Epigraphic Insights into Ayurveda: The SAHI Portal Initiative

Epigraphy’s scope is vast, encompassing the study of the art of writing, decipherment of scripts (paleography), and interpretation of languages and content. It is a major source for understanding the political, social, economic, religious, and cultural aspects of different periods[1] Inscriptions provide insights into royal proclamations, religious donations, land grants, social structures, economic activities (agriculture, trade, measurement systems, religious practices (temples, donations, beliefs), cultural aspects (art, music, literary styles)[2] and the evolution of languages[3] Major publications like Epigraphia Indica (EI), Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum (CII), and South Indian Inscriptions (SII) have been instrumental in documenting and disseminating epigraphic research[2] Epigraphic studies in India involve the study of inscriptions, which are writings engraved on durable materials such as stone, metal, wood, shell, and terracotta.[4] The terms epigraphy and inscriptions are often used synonymously.[5] This field is considered a crucial part of archaeology in India4 and serves as a primary tool for understanding the history and culture of the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the time of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (3rd century B.C.) to the late medieval period.[4] Despite its importance, epigraphic research faces challenges such as language barriers, physical degradation of inscriptions, and interpretative complexities. However, it remains a reliable foundation for dating and understanding India’s rich cultural heritage, providing a durable historical framework[6] Inscriptions, whether etched on stone, copper plates, or temple walls, offer direct and often contemporary insights into the lives and practices of past societies, filling crucial gaps where traditional historical records may be sparse.[6] It is within this vital field that the “Showcasing of Ayurveda Historical Imprints (SAHI)” portal emerges as a significant initiative, dedicated to exhibiting India’s primary medical heritage. SAHI Portal[7] is a prestigious project developed by the CCRAS-National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India which is a modern initiative that leverages epigraphy to showcase India’s medical heritage, particularly Ayurveda. It highlights inscriptions related to Ayurvedic physicians, hospitals, medicine donations, and medical practices, demonstrating the continued relevance of epigraphic studies in understanding different facets of Indian history. Launched with the objective of presenting a virtual collection of primary evidence related to Ayurveda, SAHI meticulously gathers archaeological references such as prehistoric sites, sculptures depicting medical techniques, palaeopathological artefacts, and archaeobotanical data. These inscriptions, often referred to as “Shasana,” are royal decrees, commands, and edicts issued by ancient kings or figures of high status. They offer an invaluable glimpse into the political, social, and, in the context of SAHI, medical fabric of India’s glorious past. Ancient texts such as Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Rajatarangini define “Shaasana” as a royal edict or grant, providing insights into their composition. SAHI categorises these inscriptions based on their nature, such as Raja Shasana (royal proclamations on governance and public welfare towards Ayurveda), Dana Shasana (grants supporting Ayurvedic physicians), Shila Shasana (edicts outlining societal codes towards Ayurvedic medicine), Graha Shasana (city governance related to Ayurvedic physicians), and Avadaana Shasana (exemplary behaviour of Ayurvedic doctors) Methodology of Collection of the DATA The dedicated team behind SAHI diligently collects data from sources such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), state archaeology books, and reports. They undertake extensive physical surveys across India, collecting original inscription images and estampages. Its heartening to inform that, the project’s scope extends beyond India, with evidence collected from countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal and other neighbouring countries and places like Kambodia, Thailand in the east. Presentation of the Contents and Access The SAHI portal, accessible online, is structured with two main modules: Primary and Supportive Data, categorised into fifteen sections. Its features include advanced search capabilities, a gallery, and a dynamic data entry system for uploads that are verified by subject experts. The SAHI portal houses a wealth of information, currently encompassing 937 artefacts, including 267 primary medical evidence such as inscriptions on Ayurvedic physicians, surgeons, hospitals, and medicine donations. Here is a list of prominent inscriptions prominently showcased in the SAHI Portal along with brief descriptions of their medical importance: Nagarjuna Konda Inscription (3rd century AD): Found in Andhra Pradesh, this inscription from the Ikshvaku dynasty mentions a vihara or monastery hospital for treating Buddhist monks. It uses the term Vigatajvar-ālaya, meaning “a hospital for a person recovered from fever.” Nandi Pillar/Malka