Panja, J Homeop Ayurv Med 2012, 1:4

DOI: 10.4172/2167-1206.1000111

Homeopathy & Ayurvedic Medicine

Review Article Open Access

An Analytical Review of Animals in Carakopaskara Commentary of Caraka

Samhita
Panja AK*
PG Department of Basic Principles, National Institute of Ayurveda (Govt. of India), Jaipur, India

Abstract
Zoological aspects are documented in a vast and complex way in ayurveda. The usages of animal products as
food and medicine itself reveal the intense field work and ample research regarding the natural habitat, character,
quality and the effect of animal and animal products conducted by the then scholars. From very gross product like
cow-dung to finer one like pituitary gland are medicinally used. Human mental characters are also symbolified with
animal characters. In various instances, the different activity is also evidenced by animal character.
This study is dealt with the clinical relavancy of identification of different animals described in caraka samhita.

Keywords: Animals; Caraka Samhita; Carakopaskāra commentary
Background
Caraka samhita
Agniveśa tantra is a classical medical text in the ancient time which
is redacted by Ācārya Caraka and is known as Caraka Saṁhitā. The
lost material of Caraka Saṁhitā was fulfilled by Ācārya Drdhabala. In
due course of time the book was commented by different scholars for
the understanding of the textual matters. The commentary is written
with the specific aim to explore particular texts in a descriptive and
analytic manner. This is a journey to re-observe the study material
in an authentic experimentation and thereby make a conclusion.
The extensive multidimensional approach of Caraka Saṁhitā is
distinguished by different commentators in a lucid manner and
encapsulated the distinct variations of the meaning of the contents
in different contexts, and viewed accordingly from the grammatical,
philosophical and clinical angles.
CarakopaskAra commentary
From the different sources and citation it is revealed that there
exist nearly about forty commentators on Caraka Saṁhitā such
as Bhattāra Haricandra, Svāmīkumāra, Jejjata, Cakrapāni Dutta,
Gayādāsa, Śivadāsa Sen, Gaṅgādhara Roy, Yogīndranath Sen,
Jyotiscandra Sarasvatī, Himadutta, Vaisnava, Śivasaidhava, Svāmīdas,
AsādhavramA, Ksīrasvāmī Dutta, Sudhīra, Naradutta, Bhāsa Dutta,
Bhīmadutta, Iśvara Sen, Vāpyacandra, Īśānadeva, Sukīra, Sudānta Sen,
Narasiṁha Kavirāja etc. [1]. Among those some commentaries are
popular and considered as authentic. Very little information is available
regarding majority of the scholars. In vast cases only their names are
found in different quotations. Unfortunately nine commentaries either
in partial or in full form are available in different parts of India.
Ācārya Jogīndranāth Sen was the last authentic commentator of
Caraka Saṁhita. The name of his commentary is “Carakopaskāra”.
His categorical analysis in commentary is supposed to be best for
the current era. The commentary was first published in 1920 [1] by
Ācārya Jogīndranāth Sen, Calcutta. Original manuscript was written in
Sanskrit language and Bengali script. The commentary was based upon
materials collected from different parts of India and London [2].
The Subject Material
mainly from animal, plant and mineral origin. Differences of opinion
are commonly found in different commentaries of this text regarding
the animal and animal products. To make the physician well acquainted
with the uncommon and rare drugs of the particular time, Ācārya
Jogīndranāth Sen had also tried to justify his view in respect to source
of the drug and their products for therapeutic purposes. Therefore the
identification of animals is furnished magnifying the differentiation in
a vivid form for medical management.
Among the different animals and their products described in
Caraka Saṁhitā, some of them are having therapeutic and nutritive
values whereas some are toxic in nature. To clarify the respective
animals and animal products, consultation of commentaries are
mandatory. In the present era the whole animal kingdom is divided
into different phylum but in the classics they are grouped as per their
habit and habitat with the intention for categorical therapeutic uses. In
different circumstances even after classifying the animals on the basis
of the effectiveness of the part of the animals in that specific context,
the valuable and commonly available parts are used and are grouped
functionally. The name of the animals is also varied in different context
of the text as behavioral physiology is also classified symbolifying the
animal characteristics. Animal products are naturally used for the
making of different instruments also.
The comparative statement of animals are made identifying animals
on the basis of character, local variants and usage of their products
depicted in original text supported by Ācārya Jogīndranāth Sen’s
commentary with the English name and Zoological name respectively
in table 1.
Discussion
In context of eight sources of urine, ācārya has read abī in place
of abi (sheep) which justifies the clinical sense as in case of abi or
sheep’s urine, the urine of the female animal is to be taken on account
*Corresponding author: Panja AK, PG Department of Basic Principles, National
Institute of Ayurveda (Govt. of India), Jaipur, India, E-mail: asitpanjain@gmail.com
Received June 02, 2012; Accepted August 20, 2012; Published August 22, 2012
Citation: Panja AK (2012) An Analytical Review of Animals in Carakopaskara
Commentary of Caraka Samhita. J Homeop Ayurv Med 1:111. doi:10.4172/2167-
1206.1000111

