J. Res. Educ. Indian Med., 2013; XIX (1-2) 29-36 ISSN 0970-7700

OVERVIEW ON PRAKASHA - A TEXT OF INDIAN ROHIT SHARMA,1 VIRUPAKSHA GUPTA,2 PRASHANT BEDARKAR,3 GALIB R,4 BJ PATGIRI,5 AND PK PRAJAPATI6 Department of & Bhaishjaya Kalpna,1,3-6 IPGT & RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar -361008 Gujarat (India)

Abstract: Ayurveda Prakasha is one of the important ancient texts on ancient Indian Alchemy written by Shrimad Madhava Upadhyaya in circa 16th-17th century AD. Three commentaries are available on this text. It is a summarized book along with some of its own important contributions. Subject matter of the text contains total 1693 verses which are divided into 6 chapters. There is elaborate description of Dhatuvada (conversion of base into noble metals) and Dehavada (therapeutic usage of metals and minerals) of (Parada), processing of mercury, its use in along with description and processing, therapeutic aspects of Minerals, Metals and poisonous herbs and their conversion into therapeutically useful forms. Keywords: Ayurveda Prakasha, Indian Alchemy, Jarana, Parada, Rasa Shastra Introduction superimposed to get a single picture wherein Rasashastra is a branch of Ayurveda which mercury and its elixirs were used in the so called holds the importance in Ayurvedic therapeutics. transmutation of the base metals into noble ones, Ayurveda Prakasha ((AyP) is an important text as well as for internal administration for purifying in this branch and there is dearth of the body, rejuvenating it and taking it to an comprehensive review on this text. Hence an imperishable and immortal state. attempt has been made to provide a brief but all Numerous alchemical texts were written encompassing review. Texts written in earlier in different era on Indian Alchemy. Some texts era of ancient Indian life sciences including ancient are such that the alchemical ideas form only a Indian system of medicines, Ayurveda, Rasa part of them, while some other texts are wholly Vidya etc, incorporated mineral origin drugs, devoted to alchemy. Many books were written their processed bi products, medicinal in different era on Indian Alchemy. “Ayurveda formulations mainly for therapeutic purpose. Prakasha” is one of the important texts among They were extensively studied, evaluated, them. practiced for Dhatuvada around 10th century A.D.[1] Later era showed increased trend of use Prediction of period of drugs of mineral origin in therapeutics and The book was written in the era when was extensively used in Ayurvedic treatment. This Rasa Shastra had already experienced peak of caused to touch height of excellence of Ayurvedic excellence of its golden era in terms of Dhatuvada treatment during 13-14th century AD (Rasendra as well as Dehavada and when still Dehavada Sara Samgraha, 1994). was practiced widely. Subject matter of the text deals with mainly of Rasashastra but this is the The Indian alchemy had two characteristic first text in which, the title instead of ‘Rasa’ streams; making and elixir synthesis. The prefix it starts with Ayurveda’. It indicates that two faces of the alchemical practice, the this text is written in the time when Rasashastra metallurgical and the physico-religious, were completely became a part of Ayurveda and

1. Ph.D. Scholar, 2. Ph.D. Scholar 3. Asst Professor, 4. Asst Professor, 5. Associate Professor, 6. Professor & Head, 30 Sharma et al.

Rasashastra descriptions are found in main stream through Chaukhambha Orientalia publications Ayurveda literature. The name of the script Varanasi (Ayurveda Prakasha, 2007). suffixed as Prakasha indicates that this book The pattern of classification of Mineral belongs to the period of Bhava Prakasha, Arka drugs (Rasavarga dravya) is found unique in Prakasha text. Description of Firanga which is nature. included as separate chapter under disease treatment in texts Bhava Prakasha, therefore Subject matter their period may be considered as same (Ayurveda Subject matter of the text is divided into 6 Prakasha, 2007). chapters which contain total 1693 verses.

