International Journal of Trend in Scientific

Research and Development (IJTSRD)

International Open Access Journal
ISSN No: 2456 - 6470 | www.ijtsrd.com | Volume - 2 | Issue – 5

Chronological Development off Rasa Shastra

Dr. Gajendra Kumar Sahu1, Dr. Kavita2, Dr. S. M. Parhate3, K. S Karbhal4
1,2
Scholar, 3Professor and HOD, 4Reader
MD Scholar
PG Department of Rasshastra and Bhaishajyakalpana Govt. Ayurvedic College,
C
Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

ABSTRACT
Rasa shastra is a most important and popular branch disease and ultimately life extension.1 The Rasa
of Ayurveda It deals with the knowledge related to dravya have the following three characteristic
alchemy( Lohavedh) and Ayurvedic Pharmaceutics attributes: instant effectiveness, requirement of very
specially connected to the drugs of mineral origin smallll doses and extensive therapeutic utility
with a view to remove poverty from the world and to irrespective of constitutional variation. The origin of
strengthen the body and also to prevent their ageing Rasa sastra has its roots in the Indian alchemy.
alchemy
process. History of Rasa Shastra can be traced in pre Alchemy was a form of chemistry studied in the
vedic period where metals are successfully employed medieval period, in which people tried to discover
in treatment of various diseases. Its development was different ways to change ordinary metals into gold.
rapid after Lord Buddha and the influence of the This practice went on for centuries, yielding some of
philosophy of Ahimsa. This was the era when Rasa the significant findings in the field of alchemy.
Shastra flourished tremendously. It was recognized as
a medical science with an independent philosophical Vedic Kala
background in 14th century, by Madhavacharya
vacharya in his  Rigveda reveals that copper, gold, Iron and some
book Sarva Darsana Samgraha. Considering the other metals and minerals have been used in that
importance of this discipline in Ayurvedic period.2
therapeutics and the fact that there is dearth of  Rigveda refers to Asvins substituting the lost leg
comprehensive review on the subject an attempt has of Vishala by a thigh made of iron.
been made in this review to provide a brief but all  Yajurveda enumerated a list of metals &minerls –
encompassing coverage of different aspects related to Ayas, Hiranya, Syam (copper), Loha, Sisa (Lead),
it. Trapu (Tin).
 According to a quotation in Yajurveda Swarna is
Keywords: Alchemy, Ahimsa, Lohavedh seful in improving longevity, lusture, Strength.3
useful
 In Atharvveda Hiranyadarshanphala and its
INTRODUCTION internal use are mentioned
Etymologically the word “Rasa” is use
used to describe  Chandogya Upanishad – Tikshnaloha used as
the metal Mercury,, also known as quicksilver. The medicine.
word “Shastra” meanss knowledge or sacred scripture.  Transmutation of lower metals into gold has been
The term Rasa shastra, therefore could be translated described in Taittariyabramhana.
as the ‘science of mercury’. Rasshastra or the  As per Manusmriti During the birth ritual of a
Ayurvedic alchemy is an important branch of baby Swarnaprasana is indicated.
Ayurvedic pharmacology which deals with the metals,  The description of metals like Swarna, Rajat etc.
minerals the gemstones, animal products and herb
herbal and precious stones like Manikya, etc. is available
ingredients, highly medicinal co mounds were in Garuda Purana, Agni Purana, and Devi bhagvat.
formulated for rejuvenation, the cure for chronic

