM g hHmhhm
p a c a
a.JS
"8
S
_
AS
1
I
1
a
1
o
1 'B
rt
it
s
rf
p*
5 d
d
!
I
MH
I
8 I
CO
CM CM
u
82 CARAKA SAMHITA
2
4>
43 I
1
g-3
I
*5
C h
1 0.83; P
bo
2 "o .5 ^.^^ o
fa ^S^^ fa
a
a JJ'3
~ 8
ITS
a IS -9 s s bo
I?J3-aI i
1 - 111
& 1 *- he
la
-S.S 1 .9 .9.9
.a 5 "fl "<3
E 6 c o> E
13 m H fcj
^ a
a c c
"8
2
So
ex
8"
i 1
i
I J* "8
fr
1 I
I
CQ O fa
1
I
s
<JtN
jj
as g
OS fa
si
a
8
I .SB
I :y E
3-1
-a
i
.3- CCS I.
|
bo
h ^
43
8jJ 1
B^ocS 8IL1 3 J"3g
fl Crbp
rt 1
e o -.a aifi ^ " n Sii! fa
c
o < o % 1*3 bo
5
OS 1 S S3 3 ^3
a
o -I
a
T3
1o
a fl
ex 3
I
-3 bit
E
fl d
1
J5
6 a
o
TJ
1
5
S3
1 .3
e a
J5g
(U TJ rt 4J 1
s
%
3~ H3 13
.a's
5
as ft. as c/3 as
of
to
CM
a
s
as*
! 3
S 1
84 CARAKA SAlJIHITA
3 ansa
fl ||
a b o
sfg Iff
3s bo '3'?^
d Cu
13
CO
TABLE 4: MINERAL SUBSTANCES 85
2
*
I
T3
i I
V 8
j
s
en
CM
a CM
V 1
2 CO.
O
> >
<0
:
86 OARAKA SAMHITA
Table 5
Cereals and Legumes
SCKADHANYA-VARGA (Cereals)
(3) Other varieties of corns Yava (barley), Vepuyava (bamboo-seeds), Godhuma (wheat),
Nandimukhi and Madhuli (Su. 27, 19-22)
AMlDHANYA-VARGA (Legumes) Mudga (green gram), Mdsa (black gram), Rdjamdsa (black-
eye pea), Kulattha (horse-gram), Madhustaka (moth-gram),
Canaka (chick-pea), Masura (lentil), Saharenava (common pea),
Tila (sesame), Simbi, Adaka (pigeon-pea), Saidagaja, Avalmuja>
Kakanda (sword-bean), Umd (linseed), Atmaguptd (cowage)
{Su. 27, 23-34)
Table 6
Natural Waters
JALA-VARGA Su. 27, 197-216.
KOPAJALA Well-water
SlSlRA Dew
TA1?AGA-JALA Water of artificial lakes
TU$ARA Snow
Table 7
Sugar-cane Derivatives & Types of Honey
Table 8
M ilk and Milk-products
PAYOVARGA SU. 27f 217-236
MANPA Casein
NAVANlTA Butter
Table 9
Vegetable Oils
TAILA-VA&GA SiL 27, 291-293
12
90 CARAKA SAtyHITA
Table 10
Alcoholic Beverages
MADYA-VARGA SO. 27, 179-193
Syn.:
Kdfijika
Dhdnydmla, Sii. 15, 7
Tu$odaka
ASUTA, Ci. 15, 121 Brewed mixture containing Soma plant juice
MADHUSUKTA, Ci. 26, 227 Fermented liquor from a mixture of sugar-cane juice, dark-
brown crude sugar and boiled rice; sweetened with honey
Syn.:
Surd
Table 11 -A
Anatomical Terms-~<General
4. AK$IKtJTA, fa 7, 1 Eye-balls
6. AMASAYA, fa 7, 10 Stomach
Table 11 -A
Table 11 -A
94 GARAKA SAMHITA
Table 11 -A
Table 11-B
Bones in the Human Body
In the Caraka Saqihita the total number otasthi (a general term used by Caraka for bones, teeth,
nails, hard cartilages and bofte-sockets) in the human body is said to be 36Q, which include (Sd. 7, 6)
1. AK$AKA 2 Collar-bones
7. DANTA 32 Teeth
19. nasika-ganpa-kCta- 1 Two nasal, two molar and two superciliary ridges
lalAta of the eye-brows
Table 11-B
Banes in the Human Body (contd.)
The total number of bones in the human body, as given in modern anatomy, is 206 only.
4
Table 12
Physiological Terms
13
98 caraka sa^ihita
Table 12
Physiological Terms (contd.)
TABLE 13 : DISEASES 99
Table 13
Diseases
*
J-J
Name and reference Modern name
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
(<?) KARNASRAVA, Ci. 26, 127 Pus discharge from the car
(d) POTISRAVANA, Ci. 26, 127 Suppuration of the inner the ear
(Also eight other types according to symptoms)
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
(0 VIPHOTAKA, Cu 7, 25 Boils
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
100. PRAMEHA, M 4, 8
(Twenty variations including diabetes, described
Urinary disorders
according to symptoms)
106. ROHItfl, Sd. 18, 34 Extensive and painful swelling at the base
of the tongue
107. ROMANTIKA, Ci. 12, 92 Small eruptions spread over the entire skin
surface
TABLE 13 t DISEASES m
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
14
1
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
in Gnwfta also includes seminal disorders and impotency in the male, as also
* disease!