The author compiled the subject matter 1st Chapter : Suta Sadhanadhyaya from various classical texts like Rasa Ratna This chapter is dedicated for Parada samucchaya, Rasa Paddhati, Rasa Ratnakara, (Mercury). , , drugs (individual Rasa Prakasha Sudhakara, Rasa Hrdaya Tantra, and group with description), used in Parada Rasa Chintamani, Sharangdhara Samhita, samskara, formulations required for (Vida, Satva, Rasaraja Lakshmi, Harita Samhita, Bhava Bija grasa, Druti etc), Parada bandha, Prakasha, Raja Nighantu, Rasa Manjiri, murcchana, Bhasma etc., methods of Laghuyoga Tarangini, Yoga Tarangini, consumption of Mercury and its formulations, Bhalukitantra, Vishnu purana, some un named Anupana, Pathya-Apathya (wholesome and texts and given opinion of Acharya Nagarjuna, unwholesome diet), Rasajirna lakshana and its Shri Narayana, Garut, Gauri, Devendra giri and treatment, Rasajirna Lakshana (in Dehavada and Guru sampradaya. According to some scholars in Dhatuvada), Hemavati vidya (fabrication of (Bhanuprakash, 1997; Ayurvediya Rasashastra, artificial gold from various minerals and Mercury) 2005; Ayurveda ka Vaigyanika Itihas, 2009) are mentioned.

Ayurveda Prakasha belongs to 17th century. Two classifications (3 and 5 types in each) Hence its period is considered as circa 16-17th of sagandha murcchna and 5 types of Dhatu century AD. There is no mentioning of Ayurveda Pishti are mentioned. Features of acceptable Prakasha by P.C.Roy in his text History of Hindu Mercury, Bandhana, mrita suta and short, easy Chemistry (Virupaksha Gupta K.L. et al., methods of Parada samskara are mentioned. 2011) Property of Dantagre Kachakachabhava (lack of metallic sensation in the teeth) for properly Author details and commentaries prepared mruta suta is explained. Different types Ayurveda Prakasha was written by of Kupi, method of plastering of Kupi, Yantra Shrimad Acharya Madhava Upadhyaya of (Assemblies). Sahasra vedhi Parada, description, Sarasvata kula, a resident of Saurashtra. The types, examples and uses of vida, features of author of this work is different from the author Tapta khalva, uses of various types of Abhraka, of Madhava Nidana and other 21 Authors with features of Garbha druti are mentioned. Different similar name. Another text “Pakavali” written types of khota, various effects of sequential by Madhavopadhyaya is also available. Original Grasana on Parada and 26 types of bandha are text was published by Acharya Yadavji Trikamji quoted by Author. Author explains Samukha through Ayurvediya Granthamala. Later on this Jarana, 2 Types of Abhraka Jarana- was edited with Hindi commentary by Vaidya Patrabhraka Jarana, and Abhraka Satva Jarana, Somadeva Sharma, the Arthavidyotini and Artha features of Garbha Druti and uses of various Prakashini Samskrit & Hindi commentaries types of Abhraka in this chapter. respectively by Shri Gularaja Sharma Mishra Ayurveda Prakasha - A Text of Indian Alchemy 31

