E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Ancient Medical Knowledge

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Manuscriptology in Ayurveda: A Scientific Approach to Preserving Ancient Medical Knowledge

Gaurav1*, Jaiswal RT2, Ram M3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.6.46

1* Gaurav, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

2 Ramnihor Tapsi Jaiswal, Associate Professor, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

3 Manohar Ram, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest systems of medicine, has been preserved through a rich corpus of manuscripts written on palm leaves, birch bark, and handmade paper in various scripts. Manuscriptology, the scientific study of these manuscripts, is essential to preserving and understanding traditional Ayurvedic knowledge. This article explores the interdisciplinary methodology of Ayurvedic Manuscriptology including collection, preservation, editing, translation, and interpretation and discusses its outcomes, significance, and future directions. Through careful manuscriptological work, ancient wisdom can be made relevant and applicable to modern healthcare systems.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Manuscriptology, Classical texts, Conservation, Traditional medicine, Philology

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Gaurav, Post Graduate Scholar, Department of Samhita Evum Siddhant, Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Email: 		Gaurav, Jaiswal RT, Ram M, Manuscriptology in Ayurveda: A Scientific Approach to Preserving Ancient Medical Knowledge. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(6):333-337.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4624/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-05-04 2025-05-26 2025-06-06 2025-06-16 2025-06-26
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Not required 12.76

© 2025 by Gaurav, Jaiswal RT, Ram M and 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].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(6)333
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionAims and ObjectivesMethodologyResultsDiscussionConclusionReferences
Gaurav et al. Manuscriptology in Ayurveda

Introduction

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine rooted in Indian civilization, traces its origins to the Vedic period, with documented texts dating back over 3000 years. Key treatises such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya were originally transmitted orally before being written down in manuscript form. These manuscripts, written on palm leaves, birch bark, or handmade paper, are invaluable for understanding the evolution and regional adaptations of ayurveda. Ayurveda’s legacy spans millennia, forming an integral part of India’s medical, philosophical, and spiritual tradition (Sharma, 2012).[1] Its classical knowledge has been preserved in numerous manuscripts, some of which predate common print traditions. These manuscripts, containing original and commentarial works, are at risk due to environmental and human threats. Manuscriptology, the study of ancient manuscripts, provides structured methods to preserve and analyze these treasures, ensuring their continued relevance.

The systematic study of Ayurvedic manuscripts not only revives forgotten medical knowledge but also strengthens academic and clinical frameworks by contributing new therapeutic insights and historical understanding (Rao, 2005).[2] This paper discusses the methodologies involved in Ayurvedic manuscriptology and presents its impact on contemporary research and healthcare.

However, time, environmental factors, neglect, and lack of awareness have placed many of these manuscripts at risk of being lost forever. Manuscriptology - a discipline encompassing paleography, codicology, philology, and textual criticism - emerges as an essential tool to preserve and reconstruct the vast repository of Ayurvedic wisdom.

Through this article my aims to detail the methodological framework of Ayurvedic manuscriptology, highlight notable outcomes of recent manuscript studies, and discuss the implications for the future of Ayurvedic research and practice. This article aims to elucidate the methodological framework of Ayurvedic manuscriptology, underscore significant findings from recent manuscript studies, and explore their implications for the advancement of Ayurvedic research and practice.

Aims and Objectives

Aims:

To explore and analyze the role of manuscriptology in the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of Ayurvedic knowledge, and to evaluate its relevance to modern Ayurvedic research, education, and clinical application.

Objectives:

1. To define and contextualize manuscriptology as a scientific discipline within the scope of Ayurvedic studies.
2. To identify and describe the various methods and techniques involved in the collection, preservation, decipherment, editing, translation, and interpretation of Ayurvedic manuscripts.
3. To assess the outcomes and contributions of manuscriptological work in rediscovering lost Ayurvedic texts, treatment methodologies, and historical insights.
4. To highlight the challenges and limitations faced in the field of Ayurvedic manuscriptology, including issues of conservation, accessibility, and scholarly expertise.
5. To propose strategies and future directions for strengthening manuscriptological research in Ayurveda, including interdisciplinary collaboration, digital preservation, and curriculum development.
6. To emphasize the significance of manuscriptology in bridging classical Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary healthcare and research paradigms.

Methodology

Ayurvedic manuscriptology follows a sequence of well-defined steps, each involving specific skills and tools:

1. Survey, Collection, and Cataloging

Manuscripts are collected from public libraries, monasteries, temples, private collections, and state archives. Cataloging follows formats such as those provided by the National Mission for Manuscripts (NAMAMI, 2020),[3] which record metadata including title, script, language, author, date, and material condition.

Scholars and researchers undertake field visits to traditional homes, temples, mathas, mutts, and libraries across India. Manuscripts are examined for:


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(6)334
Gaurav et al. Manuscriptology in Ayurveda

  • Physical details: Script, material (palm leaf, paper), size, foliation, binding.
  • Content identification: Title, author, language, subject.
  • Provenance and dating: Based on colophons, watermarks, script style, and ink composition.

Cataloging follows national and institutional Cataloging follows national and institutional guidelines such as those from the National Mission for Manuscripts (NAMAMI).

2. Preservation and Conservation

Preservation involves physical and chemical techniques to clean, deacidify, and restore manuscripts. Digitization ensures their accessibility and long-term storage. Institutions such as the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute and the Oriental Manuscripts Library have made notable strides in this area (Deshpande, 2003).[4]

Manuscripts are often fragile due to natural decay. Conservation practices include:

  • Mechanical cleaning: Removing dust and biological growth using brushes and soft cloths.
  • Chemical treatment: Deacidification, fungicide application.
  • Physical conservation: Mending torn folios, flattening curled leaves, safe storage.
  • Digitization: High-resolution scanning for long-term preservation and online access.

