Gleanings of Medical inheritance in Mahabharata

Abstract

Ancient Hindu literatures and epics are colonial architectures of multiple sciences, morale, ethics, polity, rituals, education, culture, art, flora, fauna etc.
Each epic is like a garland of diversified flowers with different fragrance but with a single aim of devotion.
Mahabharat epic is beautifully narrated with articulation of various sciences and topics to enrich the fragrance of theme of Chaturvidha Purushrtha (The Four Ends of Life) with a soul of Shantiraras (peace).
Ayurveda, the Medical system in India was enriched as a separate full-fledged branch of science by the time of this epic and its usage in various fragments of society in various ways is rightly emphasized in various Parva of this story.
In this the diseases mentioned, the drugs used/ narrated, the explained basic elements like Tridosha, Dhatu, Agni, dos and don’ts in day to day life, way of life in various seasons, concern over body constitution; various herbs and their usages; habitats of various herbal and mineral drugs; are not directly related to treatment, but they became Kathavasthu (subject matter) in this great epic.
Though these descriptions are not explained in detail like Ayurvedic classics, the medical literature available in Mahabharat explores the Medical Heritage in the culture of Hindu society which is the evidence for becoming part and parcel of the common man, sages, kings and every one and at every stage during the period of Mahabharat.
As the total texts starts with basics in a stepladder manner describing medical literature in Medical texts in Medical terminology is easy.
The greatness of Mahabharat does not lie in describing medical literature but it is great because it describes medical literature, its important things in a different mode in different circumstances with simple language in a practical manner completely mingling in the subject of the epic.
This needs high knowledge of author in diversified subjects and sciences.
Descriptions on Medicine in Mhabharat appears more practical and reaches directly the common man than Ayurvedic classics. Here these medical descriptions mingled in the story means mingled in the day to day life. As questions, as answers these descriptions have more practicality. Some of the descriptions are even more elaborative than sacred Ayurvedic classics.