Thb term
of lactation. But the** have been mentioned in the present Hat in their proper order.
TABLE 13 t DISEASES 107
Table 13
Diseases (contd.)
Table 14
Pathological Conditions and Congenital Defects
3. AKlSCLA,iZ.20, 11 Eye-ache
10. ANGAVADARANA, Su. 20, 14 Local fissures on the surface of the body
Table 14
Pathological Conditions and Congenital Defects (contd.)
45. KHALLI, Ci. 28, 57 Neuralgic pain in the lower limbs and
shoulders
Table 14
Pathological Conditions and Congenital Defects (contd.)
57. PADASCLA f
ft. 20, 11 Pain in the foot
SVAYATHU,ai2, 12 Swellings
79.
(Six types described according to etiology.)
Table 14
Pathological Conditions and Congenital Defects (contd.)
(d) STHAVARAVIA. Ci. 23, 11 Poisoning due to vegetable roots and bulbs
Table 15
Therapeutical, Surgical, and Chemical Terms
Table 15
Therapeutical, Surgical, and Chemical Terms (contd.)
. :
y
Name and reference Modern equivalent
Chemical Terms
1. AMLA, Sk. 6, 11 Acid
* Nos. 31 and 32 have not been placed in their proper alphabetical order through mistake.
15
114 CARAKA SAIfHTTA
Table 16
Apparatus and Appliances
(Surgical and PhywcochemicaJ)
I
"" ' '
" ' '
'" ' 1
'- -j' n
17. PRANApl. S*. 14, 44 Tube for insertion into any bodily orifice
Tabus 17
Terms for Pkysicockemical Processes
Table 17
Terms for Physicochemical Processes {contd.)
Table 18
Mechanical and Physical Terms
9. GRAHANA. M 5, 22 Measurement
Table 19
Weights and Measures
(Ka. 12, 87-97)
=
/
The smallest unit of weight is that of a Dhatpsi (minute particle)
6 DHAMSIS '
.. 1 MARIGI
6 MARICIS . 1 SARAPA (Mustard-seed)
8 SARAPAS .. 1 TABULA
2 TAWULAS .. 1 DHANYAMAA
2 DHANYAMA$AS .. 1 YAVA
4 DHANYAMA$AS . 1 ANPIKA
4 AtfpIKAS .. 1 MAiAKA or DHANYAKA
3 MA$AKAS .. 1 SA^A
2 SANAS . 1 DANK$ANA or KOLA or VADARA
2 DANK$ANAS . . 1 KAR5A or SVARNA or AKSA or PICtJ or
VipALAPADAKA or PANlfALA or TIN-
PUKA or KAVALAGRAHA
2 KARAS . . 1 SUKTI or A9TAMIKA
4 KARAS .. 1 PALA or MUTI or PRAKUftCANA or
CATURTHIKA or OPA$IKA or AMRA
2 PALAS .. 1 PRASRTA or A$TAMANA
4 PALAS . 1 AftjALI or KUPAVA
4 KUPAVAS .. 1 PRASTHA
4 PRASTHAS .. 1 ApAKAorPATRA
8 PRASTHAS .. 1 KAMSA
4 KANSAS .. 1 DRONA or CARMANA or NALVANA or
KALASA or GHATA or UNMANA
2 DROtfAS . 1 SURPA or KUMBHA
2 SURPAS . 1 GOI^I or KHARI or BHARA
32 SURPAS .. 1 VAHA
Also 100 PALAS . 1 TULA
Later commentators have equated the Karfa to 2 modern Tolas, This makes the Tuld equal to 9.33
kilograms*
TABLE 20 : TERMS K>R PHYSICAL PROPERTIES 119
Table 20
Terms for Physical Properties
(St. 25, 36; 26, 11)
2. GURU Heavy
4. KHARA Rough
5. LAGHU Light
7. MRDU Soft
8. PICCHILA Slippery
9. Rf)K$A Dry
19.^U$NA Hot
XIIL BIBLIOGRAPHY
ManuscriptsCaraka Saqthltft
India Office Library (London), MS. No. 338
1.
6. Carakatetvapradipikd and Tatvacandrikd by Sivad&sa Sena (15th century A.D.). MS. No. 47 in
the Palace Library, Jamnagar.
7. Madhuko$a by Vijayarak$ita and Siikantha Datta (circa 17th century A.D.) edited by Jadavaji
;
TRANSITIONS
1. Tibetan date unknown; translator unknown.
2.
Persian earlier than 8th century A. D. This version was retranslated into Arabic by Abdulla-
bin-Ali of the 9th century.
3. Arabic8th or 9th century; translated from original Sanskrit by Ali-ibn-zain; quoted by
Al-Biruni.
4. Hindiby A. S. Sarma, 1903; S. G. Ayurvedic Society, Jamnagar, 1949.
5. English
(incomplete) by A. C. Kaviratna, 1912.
6. Urduby Ayurvedic Pharmacy; Lahore, 1913. Jflr
7. Gujratiby J, D. Dave, 1913; g. G. Ayurvedic Society, Jamnagar, 1949.
8. Bengaliby J. S. Sarkar, 1924.
9. Maratfciby V. P. Krishnasastry, 1926.
10. Tcteguby Vanivilaa Press; Madras, 1935.
11. English (coraplete)--4>y S* G. Ayurvedic Society; Jamnagar, 1949*
ERRATA
Page vi, line 27 from the top, for Siences, read Sciences
2, 19 slokas slokas