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
CharakaSamhita  Ayaskriti is the specific contribution of
Sushrutasamhita.11
Caraka has classified drugs into three categories –  Surprisingly external application of mercury is
1. Sthavar also evident in Sushruta Samhita.
2. Jangam  Acharya Sushruta mention of pakas namely
3. Bhaum Sthalipaka. etc.
 Dhatuvish – Phenashma and Hartala were first
The third category includes gold, iron, copper, tin time introduced in Sushruta Samhita.
etc.4  Internal administration of Anjana is first time
 Manhshila, Haratala, Kasis, are used for external indicated in Sushruta Samhita.
application for purpose of external application.  Various Dhatus are mentioned for internal
 Shodhana of Parthivdravya are mentioned in administration in Dravya Sangrahniya adhyay.
charakasamhita.5  Two bhedas of lauha is described in
 Suvarna and Rouya are used for purose of SushrutaSamhita. Tikshnalauhaand kala lauha.
PunsavanSamsakara.6  Vibhitakkashtha is used for burning of Mandur.12
 Lohadi Rasayana is indicated for Rasayana  Gandhaka is used in Mahavajrataila for
Karma7 kushthachikitsa.
 Vaidurya, Mukta, Manibhasma, Gairika, Shankha,  SwarnaPrashan is indicated in new born child.13
Suvarnabhasma has used in udakakalpana for  The word bhasma mentioned in Sushrutasamhita
Raktaittachikitsa.8 (Sutra 2 & Kalpa 6) only the ash of vegetable
 There is no direct reference of Parad is mentioned drugs.
in Charak Samhita. But in charakakushtha-chikitsa  The concept of Puta appears to be developed for
adhyay the word “Ras” is used. the first time by Sushruta and the references
 Different types of Loha, Tapya, Adrija, Rouya, regarding tuvarakarasayana reflects about it.
Makskika etc. has used in variety of yogas for  The pulp of tuvaraka is to be burnt in closed
Panduchikitsa. vessel without letting out the smoke ( Antardhuma
 Mukta, Praval, Vaidurya , Shankh, Shatika, method) and put.
Anjana, Gandhaka has used in Shwasvyadhi as
Muktadyachurna with Madhu and Sarpi. A thorough review of SushrutaSamhita provides a
 Tamra used in garavisha for vamana and suvarna sound opinion that application of metals and minerals
with Madhuasvishagna yoga.9 are mentioned in this classic from the therapeutic
 Vajra, Markata, Vishamushika, vaidurya are used angle as well as other purpose.
for sarpadanshanivaran.
 Manahashila used as pradhamannasyain AshtangaSangraha and AshtangaHridaya
kaphajpratishyay.  Internal administration of Parada was first time
 Pitakchurna (Manhshila, Hartala, Yavakshara, mentioned in Ashtanga Sangraha Rasayana
Saindhav has used in Pitakchurna to treat Prakaran.
mukharoga.  Bhasmanirmanavidhi is mentioned in Ashtanga
 We see that Dhatus were administered in the form Sangraha.
of powder (Raja) only and the concept of bhasmas  For Lohamaran bhanupakvidhi is introduced.
was not developed during the classical age.  AstangaSangrahafirtly enumerates ghatimusaand
Andhamusa.
Sushruta Samhita  The process of Dhatubhasma was conceived
In this Samhita also references of Theraeutic during the time of Vriddhavagbhatta.
applications of mineral and metallic substances are  For lohamarana Bhanupakavidhi hasintroduced.
found abundantly.  Shukravar dhanatm akkalpa is explained in detail
 Trapvadigana and usakadigana are described, which contain Parada, Gandhaka and Shilajatu
various dhatus are mentioned in these gana. etc.14
 Several Yantra and Shastra used in surgical  Sikth, Sindoor, Tutha, Tarkshya are used in taila
process are made of different kinds of metals or form for treatment of vicharchika.
alloys.  Two tyes of Lauha – Tikshnalauha and Krishna
lauha has described.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
 Ras, Veerya, Vipaka of various dhatu introduced Harsacarita
by vridhavagbhata. Harscarita of Banabhatta gives a long list of
 The credit of using visa in therapeutics once again companions and assistants of king Harsa this includes
goes to vagbhatta. physicians, alchemist, mineralogists, priests etc.

