E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Bell Metal

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 10 OCTOBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A Literary Review of Kansya (Bell Metal)

Devaki S1*, Sushma D2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.10.37

1* Sonbhoyar Devaki, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurvedic College, Dharashiv, Maharashtra, India.

2 Dongre Sushma, Assistant Professor and PG Guide, Dept of Rasa shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurvedic College, Dharashiv, Maharashtra, India.

Kansya is a metallic alloy known as Bell metal worldwide typically comprised of 78% copper and 22% tin. The classical texts divided Loha or Dhatus into three categories i.e., Shuddha Loha, Puti Loha, and Mishra Loha. Kansya is popularly categorized under Mishra Loha. As per the description available in Rasa Granthas Kansya constitutes of Tamra (Copper) and Vanga (Zinc) in a 4:1 proportion. Kansya was processed into Bhasma through the Shodhana and Marana processes.

Aim and Objectives: To review classical literature on Kansya along with pharmaceutical process of Shodhana and Marana for preparation of Kansya Bhasma.

Material and Method: All the classical literature in Rasagrantha, Samgraha Grantha, textbook of Ayurveda and Rasashastra regarding Kansya Bhasma.

Observation and Result: The classical literature revealed that synonyms, vernacular name and type of Kansya from various classical text. The pharmaceutical process like Kansya Nirman Vidhi, Grahyagrahyatva Lakshana, Shodhana and Marana procedure is mentioned by various Acharyas. Therapeutic uses of Kansya Bhasma also mentioned in various text.

Conclusion: This review was the compilation of information about Kansya compiled from different classical Rasa Shastra Texts. On reviewing the text, no or very little research information was quoted in regard to Kansya. There need to explore further study on Kansya Bhasma.

Keywords: Kansya, Bhasma, bell metal, Copper and Tin

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Sonbhoyar Devaki, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Government Ayurvedic College, Dharashiv, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Devaki S, Sushma D, A Literary Review of Kansya (Bell Metal). J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(10):221-226.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3723

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-09-12 2024-09-24 2024-10-04 2024-10-14 2024-10-24
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
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© 2024by Devaki S, Sushma Dand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Kansya (Bell metal) has been prevailing since period of Samhita Kala. It is an alloy of copper and tin. In Rasa Shastra, Loha is categorized into three groups i.e., Shuddha Loha (noble metals), Puti Loha (foul smell producing metal on heating), and Mishra Loha (alloy).[1]

Kansya is classified among Mishra Loha. Formerly, it was combined in the Loha group but thereafter in the Mishra Loha along with Pittala (Brass) and Varta Loha (Bronze).

Kansya is quoted in a wide array of Rasa Shastra texts like Ras Ratna Samuchchya, Rasa Tarangini, Rasendra Chudamani, Rasendra Chintamani, Ayurveda Prakash, Rasa Prakash Sudhakara and Sharangdhar Samhita.

It is made up of Tamra (copper) and Vanga (tin) in a 4:1 proportion. Kansya Bhasma is advisable in the regimen for extensive ailments like Krimi (Worm infestation), Kushtha (Skin diseases) and eye disease.

It is an element in the formulations such as Nityanad Rasa, Laxmivilas Rasa, Chintamani Rasa, Kshayakeshari Rasa and Vatvidhvanasa Rasa.

Aim and Objectives

Literary study of Kansya from various classical text books.

Materials and Methods

1. Source of data: Literary study done by collecting data from all Rasashaastra classical text book.
2. Including journal, website, internet
3. Previous work done.

Review of Literature

Kansya is an important Misra Loha since period of Samhita Kala. Misra Dhatus is important because they have more therapeutic properties as compared to single-metal preparations. Acharya Charak used this metal to prepare Basti Netra.[2]

In ancient Kala, Kansya utensils were used for cooking practices. Kansya Bhasma has properties of Tamra and Vanga. It is used in worm infestation, skin diseases and blood disorders.[3]

Table 1: Synonyms of Kansya by various literatures

SNClassical textSynonyms of Kansya
1.Rasa Tarangini[4]Kansiya, Kansyaka, Kansya, Ghoshpushpa, Ghoshaka, Vahnilauha, Ghosha
2.Shaligramnighantu[5]Kansya, Vidutpriya, Tamrardha, Vangashulbaja, Kansasthi, Prakasha, Ghantashabda, Asurahya, Saurashtraka, Ghosha, Kasiya, Ghorpushpa, Vahnilauhaka, Diptilohaka, Ghoshpushpa, Diptiloha, Kasaka, Tamraputra, Dipti.
3.Rajanighantu[6]Kansya, Saurashtrika, Ghosha, Vahnilauhaka, Kansiya, Dipta, Loha, Ghorpushpa, Dipataka, Sumana
4.Kaiyadevanighantu[7]Kansya, Lohanibha, Ghosha, Prakasha, Kamala, Lavalam
5.Dhanvantarinighantu[8]Kansya, Lohama, Nijam, Prakasha, Kansyakam, Balam, Ghoshpushpa
6.Rasa Jala Nidhi[9]Dhwanishcha, Kansyakam, Kansya, Ghoshpushpa, Ghoshakam, Ghosho, Ghoshamagniloham, Ghosha
7.AnandKandama[10]Kansya, Saurashtrika, Ghosha, Kansiya, Vahnilauhaka, Dipta, Loha, Ghoshayu, Dipatka