The drug is one of the prime components of four quadruples Copyright: © 2012 Panja AK. This is an open-access article distributed under the
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
[3]. Ultimately the aim of the treatment is to cure the disease. This is use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and
possible only with the administration of the drug. Source of the drug is source are credited.

J Homeop Ayurv Med, an open access journal Volume 1 • Issue 4 • 1000111

ISSN: 2167-1206
Citation: Panja AK (2012) An Analytical Review of Animals in Carakopaskara Commentary of Caraka Samhita. J Homeop Ayurv Med 1:111.
doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000111

Page 2 of 5

sl Animal in original text English Name Ācārya JogIndranAth Sen’s view Zoological Name Ref.
1 AbI Sheep MeśI Ovis sp. Sū 1/95
2 Ahi Snake Sarpa Ophilidia sp. Ci 10/48
3 Aja Goat Chāga Capra hircus Ci 14/9
4 AmbukukkuTi Moor hen JalakukkuTi krsnavarNa Gallinula Chloropus Sū 27/40-43
5 AGgāracūDaka Black Bulbul Bulbul Microscelsis psaroidies Sū 27/49-51
6 Atyūha Red vented Bulbul DatyUha 1 Molpastes haemorrhous Sū 27/49-51
7 Avakara Pea fowl PakSIbheda Pavo cristatus Sū 27/46-48
8 BalAka Snow wreath crane ŚuklapakSa Ardea nivea Sū 27/40-43
9 BarhI Pea fowl Mayūra Pavo cristatus Sū 27/46-48
10 BhASa Bearded vulture GokulacārI śvetaśikhāvān gRdhra viśeSa Gypatus barbatus Sū 27/34-35
11 Bhramara Black honey bee Snigdha aJjanābha Apis dorsata Sū 27/243
12 BhRNgarAja Shrike Bhramaraka Dhyūmata sadRśa Lanalidae sp. Sū 27/49-51
13 Cakora Greek pheasant RaktākSa viSasūcaka Perdix rufa Sū 27/46-48
14 CakravAka Ruddy Sheldrake Dvandacara niśāviyogI Anas cascara Sū 27/40-43
15 Camara Yak KeśamRtyu gosadRśa Poephagus grumunicus Sū 27/38
16 CaraNāyudha Chicken KukkuTa Galloperdix spadicea Sū 7/10
17 CarUSka Gazelle CāruśarIra svalpatanu mRga Gazelle bennetti Sū 27/44-45
18 CASa Blue jay NIlavarNa pakSI 2 Cyanocitta cristata Ni 4/29
19 Casa* Kikodivi Sū 27/34-35
20 CillaTa Musk shrew Ciyāda Neomys fodiens Sū 27/36-37
Sū 25/37
21 CullukI Gangatic Dolphin ŚiCumAra Neomeris phocaenoides
Ci 14/52-57
22 DakSa Chicken KukkuTa Galloperdix spadicea Ci 2/2/9-12
23 Dardura Frog Bheka Rana tigrina Sū 25/38
24 DhArtarASTra Swan HaMsabheda Cygnus olor Sū 27/52
25 DhUmikA Owlet CaTaka Athene brama Sū 27/34-35
26 DiNDimAnaka Toucan DiNDimAnakavat utkaTdhvanI pakSI Ramphistos piscivorus Sū 27/49-51
27 Dundubhi Grey horn bill PArkar Lophoceros birostris Sū 27/49-51
28 DvikukkuTa Camel USTra Camelus dromedaring Ci 14/207
29 DvIpa Elephant Hasti Elapus indicus In 12/70-78
30 DvIpi Panther CitravyAghra Felis pardus Sū 27/34-35
31 Dvirefa * Bhramara Apis dorsata Ci 2/3/25
32 EkaCapha Horse ACva Eqnus caballus Ci 17/115
Ci 3/188,
33 ENa Deer KRsNa hariNa Cervus rusa
Sū 5/4
34 Gaja Elephant Hasti Elapus indicus Sū 27/38
35 Gandaraka Gecko Svarnagodha Geckonida sp. Sū 27/36-37
36 GaNDupāda Earth worm KiJculaka3 Lumbicidae sp. Ci 8/149-152
37 GRdhra Vulture MAMsAsI yojanadRSTi Vulture monaclues Sū 27/34-35
38 Girivartaka Mountain quail Parvatasthavartaka Coturuix cotumix Sū 27/46-48
39 GokarNa Cow eared deer Gomukha hariNa Antilope cervicapra Sū 27/44-45
40 Gonarda Hill partridge GhorakaGka Ardea sibirica Sū 27/46-48
41 GRdhra Vulture Ullūka Vulture monaclus Ci 8/149-152
42 HaMsa Swan Kalasvara lalitagati Cygnus olor Sū 27/40-43
43 Hāridraka * Haritāla Sū 26/124
44 HariNa Black buck Tāmra Antilope sp. Sū 27/44-45
45 Haya Horse Aśva Eqnus caballus Sū 1/95
46 Jambūka Jackal ŚRgāla Canis aumeus Sū 27/34-35
47 JaTI Indian hoopoe JaTAyu pakSI Upupa indica Sū 27/49-51
48 Jātuka Lac insect CarmacaTikā Coccuslacca sp. Ci 14/45
49 JIbajIvaka Peacock pheasant JIbaJjIvaka Chalcurus sp. Sū 27/49-51
50 JIbaJjIvaka Peacock pheasant Cakora Perdix rufa In 12/70-78
51 KadalI Marmet MahāviDAlasama vyAghrAkAra Marmota sp. Sū 27/36-37
52 Kadamba Gray leg goose KalahaMsa Anser anser Sū 27/40-43
53 Kairāt Red faced malkoha Kokila Pheanicophaes pyrhocephalus Sū 27/49-51
54 Kākamadgu PānIyakāka Sū 25/38
55 KākatuNDaka Common river bird ŚvetakāraNDava Stemo hirundo Sū 27/40-43
56 Kālaka Black python Kāla Python molurus Sū 27/36-37