Kautilya Arthshastra  Here mineralogy was an art it belonged to one of

Kautilya arthasastra written by Canakya, a great the sixty four arts
Academic, Economical and Political master of Gupta  Its aim was to make some worthy minerals out of
period. It may be composed in 4th century B.C. some worthless ones i.e. through alchemy; the
term Jatarupaka for gold maks this clear.
 In this period lohavidya is in its peak level of  The knowledge of mineralogy was accomplished
development. through tantras and mantras.
 Several references of use of metal and minerals
for purposes of preparation of utencils, armory Kubjikatantra
and some medicinal objectives found in Manuscripts of this work were traced in ‘Nepal
kautilyaArthashastra.15 library. It may be composed in 6th century A.D.
 Sodhana and Mardavkara processes of dhatus
were mentioned.  It is mentioned that therapeutic action of Parada
 Identification of Dhatu and Ratnas are introduced. increases due to incineration of it with sulphur for
 Seven types of Loha mentioned- Kalayas, six times.
Tamravritta, Kansya, sisa,Trapu, Vakrintak, and  The procedure of transmutation of copper into
Aarkoot. gold is mentioned in this book.
 Three sources for occerence of mukta mentioned-
Shankh, Shukti and Prakirna. Development of Rasa Shastra in Medieval period
 Even though metals and minerals were used both
externally and internally for the preservation as Nagarjuna: The systemic evolution of Rasa Shastra
well as promotion of positive health and cure of took place during the time of Nagarjuna. In this period
diseases. number of most valuable Rasa preparations alongwith
 At that time three types of Suvarna used – their pharmaceutical processing techniques have
1. Jatroop( Native) developed. He learned knowledge from Acharya
2. Rasavidha( from vedh of mercury) Sarabha in Nalanda Vidyapitha. He knows about
3. Akarodbhav Mayurividya and krutrim Swarna Nimana from
 Suvarna made from Rasa i.e. Parada is mentioned parada.18
as Rasavidha.16
 This shows that even prior to his time this type of Acharya Gorakshanath: He made the Khechari
gold was available in the market and people knew Gutika and Suvarnanirmanarthagutikakalpa.
the techniques of conversation of base metals into
noble metals with the help of mercury. Rasa Ratna Samucchaya: It is a well known
 For Suvarna shodhan they used siskam and for comprehensive treatise of Rasa Shastra. Scattered
suvarna vikrutikaran they used Hingula. knowledge of Rasaśāstra is well compiled
by Vāgbhaṭa. It is the best available text
Varahmihira Period on Rasaśāstra which describes not only
Although he was the Acharya of Jyotishshastra, he pharmaceutical and therapeutical aspects but also
had the basic knowledge of Ayurveda and also of covers the eight branches of Ayurveda. It is a
Rasshastra. compilation but has its own specialty and
 In his literature he explains all dhatu, Ratna, consequence. 19
Manhashila, Gairika etc.
 He again explains the Payanavidhi of shastra. Rasa Hridaya Tantra: Rasa HridayaTantra is a
 He also made a shukravardhakkalpa which unique text among a huge number of rasa literatures,
includes Parada, Makshika, lohabhasma, which gives elaborate description of 18 special
Gandhaka, shilajatu. This kalpa resembles the mercurial processing techniques (Astadashaparada
Shukravardhak yoga of Ashtanga sangraha.17 Samskara).This manuscript is presented with a

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
guideline, how to make Mercury competent for formulations from different classics are collected. In
transmuting base metals into a noble one and to addition to this some new formulations are also
produce therapeutic benefits with them.20 included.