Vernacular Names[11]

Sanskrit - Kansya
English - Bell metal
Hindi - Kansya, Kansyi
Marathi - Kase
Gujrati - Kasu.
Farsi - Royin
Telugu - Kanchu
Kannada - Kanchu
Arabi - Talikuna
Vanga - Kansa

Kansya Nirmana Vidhi

Kansya is prepared by melting and mixing Shuddha Tamra (four parts) and Shuddha Vanga (one part). Kansya Bhasma contain copper and tin element. Hence some benefits of copper and tin in the human body.

Table 2: Rasa Panchak (Ayurvedic Pharmacological Property) of Kansya [12]

SNRasa PanchakProperties
1.Rasa (Taste)Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
2.Guna (Quality)Ruksha (dryness), Laghu (Light)
3.Virya (Potency)Ushna (hot)
4.Vipaka (Post Digestive State)Katu (Pungent)
5.Prabhava (Therapeutic Effect)Lekhana
6.Effect on Dosha KarmaPacifies Kapha & Vata and Detoxifies Pitta
7.Effects on OrgansEyes, Skin & Intestines

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Table 3: Type of Kansya[13]

According to Ayurveda Prakash Kansya have 2 varieties which is mentioned

SNTypeQuality
1.PushpaShwetatam (white) and Grahya
2.TailikaPitabh-Rakta and Agrahya

Grahya Kansya Lakshana[14]

Sample of Kansya having Teekshana Shabdam (sharp sound), Mridu (soft), Snigdha (smooth to touch), Eshat Shayamalam (slightly grayish), Shubhram/Nirmalam (without impurities), Dahe Raktam (turns red on heating) is preferred for therapeutic purposes.

Agrahya Kansya Lakshan

Sample of Kansya having Pittavarna (yellow in colour), turns Tamravarna (copper in colour) when heated, Khara, Ruksha (rough), Ghanasaham (prone to breaking when beaten with a mallet), Mandanada (makes a low sound when struck) and is Gatjyoti (lustreless), Kansya having these seven characteristics should be discarded. That is, do not use it for Bhasma.

Preparation of Kansya Bhasma

All metals and minerals undertake the two essential processes of Shodhana and Marana to transform into their most potent dose form, known as Bhasma.

Shodhana (Purification)

Rasa Tarangini has stated Shodhana (purification) as a process of elimination of Doshas from the Lohadi Dhatus by subjecting them to a procedure like Peshana, Mardana (trituration), Bhavana (levigation), etc. with a previously prescribed Aushadha (drug).
Shodhana process is grossly subdivided into two major categories:

1. Samanya (General procedure for all metals) and
2. Vishesha (Specific procedure for a single metal).

Samanya Shodhana of Kansya (Purification)[15]

It is a series of processes in which five Dravyas (fluids) are used as quenching media viz, Tila Taila (Sesame oil), Takra (Buttermilk), Gomutra (Cow’s urine), Kanji (Sour Gruel), Kulattha Kwatha (decoction of Horse gram).

Kansya is heated and quenched 7 consecutive times in each media, in successive order. It will be 35 times heating and quenching. This process will be mitigating toxicity and enhance potency, it requires Vishesh Shodhana after Samanya Shodhana.

Table 4: Vishesh Shodhana of Kansya as mentioned in classics.

Shodhana DravyaR.T [16]R.R.S[17]A.P. [19]R.C. [20]R.P.S [21]R.CHI [22]
Gomutra (Kansya Patras is heated and quenched in cow’s urine for 7 times)üüüü
Nirgundi Swaras
(Kansya Patras is heated and quenched in Nirgundi Swaras for 7 times.)		ü
Gomutra (Heating Kansya Churna in Gomutra mixed with Saindhava Lavana for one Prahara)üü

Marana (Incineration)

Table 5: Marana of Kansya as mentioned in classics.