J Homeop Ayurv Med, an open access journal Volume 1 • Issue 4 • 1000111

ISSN: 2167-1206
Citation: Panja AK (2012) An Analytical Review of Animals in Carakopaskara Commentary of Caraka Samhita. J Homeop Ayurv Med 1:111.
doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000111

Page 3 of 5

57 Kālapucchaka Black tail deer MRgabheda Odeocoilus sp. Ci 4/40

58 KalaviGka House sparrow PakSiviśeSa Passer domestica In 1/14
59 KANakapota Dove Vanavāsi pāNDukapota Sū 25/38
Blossom headed
60 KaGka DIrghacaJcu mahāpramāNa Torquatus rosa Sū 27/46-48
parakeet
61 KapiJjala Grey partridge Gaura tittira Fracolinus vulgaris Sū 15/7
62 Kapota Spotted pigeon VanavāsI 4 Chalesphaps indica Sū 27/49-51
63 Kārabha Camel AuSTra Camelus dromedaring Ci 13/181
64 Kārandava White fronted goose ŚuklahaMsa Anser albifrons Sū 27/40-43
65 KaTukamatsa Saphari Ci 5/173-175
66 KhaDgina Rhinoceros GaNDaka Rhinoceros unicomis Ci 8/153
67 KhaGga Rhinoceros GaNDāra 5 Rhinoceros unicomis Sū 27/38
68 Khara Ass Gardhava Asinus equidae Sū 1/95
69 KITa* VRścika Ci 10/48
70 KoTTakAraka Berking Deer MRga Cervus muntijee Sū 27/44-45
71 KoyaSTI Green-bill Coucal KoyaGkaka dIrghajaGghA Centropus chlorhynchus Sū 27/49-51
72 KrAkara Snipe Lāvantaka Ardea virago Sū 27/46-48
73 KrauJca Demoiselle crane Baka bheda 6 Anthripoides vergo Sū 27/40-43
74 KRkālāsa* TricaNTaka 7 Ni 6/22
75 KSudra Bee KuSdra piGgala mākSika Apis sp. Sū 27/243
76 Kucika Hedge Hog Andhāhi 8 Erinaceus europaeus Sū 27/36-37
77 Kukkubha Crow pheasant Kuko Coccyzus sp. Sū 27/46-48
78 KuliGga Sparrow CaTaka Ploceus bengalensis
79 KuliGga Sparrow hawk GRhakuliGga9 Passer domestica Sū 27/34-35
80 KuliGgaka Tree sparrow VanyapakSI GrāmyacaTakākāra Passer montanus Sū 27/49-51
81 KuraGga Indian antelope Tāmra caturagati hariNa Antelope cervicapra Ci 3/189-190
82 KuraGga* Caturagati na kRSNa na tāmra Sū 27/44-45
83 Kurara Osprey Cillyākāra naditthyapitamātsya Pandion heiactus Sū 27/34-35
84 Kurma Tortoise Kacchapa Chelonia sp. Sū 27/39
85 LaTTā Pied flycatcher PaJchitaka Mustciapidae atricapilla Sū 27/49-51
86 LaTTāśaka Paradise flycatcher PeJjibheda Mustciapidae techitrea Sū 27/49-51