Distinctive features He opined that for Kshetrikarana snehana, Author has given much importance on swedna, virechna and kitapatana should be done Jarana and Bija Grasa in Parada for Dhatuvada in sequence and Rasa kalpa should be as well as Dehavada, Kshetrikarana (pre- administered after consumption of Abhraka Satva procedure of administration), Gandhaka Jarana, pradhana yoga for up to 6 months or 1 year and and sequence of Jarana. Author quotes 2 after ensuring disease free for above stated sequences of Jarana- for Dhatuvada- Author period. It is advised to consume Abhraka Bhasma focused on compulsion of Gandhaka Jarana and for 1 month before kshetrikarana. Consumption Abhraka Jarana. Four different types of Yantra of Hema Jirna Parada Bhasma in the dose of 1, i.e. Valuka, Kacchapa, Kurma, Bhudhara Yantra 2, 3, 4 pala is said to increase the longevity of etc are mentioned for Jarana. the author prohibits life respectively. He had focused on Yogavahi the usage of mercury without processing with property of Parada. He mentioned Bida gutika sulphur (Parada Gandhaka Jarana). He for Grasa and Jarana, Shambhavi Mudra for permitted to use of mercury after eight samskara Rasa Marana and explained different benefits of and murcchana with Gandhaka till disease cure formulations of Parada prepared with respective (Short term use) only. For disease treatment proportions of Gandhaka for parad Jarana. Author advised to use Shodhit, murcchit, Agnisthayeekarana of Parada is quoted as Gandhajirna, Svarnadi Dhatujirna and mruta or necessary for jarana of Svarna and Rajata. Amruta Parada (with double the quantity of He further opines that Antardhuma vipachit Gandhaka). For after Jarana with Parada if processed for Jarana, it becomes Gandhaka it is advocated to subject Parada for Sahastravedhi and capable for Vedhana of Rajata, Jarana along with Satva of Svarna, Abhraka etc Tamra and Abhraka. It is mentioned that after Dhatu and then subject it to Marana. Nirgandha Murcchana samskara, Parada becomes devoid Murcchana is said to cause complications. of 7 . He has given optional methods of processing and mentioned substitute drugs for Duration of mercury administration is stated processing of mercury in their unavailability. as 40 days, 6, 12, 36 months and for whole life Author has mentioned to wash Parada with Kanji in the form of intermittent 40 days cycle. Suitable after each Samskara. quantity of mercury for processing is explained. three methods of Jarana is told. It is advised to It is mentioned that Bandhana process take Gandhaka rather than Kajjali for Jarana. 3 increases threshold of Parada for heat. Grasana types of Antardhuma method of Gandhaka of Rasavarga dravya in Parada is included under Jarana are mentioned which are considered as Mardana samskara . Explanation of Rasa Sindura. Author considered Jarana of Srushtyambuja is given and Laghuputa is also Parada with Gandhaka (Antardhuma vipachana) mentioned for Bodhana samskara. While as mandatory before using it in any formulation. mentioning features of acceptable Parada, it is Murcchana and Jarana are said as synonymous. permitted to use Dhumra (Black along with Red) Ariloha Marana for Grasa is accepted in and paripandura varni (Yellowish white) Parada Lohavada. He accepted failure to prepare Druti rather than chitra or karbura varni (different and difficulty in processes of Sarana, kramana, colours). Abhraka Satva Jarana is quoted as and Jarana for preparation of kotivedhi Parada. best for pakshakartana of Parada. Swedana in dolayantra is mentioned as a method of Jarana. Author quoted 2 types of Parada It is emphasized to avoid Kachakitta for Bhasma- Dhatuvada. It is mentioned that Druti of Bija in (1) Urdhvaga- sindura, karpura Rasa Parada can be achieved easily with Amladrava, (2) Tala Bhasma -6 different methods. tapya Satva and vyoma Satva. 32 Sharma et al.

