CCRAS Revives Dravyaratnākara and Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭus in Ayurvedic Initiative

In a landmark move to rejuvenate India’s ancient Ayurvedic tradition, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), functioning under the Ministry of Ayush, has breathed new life into two long-lost Ayurvedic manuscripts—Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu and Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭu. These works, previously hidden in obscurity, have now been critically edited, translated, and released for public and academic access, signifying a monumental contribution to the world of Ayurveda.

A Historic Event in Mumbai

The prestigious release event was hosted by the RRAP Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) in Mumbai, witnessing an assembly of scholars, researchers, and institutional dignitaries. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, New Delhi. In his compelling speech, he elaborated on CCRAS’s initiatives in Ayurvedic research, digitisation of classical manuscripts, and efforts to preserve and disseminate ancient Indian medical literature.

Prof. Acharya remarked, “These texts are not just historical artefacts—they are living knowledge systems that can transform contemporary healthcare approaches when studied and applied thoughtfully.” His address laid emphasis on how the revival of such rare manuscripts bridges India’s ancient wisdom with evolving global medical paradigms.

Scholarly Stewardship by Dr. Sadanand D. Kamat

The revival of both manuscripts was spearheaded by Dr. Sadanand D. Kamat, a veteran Ayurvedic scholar and distinguished manuscriptologist based in Mumbai. Dr. Kamat’s contributions are renowned in the Ayurvedic academic world, especially for his critical work on other foundational Nighaṇṭus including Saraswati Nighaṇṭu, Bhāvaprakāsha Nighaṇṭu, and Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu.

Dr. Kamat’s critical editing of these texts involved in-depth philological research, validation against classical references, and the addition of modern commentaries to enhance their interpretability for today’s scholars and practitioners.

Distinguished Guests and Institutional Support

The release event was attended by several eminent personalities, including:

• Shri Ranjit Puranik, President of Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal and MD, Shri Dhootapeshwar Limited

• Dr. Ravi More, Principal, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Sion

• Dr. Shyam Nabar and Dr. Ashanand Sawant from Ayurvidya Prasarak Mandal

• Dr. R. Govind Reddy, Assistant Director (Ayu), CARI, Mumbai

Their presence underscored the collective commitment of the Ayurvedic community towards the preservation and propagation of India’s traditional health sciences.

Spotlight on the Manuscripts

Dravyaratnākara Nighaṇṭu: A 15th-Century Lexicon Reimagined

Originally penned by Mudgala Paṇḍita in 1480 AD, this manuscript comprises 18 detailed chapters that delve into drug synonyms, therapeutic actions, pharmacological qualities, and more. It stood as a pivotal reference in the Maharashtra region until the 19th century and draws heavily from iconic texts like Dhanvantari and Raja Nighaṇṭu. What sets Dravyaratnākara apart is its documentation of many previously unrecorded substances from plant, mineral, and animal origins, thus expanding the scope of Dravyaguna (Ayurvedic pharmacology).

Dr. Kamat’s version offers:

• A philologically precise translation of the original Sanskrit verses

• Commentary contextualised to modern research

• A glossary and cross-references with other classical Nighaṇṭus

This revival is poised to become a cornerstone resource for scholars and practitioners focusing on materia medica and historical pharmacology.

Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭu: Navigating the Labyrinth of Ayurvedic Homonyms

Attributed to Bhisma Vaidya, Dravyanāmākara Nighaṇṭu functions as a standalone appendix to the revered Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu, comprising 182 Sanskrit verses and two colophon verses. Its unique value lies in decoding the complex issue of Ayurvedic homonyms—a subject that continues to challenge scholars due to regional linguistic variations and overlapping terminology in herbal identification.

Dr. Kamat’s scholarly edition provides:

• Meticulous editing and annotation

• Practical insights for practitioners of Rasashastra (alchemy and chemistry), Bhaishajya Kalpana (pharmaceutical preparations), and Dravyaguna

• Clarified cross-identifications of drug names used in various classical contexts

This work will significantly aid both educational and clinical practice by ensuring precision in drug identification, a critical concern in ensuring treatment efficacy.

National Impact and the Road Ahead

These critically edited editions serve multiple roles:

• Educational tools for Ayurvedic colleges

• Research sources for postgraduate and doctoral scholars

• Clinical aids for Ayurvedic practitioners

• Preservation models for India's intangible cultural heritage

The initiative also aligns with the Ministry of Ayush’s mission to digitise and standardise classical knowledge, allowing it to integrate into modern wellness models both nationally and globally.

Through this revival, CCRAS continues to position itself as a beacon for India’s traditional medicine renaissance. By placing scholarship, digitisation, and public dissemination at the heart of its efforts, CCRAS is not only saving the past but sculpting a more enlightened future for holistic healthcare.