87 Lāva Common quail Titira Tumix suscitates Sū 15/7
88 Lāva Common quail Sthalacara pakSi Tumix suscitates Ci 3/188
89 LohapRSTha King fisher DIrghapada pakSadha pāNDuvarNa Alcedo ispida Sū 27/46-48
90 LohapRSTha King fisher KuliGgabheda Sū 27/49-51
91 Lopāka Fox LāGgulapradhāna svalpa śRgāla 10 Vulpus bengalensis Ci 8/149-152
92 Madgu Small cormorant PānIyakāka Phalacrocorus pygmaeus Sū 27/40-43
93 MākSika Honey bee PiGgalavarNa sthula Apis indica Sū 27/243
94 Mārjāra Cat ViDāla Felis domesticus Ci 9/76-78
95 Meghārāva Screamer Meghanāda Cygnus buccinator Sū 27/40-43
96 MRgamātRka Hog deer Alpa pRthUdara hariNa Cervus elaphus Sū 27/44-45
97 Nāga Elephant Hasti Elaphus indicus Ci 11/82
98 Nakra Crocodile KumbhIra Crocodylus porosus Ci 2/2/9-12
99 Nakūla Small mongoose BhujaGga śatru Herpestis mungo Sū 27/36-37
100 NandimukhI Flamingo PatraTi Phoenicopterus roseus Sū 27/40-43
101 NemI Cakradhara In 1/14
102 NyūGku Hog Deer MRgbheda Cervus porcinus Sū 27/38
103 PākahaMsa White Swan HaMsaviśeSa or śvetahaMsa Cygnus Sū 25/37
104 Pārāvata Pigeon GRhadevkulālaya vāsI Columba treron Sū 27/49-51
105 Plava Pelican MahāpramāNa prasevakagala Pelicanus onocrotatus Sū 27/40-43
106 Priyāvada Sparrow CaTaka Ploceus bengalensis In 12/70-78
107 PRSata Spotted deer Vinducitrita hariNa Cervus axis Ci 3/189-190
108 PuNDarikāksa White eyed Pochard PuNDara Nyroca ferina Sū 27/40-43
109 Pūtika * PiGgala mahati mākSika Sū 27/243
110 RaktākSa Greek pheasant Cakora Perdix rufa Ci 4/40
111 RaktaśirSaka Purple heron LohitaśIra sārasa Ardea purpurea Sū 27/40-43
112 Rāma Kashmir deer Himalaya mahāmRga Cervus elaphus Sū 27/44-45
113 RkSa Bear Bhāllūka Melusus labiatus Ci 8/149-152
114 RSabha Cow VRSabha Bos tauras Ci 10/45
115 RSya Musk deer NīlākSa hariNa Moschus moschiferus Ci 7/16

J Homeop Ayurv Med, an open access journal Volume 1 • Issue 4 • 1000111

ISSN: 2167-1206
Citation: Panja AK (2012) An Analytical Review of Animals in Carakopaskara Commentary of Caraka Samhita. J Homeop Ayurv Med 1:111.
doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000111