Puram Inscription (13th century AD): Belonging to the Kakatiya dynasty in Andhra Pradesh, this inscription records Visvesvara Siva of Golakimāṭha’s donation of land for the maintenance of a General Hospital and a Maternity Hospital, as well as land for physicians. Tirumukkudal Inscription (11th century AD): Discovered in Tamil Nadu, this inscription describes a hospital with 15 beds for students at the Vedic college and temple servants. It details the hospital staff, including a general physician, a surgeon, male and female medical attendants with their roles and salaries, and also lists a variety of medicines stored in the hospital. Say-Fong Inscription in Cambodia (12th century AD): This inscription records a hospital established under King Jayavarman VII for both men and women to provide health services across the kingdom. It mentions the number of individuals assigned for overall care and medicines, as well as attendants and the provision of food for the sick. Brihadhiswara Temple Inscription (11th century AD): Found at Thanjavur and belonging to the Chola King Rajaraja Deva, this inscription records the donation of land (maruttuvaperu or Vaidya vrutthi) enjoyed by physicians for their medical services. Kaluvacheru Inscription (15th century AD): This inscription reveals the grant of the village Kaluvacheru (now Annavaramu) in Andhra Pradesh by Queen Antithalli of the Koṇḍaveeḍu dynasty to the physician Parahitāchārya. It also mentions that the treatment for snakebites or scorpion bites was called Parahithavidhi or Vishavaidya. Saidapur Inscription in Telangana (11th century AD): Belonging to Chalukya King Jayasimha II, this inscription mentions the Royal Physician Aggalaya, who was highly skilled in curing diseases and was an exceptional surgeon with titles like Naravaidyaratnaakara and Praanaachaarya. Phanigiri Inscription from Telangana (3rd - 4th century AD): This inscription from Ikshvaku King Sri Rudra Purusha Datta records the erection of a pillar by Chief Physician (Agrabhishaja) Dhemasena, providing evidence of the existence of chief physicians to the kings. Erragudi Rock Edict of Asoka (250 BCE): This edict from the Maurya dynasty mentions medical treatment facilities for both humans and animals, including efforts to plant medicinal herbs beneficial to cattle. The five pillars of Eradukatte-Basti at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka (Hoysala dynasty): These inscriptions mention the donation of medicine to aid those suffering from a severe disease by Ganga-Raja and Dēmāvati. The Nasik Cave Inscription of Rishabhadatta (Maharashtra): This inscription is dedicated to the Buddhist community and grants a permanent endowment for the clothing and medicine of the resident Bhikshus. The Vavilkole Stone Inscription (Telangana): This inscription highlights the incorporation of Yoga practices (Yama, Niyama, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dhyana, Dharana, and Japa) for health preservation and disease prevention. The Tirumala Tirupati Temple inscriptions (14th–16th century AD): From the Vijayanagara Empire in Andhra Pradesh, these inscriptions highlight the nutritional essence of Prasāda by recording donations for its preparation using various ingredients. The Brihadeeswara Temple inscription at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu (Rajaraja Chola I): This inscription lists Prasāda offerings, highlighting the connection between diet, health, and spiritual practices. These inscriptions provide valuable primary evidence for understanding the history of medicine, hospitals, physicians, and healthcare practices in ancient and medieval India, as highlighted by the SAHI project. Moving forward, the SAHI project should prioritise continued and expanded collection of primary data through systematic surveys and collaborations with archaeological bodies, enhancing the SAHI portal with advanced search, interactive features, and transcriptions. Simultaneously, there should be a focus on deeper scholarly analysis and interpretation of the medical information within the inscriptions through interdisciplinary research. It is also crucial to promote preservation and awareness of these invaluable historical records and to foster educational outreach by developing curriculum resources and engaging with the wider public to ensure the project’s lasting impact. In conclusion, the SAHI portal, a timely initiative by the CCRAS-National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, stands as a testament to the enduring importance of epigraphical studies especially in the context of reviving and preserving Indian Knowledge Systems. By meticulously collecting, documenting, and presenting inscriptional evidence related to Ayurveda, SAHI provides a crucial window into India’s medical past. It underscores the vital role of inscriptions not only in reconstructing political and cultural histories but also in illuminating the evolution of scientific and medical knowledge. As we continue to explore and preserve these invaluable records, projects like SAHI pave the way for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of India’s rich and multifaceted heritage. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflict of interest There are no conflict of interest.