PIB Summary - 8th May, 2025 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

The Manuscripts Revived

Introduction

• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has recently revived and unveiled two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts: the Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and the Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu. These manuscripts were presented at the RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Mumbai.
• The initiative aims to preserve and revive India’s classical Ayurvedic knowledge through critical editions and translations of these ancient texts.

1. Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu

• Author and Date: Written by Mudgala Paṇḍita around 1480 AD.
• Content Overview: Comprises 18 chapters detailing drug synonyms, therapeutic actions, and medicinal properties.
• Sources and References: Builds upon earlier works like the Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭu while introducing new substances from plant, mineral, and animal sources.
• Historical Significance: Was widely referenced in Maharashtra until the 19th century.
• Importance: Crucial for the study of Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic pharmacology) and related fields.

2. Dravyanamākara Nighaṇṭu

• Attribution: Believed to be authored by Bhisma Vaidya.
• Nature of the Text: Functions as an appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu.
• Content Focus: Contains 182 verses plus 2 colophon verses, concentrating on homonyms in drug and plant names, a complex area in Ayurvedic pharmacology.
• Scholarly Utility: Valuable for researchers in Rasashastra (alchemy), Bhaishajya Kalpana (formulation), and classical identification methods.

Editorial Contributions

• Editor: Dr. Sadanand D. Kamat, an esteemed manuscriptologist and Ayurveda expert.
• Previous Works: Known for editing the Saraswati Nighaṇṭu, Bhāvaprakāsha Nighaṇṭu, and Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu.
• Contribution to Current Manuscripts: Improved scholarly access through critical editing, translation, and commentary.

Broader Significance

• Academic and Educational Resource: Provides essential materials for students, researchers, educators, and practitioners in Ayurveda. 
• Digitisation and Preservation Efforts: Marks a step towards the long-term digital archiving of ancient Indian medical texts. 
• Connecting Classical and Modern Knowledge: The revived manuscripts link traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary research and practices. 
• Promoting Ayurveda: Emphasizes the relevance of traditional healing systems in today’s health discussions. 
• Cultural Renaissance: Sparks renewed interest in indigenous medical practices and strengthens cultural identity through the affirmation of historical texts.