Higher criticism on Charaka Panjika a commentary on Charaka Samhita- a step in critical edition of medical manuscript.

Abstract

This paper presents the brief over view of the methodology of editing a medical manuscript deals mainly with the higher criticism. Manuscripts are the outcome of the scientific thought process of the ancient wisdom. Heritage, culture, science the techniques of ancient India lies in manuscripts. Ayurveda, the medical science originated in India is having abundant literary resources. The growth of Ayurveda will only be fulfilled by the current research techniques merged with the understanding of the thought processes that has passed on from ancient sages to the present physicians. Charaka Samhita occupies a very important place in the history of world’s medical science. Original Agnivesa, the most intelligent amongst the disciples of Atreya Punarvasu, composed this work and it was subsequently redacted by Charaka and Dridhabala. Even though all the eight branches of Ayurveda have been dealt by the author, this work has become more popular as the authentic text of Kaya chikitsa, because of the stress has been laid on this branch. Charaka samhita is the best book for Kaya chikitsa. Charaka Panjika is one of the commentary on Charaka Samhita. Higher criticism helps to know the style, the language, source of work, life of author, his equipment the circumstances that made the author compose the work, the situation at which the work was composed, influence of other writers in the field, influence of the author on other writers in the field, the reason for the popularity of the work and its role in society.