Quantity for Grasa, different effects of 3 gunja respectively. The text describes benefits sequential administration of Grasa on Parada, of consumption of Hema, Rajataa, Shulva, importance of Abhraka, Loha, Tamra Jarana Tikshna Jarit Parada in increasing doses for for Dhatuvada, different effects after Jarana of longevity. Features of Rasa Jirna, Rasa Ajirna various Rasavarga dravya, importance of Tikshna and its treatment are mentioned. It is mentioned Loha Jarana for preparation of Swarna, Four that Parada consumed by wrapping in betel leaf types of Swarna Grasa as per quantity of grasa doesn’t causes Vidabandha which is treated with are mentioned for preparation of Shatavedhi Kana and Amruta. Parada and it is stated as an essential stage before Sarana samskara. It is mentioned that ChurnaRatna yoga by Putapaka Chatuha shashti Jirna Parada with Swarna method is distinct entity mentioned in the text. becomes Dhumavedhi, Sparshavedhi, Chumbaka Loha is said to be useful for Parada Avlokavedhi and Shabdavedhi. samajirna- karma. Shatavedhi, dwiguna jirna- Sahastravedhi, Ayutvedhi, Lakshavedhi and Kotivedhi 2nd Chapter : Gandhakadi Uparasa respectively. Nyunajirna parada is used for sadhanadhyaya patralepana (Dhatuvada). Author quoted different Detailed description of 20 Uparasa, types of khota as per different classics, Bahya mishraka gana, Amla varga, Dravana varga, Druti, Sarana and reference of Jarana for seven sneha varga, panchamrta, yantra, Bhavana, Puta, times for preparation of kotivedhi Parada. Bhasma Pariksha are given. Six drugs under Simultaneously the author accepted difficulty in Sadharana Rasa, 9 under Dhatu and 7 under preparation of Sarana and Jarana too. Upadhatu explained in Rasa Dravya classification. Fourteen formulations of sulphur are mentioned. Different methods of preparation of Uses of Shukti as per its type, definition of Dhatu, Jarana, Vedhana, Ranjan through Khota Bandha, description, vida dravya explained in detail. definition of Bandha, and 26 types of bandha are mentioned. Kshetrikarana and complications Distinctive features of consumption of Parada (failure of deha Highest numbers of drugs among then kramana) without preceding Kshetrikarana are available texts i.e. 20 are included under Uparasa. mentioned. After Kshetrikarana it is mentioned Chumbaka is mentioned under Uparasa by this to consume Parada which is Jarita with 1/4th author only. Gandhaka is considered as part of Abhraka Satva, ½ part of kanta Loha Satvasvarupa and Sutendra viryaprada, Sutajita. Bhasma and equal parts of Tikshna Loha Bhasma Kurmaputa vidhi is mentioned for Gandhaka and then use Arota (shuddha Parada). For (with ghrita, kanji as liquids for Kshetrikarana it is stated to follow snehana (3 Dhalana apart from commonly used Godugdha). days), Swedana, virechana and kitapatana in Bhrungaraja shodhita Gandhaka is said to be sequence or to undergo at least virechana. comparatively much safer. Visha hara property Agnisthayee Parada is mentioned as capable for and Gandhanashana vidhi of Gandhaka are converting lower metals into Swarna and Rajata. mentioned. Duration of consumption Gandhaka is mentioned as from 1 month - 6 month. Mentioned method of consumption of Marana of Hingula is mentioned. Parada kalpa, doses of Parada as 1 valla (2 or Total dose of Abhraka is mentioned as 3 ratti), animal dose- 12 masha and doses of 100 Pala. Marana of Abhraka with only one Jirna Parada as per other texts as 1 gunja to 1 Puta and use of only Tankana for marana, masha, and dose of Hema jirna, Rajata Jirna making Abhraka devoid of lustre by Dhalana and Tamra Jirna Parada is quoted as 1, 2 and and peshana processes, criteria for selection of Ayurveda Prakasha - A Text of Indian Alchemy 33