Page 4 of 5

116 Ruru Swamp deer Sarādi sRNgatyāgImRga Rucervus durancelli Sū 27/38

117 Śallaka Porcupine Sajāru11 Acanthion leucura Ci 9/76-78
118 Sambara Sambhara MRga Cervus unicolon Sū 27/44-45
119 Śarabha Wapiti HariNa 12 Cervus Canadensis Sū 5/4
120 ŚāraGga Ring neck parakeet CaTaka Palaeonis torquatus Sū 27/49-51
121 Śārapāda Stork Indrābha mallakaGkabhedi Coconia boycinia Sū 27/46-48
122 ŚarārI Skimmer Ati Rhynchops sp. Sū 27/40-43
123 Sārasa Indian cane PuSkarāhva Megalomis grus In 12/70-78
124 Śaśaghati Indian eagle Cillākāra mahācāraNanakha Aquilar chrysaetos Sū 27/34-35
125 Śatapatra Wood pecker Darvāghāta 13 Picus martius Sū 27/49-51
126 Siddhārtha * KhaJjana In 12/70-78
127 ŚikhI Peacock Mayūra Pavo cristatus Ci 2/1/41
128 ŚiCumāra Dolphin Hastyākara antarvaktra bahirniśvāsamukha14 Dolphinus gangetica Sū 27/39
129 SRmara Indian wild bear MahāśUkara Sus cristatis Sū 27/38
130 ŚvadaMSTrā Mouse deer CaturdraMSTra atiduSTa karkaTaka15 Tregulus meminna Sū 27/44-45
131 Svāvidha* Sallaki mRga Ci 17/110
132 Śvāvita Pangolin ŚaCaka Manis pentadactyl Ci 14/126
133 Śyena Hawk GarUDānvaya pakSi Accipitu gentiles Sū 27/34-35
134 TāmracūDa Red-spur fowl KukkuTa Galloperdix spadicea Ci 2/2/23-28
135 TarakSu Hyena MRga śatru Hyena striata Sū 27/34-35
136 Tittira Gray partridge KRSNa tittira citrapakSa Arborophila torquala Sū 27/46-48
137 TuraGga Horse Aśva Eqnus caballus Ci 9/154
138 Udra Cat fish JalaviDāla 16 Sū 27/39
139 Ullūka Indian Honned owl Pecaka Bubo bengalensis Ci 9/76-78
140 Upacakra Smaller pheasant Cakora bheda , kRśacaJcu Pardsic sp Sū 27/46-48
141 Aurabhra Wild sheep MeSa Ovis sp. Sū 13/84
142 Uraga Snake Sarpa Ophililidia sp. Sū 12/11
143 UraNa Wild sheep MRga bheda 17 Ovis vignei Sū 27/44-45
144 Utkrosa Mallard Kurara bheda Anas platyrhynchos Sū 27/40-43
Large brown
145 Vabhru Atilomaśa kukkura18 Sū 27/34-35
mongoose
146 VaDavāya Mare Aśvaya Sū 1/108
147 Vaka Common crane PāNDurapakSa Ardea goliath Sū 27/40-43
148 VāraDa Spoon bill PakSibheda Platala leucorodia Sū 27/46-48
149 VarhI Peacock MayUra Pavo cristatus Ci 2/1/49
150 Varmī* Matsabheda19 Ci 8/149-152
151 Vartaka Indian button quail VaTera Tunix indica Ci 4/40
152 VArtikā Bush quail Varti caTaka Coturnix sylvatica Sū 27/46-48
153 Vartikā* Varta matsya Ci 2/2/9-12
154 Vartiraka Rain quail KapiJjalat alpa vartikara kiJcita mahāna Coturnix coromandelica Sū 27/46-48
155 Vasta Goat Chāga Capra hircus Ci 9/76-78
156 Vāyasa Crow Kāka Corvus spendens Sū 27/34-35
157 VRka Wolf Kukura sadRśa kSudra vyāghra Canif lupus Sū 27/34-35
158 VRSadaMCa Large cat ViDāla Felis domesticus Ci 14/45
1
Also known as Dahūka
2
Popularly known as SvarNacūDa
3
Popularly known as KeJco
4
Popularly known as Ghughu
5
In Bengal
6
KoJcabaka in Bengal
7
GiragiTi in Bengal
8
KuJce in Bengal
9
View differs from original text
10
KheMkaśiyāla
11
In Bengal
12
ASTapadamahāśRGga pRSThagatacatuspāda
13
Popularly known as KāSThakuTTaka in Loka
14
Śuśuka in Local language
15
Also famous as Kartikapure
16
Some scholars has identified it as Cat fish where as Pandit Jogindranath Sen accepts it as JalaviDāla
17
Pandit Jogindranath Sen has identified it as MRga
18
He has identified as a variety of Dog
19
Bāinmācha in Bengal

Table 1: The Comparative Chart of Animals.