3. Script Decipherment and Transliteration

Many Ayurvedic manuscripts are written in ancient or regional scripts like Grantha, Sharada, and Modi. Paleographers work to transliterate them into Devanagari using linguistic and computational tools (Gaur, 1992).[5]

Ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts use regional scripts such as:

  • Grantha (Tamil Nadu)
  • Modi (Maharashtra)
  • Sharada (Kashmir)
  • Newari (Nepal)

Experts trained in paleography transliterate these into modern scripts, primarily devanagari, using both manual and digital tools.

4. Critical editing and translation

  • Collation: comparing different versions of the same text to establish authenticity.
  • Interpolation identification: removing later additions or errors.
  • Translation and commentary: rendering the sanskrit text into vernacular or english, with explanatory notes for clarity.

5. Textual Analysis and Interpretation

Texts are examined in the light of current Ayurvedic understanding. Their clinical and theoretical content is compared with canonical texts like Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Sushruta Samhita to evaluate novelty and relevance.

  • Therapeutic principles.
  • Novel formulations.
  • Regional variations in pharmacology.
  • Ethical, philosophical, and cultural aspects.

These analyses are contextualized within contemporary Ayurvedic education and practice.

Results

Through Manuscriptological research in Ayurveda has yielded rich outcomes across various domains:

1. Rediscovery of Lost / Rare Texts

Manuscripts such as Basavarajeeyam and Vaidyamanorama have been published with critical commentary (Rastogi, 2015).[6]

Several previously unpublished or forgotten texts have been recovered and published, such as:

  • Basavarajeeyam
  • Vaidyamanorama
  • Nighantu Ratnakara

These contain novel formulations and diagnostic insights relevant for modern practice.

2. Regional and Temporal Variations in Practice

Comparative manuscript studies have uncovered:

  • Local medicinal plant use.
  • Variations in dosha theory interpretation.
  • Unique therapeutic procedures (e.g., region-specific Panchakarma methods).

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(6)335
Gaurav et al. Manuscriptology in Ayurveda

    3. Historical Contextualization

    Marginal notes, colophons, and authorial commentaries provide insights into:

    • Socio-cultural context.
    • Patronage and transmission networks.
    • Medical education systems of earlier centuries.

    4. Academic Contributions

    Educational enrichment: Digitized and edited manuscripts are now included in postgraduate curricula in ayurveda universities (Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, 2019).[7]

    Scholars have developed critical editions that now serve as authoritative versions of texts for academic curricula and clinical application.

    Discussion

    The study of ayurvedic manuscripts is not merely a scholarly exercise - it is a vital act of cultural preservation and scientific enrichment. By examining the ancient texts critically, we bridge the past with the present, allowing classical knowledge to inform contemporary research and healthcare innovation.

    Manuscriptology bridges the gap between ancient Ayurvedic knowledge and modern science. It helps validate traditional practices, facilitates new research directions, and preserves intangible cultural heritage. However, this field faces several challenges.

    Challenges in Ayurvedic Manuscriptology:

    • Physical degradation: Many manuscripts are unreadable or fragmented.
    • Lack of expertise: Few scholars are trained in both ayurveda and ancient scripts.
    • Limited funding: Conservation and research projects require sustained financial support.
    • Ethical issues: Ownership, access rights, and intellectual property need careful management.

    Recommendations and Future Directions:

    • Creating interdisciplinary teams of Ayurvedic scholars, linguists, historians, and computer scientists.
    • Institutional collaborations with NAMAMI and IGNCA to streamline research and access.

    • Integration of manuscriptology in postgraduate ayurvedic education.
    • Collaboration with institutions like NAMAMI, BORI, and Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
    • Use of Artificial Intelligence for script recognition and text comparison.
    • Establishing open-access digital libraries for researchers worldwide.

    Conclusion

    Manuscriptology in ayurveda is a cornerstone for reviving and validating the extensive, intricate body of ancient medical wisdom. Its scientific methods of preservation, interpretation, and dissemination are crucial for ensuring that ayurvedic knowledge continues to thrive and evolve. With institutional support, technological tools, and scholarly dedication, manuscriptology will remain a key discipline in safeguarding ayurveda for future generations. With adequate support and integration into education and research, manuscriptology can ensure the continued relevance and authenticity of ayurveda in the 21st century.

    References

    1. Sharma RK. Ayurveda ka Vaigyanik Itihaas (Scientific History of Ayurveda). Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2012. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

    2. Rao VB. Introduction to Manuscriptology. Chennai: Institute of Asian Studies; 2005. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

    3. NAMAMI. National Mission for Manuscripts: Guidelines for Manuscript Conservation Centres [Internet]. Ministry of Culture, Government of India; 2020 [cited 2025 Jul 18]. Available from: www. namami.gov.in [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

    4. Deshpande V. Preservation of Manuscripts in India: Problems and Prospects. New Delhi: Indian Council of Historical Research; 2003. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

    5. Gaur RC. Preservation and Conservation of Library Materials. New Delhi: Directorate of Book Production, IGNOU; 1992. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]


    J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(6)336
    Gaurav et al. Manuscriptology in Ayurveda

    6. Rastogi S. Rediscovery of Basavarajeeyam: A classical treatise of Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015;6(1):70–3. [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

    7. Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth. Postgraduate Curriculum for Ayurveda Manuscriptology and Samhita Studies. Pune: Department of Sanskrit and Samhita; 2019. . [Crossref][PubMed][Google Scholar]

    Disclaimer / Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of Journals and/or the editor(s). Journals and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.


    J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(6)337