Abhraka i.e. from depth of 1 purusha below the Distinctive features earth surface, satvaprada character of Abhraka Type of Svarna derived by contact with are contributions of the text. susukshmavta is Divyaaushadhi, Mani etc is found to be quoted. specifically mentioned as examination criteria for It is mentioned that with the help of Gandhaka Abharaka Bhasma. Haratala is mentioned as (etc Uparasa) usually Marana of all Dhatu Rasayana, Stripushpaharaka and Visha hara. (Upadhatu) can be done. Three type of Rajata Nirdhuma pariksha for Haratala Bhasma is are quoted. Mentioned different colour of Tamra mentioned first time. Bhasma and accepted exception to the rule of It is mentioned to consume Haratala in nischandratva in case of Parada marit Tamra repeated cyclical manner. Author has mentioned Bhasma. Somamrut Loha Bhasma and suryatapi Godanti type of haratala and order of bitterness LohaBhasma (Without direct incineration) are of types of Haratala as quoted. Author mentioned doses of various Loha Pinda>tabaki>Godanti>bugadadi Haratala (Dhatu, Upadhatu) along with common dose of which are different from common trend in other Lauha. General rules for Putana (type of Puta), texts. He had further quoted reference of Haratala methods of Marana of different Dhatu Upadhatu Bhasma prepared from 441 Bhavana with varga dravya are stated together and common different drugs as per Siddha tradition which process of Dhatu marana is mentioned. Author has broad spectrum of applicability. has mentioned seven Loha dosha and collected various common methods of Loha Shodhana. “Surama” is named as synonym of Common sequence of Nirvapana in liquids for Srotonjana. Common method of Shodhana and Shodhana is noted to be changed. Common Satvapatana of Anjana are quoted. Four types method of nirutthikarana of Loha is mentioned. of Bodarshrungam (Murdarshringi) with its source as Gurjar mandala, is given and 4th chapter- Upadhatu Nirupanadhyayah considered it as Satva of Sisaka. Four different Detail description of Svarnamakshika, types of Chumbaka or Kanta Loha are mentioned. Simalamakshika, Tuttha, Bhunaga, Kamsya, Vahnijara is termed as variety of Kshara and Pittala, Bharta loha (pancha Loha), Shilajita said to be useful for Parada Jarana. Common and Chapala is given. dose of various Dhatu, method of Somamruta (Loha Bhasma) is mentioned. Distinctive features Sisaka and Nagagarbha are termed by Author elaborated controversy regarding author as synonyms of Sindura. Characteristics Kankushtha and mentioned it as plant origin from of acceptable form of sindura and description of Himachal pradesh and mentioned its two types Bharta (pancha Loha) are mentioned. Different as Nalika and Renuka. Author quoted reference variety of Shilajatu produced naturally in Kshara for importance of Agnisthayee Rasaka in bhumi are mentioned, it is included under Dehavada and Dhatuvada. Oil is used for the Upadhatu and said to have characteristics of Swedana for Manahshila Shodhana. Rasa, Uparasa, Ratna and Loha. It is advocated to take Shilajatu having Lohaja Lakshana 3rd Chapter- Suvarnadi Dhatu Upadhatunam (Characteristics like Loha/Dhatu). Method of utpatti nama lakshana Guna Shodhana Satvapatana and Marana of Shilajatu are Marana pratipadanatmakam Adhyaya mentioned. Author appreciates use of vessels of Dhatu Upadhatu utpatti, nama, lakshana, bronge (Kamsya) for meal and cooking whereas guna, Shodhana, Marana is mentioned in this cooking of Ghrita in it is prohibited. Color of chapter. svarnamakshika is said as Pancha varna, it is said to use as substitute if Swarna and had almost 34 Sharma et al. similar properties (in lesser potency) as that of administration, therapeutically useful in Swarna along with other properties too due to Rasayanvada, Dhatuvada and Vishvada, in various compositions. Variety of Shilajatu as diseases like- vatarakta, tridosha, unmada, Soraka is quoted from Rasa Paddhati. After apsmara, sannipata, kushtha & moha and the shodhana it is advocated to do dhupana of later one is stated as fatal on contact or even shilajatu and it is said to be compatible with all with inhalation and not used as medicine or for Anupana in all disease conditions. Rasayana treatment. Use of Visha in Dhatuvada, Putana and 5th Chapter- Ratnopa Ratnanam Marana vidhi of Visha are contributions of the Sadhanadhyaya text. In case of overdose of Visha and in Visha Detail description of 9 Ratna (precious vega administration of borax (Tankana) with stones) and 17 type of Uparatna (semi precious plenty of ghee (Ghrita) is mentioned. stones) are found. Detail descriptions of It is written that if Parada is triturated Hiraka(diamond) are found. along with upvisha it becomes chhinnapaksha (reduced motility) and becomes mukhkara (i.e. Distinctive features accepts Grasa of Dhatu