Ras Ratnakara: He explained krutim Kupipakwa Rasa Nirmana Vigyana: This book
Manikyanirmana and Indranil Nirmana in his book was written by Vaidya Harisharnananda. In this
RasRatnakara. treatise he mentioned various kupiakva rasa kalpas
and their methods of preparation. Swami
Anandakanda: This text gives an elaborate Harisharanand Vaidya has described 258
description of Rasa Shastra. Dehavada as well as kupipakwarasayana in his text Kupiakava Rasa
Lohavada concept of Rasa Shastra has been described NirmanaVigyana.
in detail.
Ratna Dhatu Vigyan: This Granth is written by Shri
Development of Rasa Shastra in Modern Era Badrinarayana shastri. In this book all gemstones
(Ratna and Upratna) and other Rasshatriyadravya
Bhaishajya Ratnavali: Bhaishajya Ratnavali is (Parada, Rasa, Uparasa) are described in detail. In
written by Kavi Raj Govinda Das Sen composed in 18 addition to this some upratna( Jaharmohra, Akika,
th century AD. It is compiled book mainly from Yakuta) and some minerals like uranium, chromium,
Chakradutta, Rasendrasarasangraha, Charaka etc. chroyolite and Kelslite are briefly described
Paribhasha Prakarana, Mana Paribbhasa, various
Rasa dravya are described in detail. Yogas including Discussion
swarasa, kalka, kwath, vati, Bhasma and various History of Indian alchemy can be traced to pre vedic
compound Herbal and Herbomineral preparations and period. The archaeological excavations at
pathyaand apathyaare mentioned in detail for each Mohenjodaro and Harappa in the Indus valley have
diseases .21 brought to light that the people in ancient India were
possessing chemical knowledge as early as in the pre
Rasatarangini: Rasatarangini is written by historic period. In Vedic period single herbs were
Pranacharya Sadananda Sharma. It ia an authoritative used for medication. Minerals and animal substances
text on Rasa Shastra and contains all the detail of were also in use but no compound preparations were
various procedures involved in the drug preparations. prepared. Alchemy in India was started for the
Acharya has named the chapters of the text as preparation off a potion of life for imparting
Taranga. Total 24 Taranga and 3651 verses immortality and later for the transmutation process for
encompasses Rasatarangini. Acharya Sadananda converting ordinary metals into gold. Indian alchemy
Sharma has mentioned only those procedures which derived its colour and flavour largely from tantric
are realistic and feasible in present scenario. He cult. Then, in later centuries, all the previous
mentioned some acids like sulphuric acid, sorakamla, accumulated alchemial ideas were put to practical use
Lavanamla etc.22 and a number of preparations of mercury and other
metals were evolved as helpful accessories in
Rasamritam: This book is written by Acharya Yadav medicine
ji Trikamji in 1951.Rasamritam is the latest doctrine
in the field of Rasa Shastra which compiles the extract Conclusion
of the older books and adopted some new and Historically the drugs of mineral origin are in use
contemporary concepts. The Practical aspects of this since ancient times in the therapeutics but during that
text influence both the academicians as well as period their numbers were very much limited
physicians in large extent. Very systemic probably on account of non development of suitable
classifications of materials are found in this text. It is and sophisticated pharmaceutical procedures,
a literature of modern era where amalgamation of techniques and processes necessary for their
modern chemistry and Rasa Shastra occurs, and also conversion to suitable dosage forms. However since
incorporation of some unani drugs are found.23 the time of Nagarjuna ( 8th and 9th century A.D.) Who
is considered as ‘Father of Indian alchemy and metal
Rasa yoga Sagar: Rasa yoga sagar is written by Shri related Ayurvedic pharmaceutical sciences, the use of
Hariprapannasharma in 1930. In this text various mineral drugs have started to become more popular

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
and frequent in Alchemy and pharmaceutic- Varanasi, Reprint 2012, SushrutaChikitsa10/11,
otherapeutics. It is believed to have come into its pp:72
proper existence with its scientific classification and
12. Shastri Ambikadutta, Sushruta Samhita
documentation around 8th century. The main
Uttarardha. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sannsthan
foundation being the concept that the objective of the
Varanasi, Reprint 2012, Sushruta Uttartantra
science of mercury is not limited to Alchemy
44/21, pp:373
(Dhaatuvaada) but also to maintain health and
strengthen the body for achieving Mukti . 13. Shastri Ambikadutta, Sushruta Samhita
Purvardha. Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sannsthan
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