SNClassical textMarana of Kansya
1.Rasendra Chudamani[23]Kansya Marana is done by applying
Shuddha Gandhak and Hartal 50-50gm each on 200gm Kansya Patra(leaflets). After this, heat is given in Varaha Puta and Gaja Puta to obtain Kansya Bhasma.
2.Rasa Prakash Sudhakar[24] &
Rasaratan Samucchyaya[25]		Kansya marana is done by using Hartal, Gandhak along with Nimbu rasa for
trituration. Five or more Gaja Puta can be given till the Bhasma is formed
3.Sharangdhar Samhita[26]Samyoga of Gandhak (treated with Arka milk, Bargad milk, Sambhalu Patra Kalka, Chiraunji Kalka) with Tamra,
Pittal and Kansya forms their Bhasma
4.Ayurveda Prakasha[27]Gandhak is grinded in Arka milk and this paste is applied on Kansya Patras. The heat of Gaja Puta is supplied and Kansya Bhasma is obtained after two Puta
5.Rasatarangini[28]Kansya Marana (1st Method) – Gandhak mixed with Arka milk is applied on Kansya Patra and dried. Now three Gaja Puta are given.
Kansya Marana (2nd Method) - Shuddha Kansya churna and Shuddha Hingul is taken in equal quantities, triturated with Nimbu Swarasa and three Gaja Puta are given.
Kansya Marana (3rd Method) - Shuddha Kansya churna and Manahshila Churna is mixed with Gandhak in equal quantities and triturated with Ghritkumari rasa. After the above mixture dries three Gaja Puta are given.

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Marana is defined as the process by which metals and minerals are grounded with liquids (Svarasa etc.) and when dry reduced to Bhasma by heat. For proper achievement of Paka of Rasadi Dhatus, a quantum heat (Agni) in the form of Puta is required which should be neither less nor more.[15] For Kansya to be appropriate for internal administration, the Shodhana process must be implemented and succeeded by the Marana process. It is considered to be the ultimate stage in achieving the formation of nanoparticles. On the basis of the Bhavana Dravya (medium) adopted for the Marana technique, numerous methods have been suggested by the Acharyas.

Kansya Bhasma dosage:[29]

General dose of Kansya Bhasma is ½ -1 Ratti. However, dose is finalized after through consideration of all relevant factors.

Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Kansya Bhasma

Kansa (Kansya) Bhasma has properties of Tamra and Vanga. It is used in worm infestation, skin diseases and blood disorders. However, potency (Virya) of Kansya Bhasma is Ushana (Hot), but it pacifies Pitta because of its Tikta (Bitter) & Kashaya (Astringent) in taste (Rasa). Due to qualities like Laghu (Light) & Ruksha (Dry), it may not be beneficial in Vata disorders. Therefore, it should be used in Kapha-Pitta disorders. Kansya Bhasma contains copper and tin elements. Here are some benefits of copper and tin in the human body. According to Rasprakash Sudhakar Kansya Bhasma has Vata Nashaka and Sarva Prameha Nashaka (cures all types of Diabetes).[30

Discussion

Kansya is Mishra Loha of Tamra (Copper) and Vanga (tin). Although Kansya is well known since the Samhita period, its internal use was seen in the primitive period. Kansya one of such metals has been advocated in the management of innumerable diseases. Metals and minerals are important parts of therapeutics in Ayurveda. In our classics, Kansya Bhasma has been indicated in Krimi (Worm infestation), Kushtha (Skin diseases) and eye disease. In Rasashastra typically, minerals and metals are processed as Bhasma. There are multiple stages in the preparation of a Bhasma, encompassing Shodhana, Bhavana, and Marana.

After Bhasmikarana, the macro-sized metals and minerals transform into micro-sized Bhasma. Kansya Bhasma prepared after enduring these processes is therapeutically appreciated because of its nano-crystalline structure. The small particle size of Kansya Bhasma helps it to interact with the body at the molecular level. The bioavailability of Bhasma is enhanced even at lower doses owing to its substantially decreased particle size. The formulations of Kansya can be utilized in a number of diseases.

Conclusion

This review is the compilation of information about Kansya compiled from different classical Rasa Shastra Texts. Pittala (Brass) and Varta Loha (Bronze) were known in the later Vedic period, especially Bronze Age. On reviewing the text, no or very little research information was quoted in regard to Kansya. Tamra and Vanga being the component of Kansya is widely used for making Bhasma. Undoubtedly, the Bhasma of Kansya might be easy to prepare compared to Tamra, but there is no research study done on the pharmacological evaluation of Kansya Bhasma. Kansya could be a good substitute for Tamra Bhasma because it is convenient to formulate. Moreover, it is mild in temperament than Tamra. This article is only limited for literally study Kansya. This study shows that classical principle like Shodhana and Marana has own important hence need to be studied and followed well.

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