very quickly) too. New terminology in metrology i.e. Purusha, Taila patana vidhi of Visha with similar kalanja and others for weighing Hiraka e.g. process as that of Satvapatana with kaancha panasika, tandula, pinda etc, difference in yantra is contribution of the text which is said between Mani and Ratna and definition of Ratna as useful in making Parada kshutkari and is contribution of the text. Usefulness of Mani Mahaan by trituration along with. General anti- (Ratna) in Bandhana of Parada and 8 different dotal formulations like- Visha vajrapata Rasa sources of Mukta (pearls) are explained. and Lavanbhedi sudhanidhi Rasa are mentioned. Comparatively elaborative description of Hiraka Kshara in powder form is indicated by is found only in this text. Hiraka is said to be author for Pratisarana. shadrasa and mrutyunjaya (overcomes death). Different methods of examination of Hiraka, Discussion Mukta are found in this text only. Reference of Author cursed to the hackers of intellectual 6 varieties of Shukti is contribution of the text. property which reflects probable efforts taken 5 types of Ratna, 8 types of Mani, 8 types of by him in verification of experimental outcomes. pukharaja, saurashtrari satva and sasyak satva Author pledges and stresses that all experiments are mentioned by author. written in the script are practically done by him; the subject matter of the text himself listened 6th chapter-- Vishopa Visha Lakshana Jati from the teachers and purposefully excluded the Guna seva pariharadhyayam failed, less useful, difficult experiments. Pharmacognostical features of various Mentioned various easy methods of Swarna Visha, their Place of collection, guna of Visha, Nirmana (Hemavati Vidya) too which are still samanya and vishesh Visha Shodhana vidhi, not famous in the society. Some references Pharmacotherapeutic dose and contraindications, quoted from other texts on prima facia looks like method of preparation of Kshara are explained. hyperbolae which limits the above cited declaration of the author. Distinctive features There are 18 types of Kanda Visha Although the book is in summarized form mentioned in the text which are classified as per still there is more specificity in the processes intensity into -Soumya Visha (8) and Ugra Visha and other subject matter and gathered text matter (10), the prior one is stated as fatal after oral which is important for aspect of experimentation Ayurveda Prakasha - A Text of Indian Alchemy 35 and practical utility from other texts e.g. quoted Author had adopted easy, practically Suddha Suta Lakshana as reduction to 1/8th after applicable methods only e.g. he suggests using samskara, acquisition of semisolid nature of Loha churna in place of Patra for processing Parada after Swedana Samskara, and opines to collect it with the help of chumbaka. Dvandvamelaka Aushadhi, physical effects of As the author accepts scarcity of Kanta therefore sequential increment in quantity of Grasa in he had mentioned Chumbaka in Uparasa Parada, use of Kashaya of drugs mentioned for separately inspite of mentioning the prior one mardana samskara of parada for Kanchuka under Dhatu varga. Alternative methods for harana and Shodhana of Shilajatu with water, Parada Shodhana are found as , detailed description of process of Shilajatu Mardana, urdhvapatana and patasarana or Shodhana etc. washing with sour gruel or urdhvapatana if one fails to do Ashta samskara, quoted Utthapana of Author had given details of some Parada by washing with hot water too. Author Alchemical processes and explored hidden rules had purposefully avoided Marana of precious in ancient Indian Alchemy, pharmaceutics, Ratna and permitted to use their small pieces, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and pharmaco particles generated during their shaping. therapeutics. It contains important subject matter Mentioned method of Drutikarana of Loha, of pharmaceutical technology engineering, Svarna, Rajata etc. instrumentation, mineralogy, metallurgy useful in Alchemy and therapeutics. There are 11 different types of Yantra along with their subtypes explained in the text. At the start of each chapter the reason for Author had discussed and cleared some its order is quoted. Author had quoted various