Chandas (Prosody) in Ayurveda: With Special Reference to Charaka Samhita

Abstract

This research is about Chandas in Ayurveda. Chandas refers to one of the six Vedangas or limbs of Vedic studies. The study of Ayurveda as a Upaveda and Chandas as a Vedanga was collateral. The Chandas are developed by the Vedic schools, which were notable for including both linear and non-linear systems. It is the study of poetic metres in Ayurveda. This field of study was centered to the Charaka Samhitha. Charaka Samhitha is one of the main classics in Ayurveda. The commentators of Charaka Samhita have not mentioned the types of Chandas in context. The aim of this study is to identify the Chandas mentioned in Charaka Samhita and its syllable structure. Data which was compiled in this research has been elaborately arranged with the relevant illustration and in logical order. And data has been categorised in a precise and understandable way. Each Chandas has its own rhythm. The Ayurveda text were written mostly in simple and concise style known as „Suthra‟ and in combined form of both prose and verse. Prose is not tightening by akshara, maathra, gathi and yathi. On the other hand verse is bound by some rules. Based on the above facts it can be concluded that with the help of Chandas, the Ayurveda „Suthra‟ was preserved in its original form. This research gives a grater prospect to the researchers who are interested in undertaking a deep study of the Chandas.