controversies in the subject and given explanations Rasavarga by their popular names in society. too e.g. For removal of physical impurities in shilajatu apply method of washing with water, Parada Jarana and Samskara are explained then use common method of shodhana and for in detail with practically applicable easy and gunotkarsha as per indication use of Bhavana optional methods e.g. Swedana, Mardana along with Swarasa is advocated. with Utthapana are given as optional methods for Parada Ashta Samskara. Many references Processes in the book are well described of Druti, Satva of individual drugs and their e.g. in 1st chapter while describing Garbha druti processing are mentioned. Criteria of for preparation of Marita Bija, author clearly classification of Rasa varga dravya is taken as mentioned methods of preparation of its importance of drugs for their use in Parada ingredients i.e. Naga and Tapya Bhasma whose karma and procedures on Rasavarga dravya. methods of preparation are elaborated in subsequent chapters. Various types of common procedures on Rasavarga dravya i.e. Drutikarana of sarva Loha, According to the author, those who can Ratna, Satva patana, Shodhana and Marana of demonstrate the use of mercury before the Satva of many Rasa varga dravya, Shodhana of disciple alone are eligible to be preceptors, the Sadharana Rasa, different method of Dhatu rest are frauds. This shows that Rasavidya was Shodhana, Drutimelana etc. are mentioned. Dose, difficult to learn. No work other than this deals duration of administration, wholesome and with the process of making gold in to foils. unwholesome diet during consumption of Rasa Alchemy slowly lost its ground; there was kalpa, is explained in detail. increased tendency to keep it confidential, the therapeutic aspect alone survived even that was 36 Sharma et al. confined to few Guru shishya parampara in the considered failures, complexities in experiments country. and availability of the drugs, importance of the subject matter in view of its practical utility. The Present Scenario text if elaborated properly had potential to change Today many ancient, recent scripts, many concepts of science in current practice. It compilation scripts and academic text books on can be a useful consultative text for undergraduate Indian alchemy written in different era modified and post graduate scholars of Rasashastra. as per recent advances, need and availability of drugs are available but very little part of it is in References practice since more than 3 centuries. Every text 1. Ayurveda ka vaigyanika itihas: Sharma P.V. has some speciality and the same process is Choukhamba orientalia, Varanasi, Reprint Ed., 468 (2009). explained with various methods in different texts. 2. Ayurveda Prakasha: Gularaja Sharma Mishra. This lag in practical utility of the knowledge of Chaukhamba Bharati Academy, Reprint edition, ancient alchemy is one of the barriers in Varanasi, Reprint Ed., preface: 13 (2007). understanding some aspects of subject. 3. Ayurveda Prakasha: commentary of Acharya Gularaja Sharma Mishra, Chaukhamba Bharati Conclusion Academy, Varanasi. Ed. preface: 4-5 (2007). 4. Ayurvediya Rasashastra: Jha C.B. Choukhamba Ayurveda Prakasha is an important text surbharathi Prakashan, Varanasi. 54 (2005). on Ancient Indian Alchemy and therapeutics 5. Bhanuprakash: Use of metals in Ayurvedic written after golden age of both the braches Medicine. Indian Journal of History of Science. which were then well practiced. It is a vol 32: 1-28 (1997). compilation text along with many important 6. Rasendra Sara Samgraha: preface and creations and modifications of its own. The commentary by Satyartha Prakasha Krishnadasa Academy, Varanasi. 1st Ed. foreword : na: (1994). subject matter of the text is focused on practical 7. Virupaksha Gupta K.L., Pallavi Gupta, Patgiri applicability, ease in performance and alternative BJ: History of Hindu Chemistry is not a lost methods of experimentation. Author had legacy, Ancient Science of Life. 30(3): 92-93 (2011).

Address for correspondence: Dr. Rohit Sharma, Department of RS & BK, IPGT & RA, Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar -361008 Gujarat (India) email [email protected]

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