J Homeop Ayurv Med, an open access journal Volume 1 • Issue 4 • 1000111

ISSN: 2167-1206
Citation: Panja AK (2012) An Analytical Review of Animals in Carakopaskara Commentary of Caraka Samhita. J Homeop Ayurv Med 1:111.
doi:10.4172/2167-1206.1000111
of laghutva i.e. lightness of the urine. Ahi i.e. snake and ajā i.e. goat are
indicative of common categories. Ambukukkuti is identified as water-
hen and moor-hen by different scholars where as ācārya, eradicating the
confusion, confirms it as black-water-hen. Atyuha and aṅgāracūdaka
are closely similar animals and these are identified as bulbul, black
bulbul and red vented bulbul by various authors. Ācārya Jogīndranāth
Sen has identified aṅgāracūdaka as datyuha and co-local Bengali name
is given for differentiation between the two. Avakāra is not specifically
identified. Some other researcher identified as a variety of peacock as
the avakāra and varhi are clinically used in same indication by later
authors. Balākā, krauñcha and vaka are the varieties of crane. Balākā
is characterized by white wings whereas vaka is characterized by pale-
white (pāndu) wings. Krauñcha is recognized as a common variety.
Bhāsa is mentioned as domestic variety of vulture having white horn
like projection in head. In other instance, the specific characteristic
feature of vulture like mAMsAsi (voracious) and yojanadrsti (having
the miles visual acuity) are given. In context of rājayaksmā the same
animal “grdhra” is identified as “ullūka” which is known as Indian owl.
It signifies that “ullūka” can be clinically used in that specific context.
Bhramara, dvirefa, ksaudra and māksika are the variety of bees. Here
colour and shape have been stressed for identification. Bhramara
is having the colour of collyrium where as ksaudra and māksika are
characterized by piṅgalavarna. The difference has been done on the
basis of size. Cakora, jīvajīvaka, jīvanjīvaka, kukkubha, raktāksa
and upacakra are the varieties of pheasant with different identifying
features. They are used in different clinical conditions according to
their qualities. Caranāyudha, daksa and tāmracūda are synonymous
and are identified as different animals by various commentators
but may be due to similar clinical uses Ācārya Jogīndranāth Sen has
identified under kukuta i.e chicken. For the identification of similar
animals like cullukī and śiśumāra, the specific characteristic feature like
inward directed mouth etc. is given. Dhārtarāstra, haṁsa, kārāndava,
pākahaṁsa and kadamba are varieties of swan having similar qualities.
Mrga generally indicates a group of jāṅgala animal having alike lifestyle.
Ena, harina, gokarna, kottakāraka, mrgamātrika, kuraṅga, nyuṅka,
prsata, rāma, śarabha, rsya and ruru are the different varieties of mrga
used in different clinical conditions but for their better identification
specific features are given. Śvadaṁstrā is identified as mouse deer by
some zoologist but Ācārya Jogīndranāth Sen has been categorized
it under mrga group on account of its similar clinical use. Various
categories of sparrows are used in Caraka Saṁhitā like kalaviṅka,
kuliṅga, kuliṅgaka, kaṅka, sāraṅga etc. and categorical identification of
the respective animal is described by Ācārya Jogīndranāth Sen.
Physical properties of the animals are also used for recognition
like astapadamahāśrṅga prstagatacatuspāda for śarabha, Hastyākāra
antarvaktra bahirniśvāsamukha for śiśumāra, Kapiñjalāt alpa vartikāra
kiñcita mahāna for vartiraka , Caturdraṁstra atidusta karkataka for
śvadaṁstrā etc.
Clinical specification “ visasūcaka “ of cakora rather than physical
character is mentioned. Acharya Carauska is categorically identified as
mrga having carusarira . Cāsa , a variety of bird, is described according
to the specific sound produced by the bird.
Categorically colour, habitat, dwelling character and specific
appearance are stressed as identifying marks.
Co-local names also play an important role for identification of the
doubtful animals. Ācārya Jogīndranāth Sen has given a healthy number
of co-local names which signifies familiarities of the qualities of the
various animals and their parts to the common physician. He belonged
to undivided Bengal and therefore used co-local Bengali names of
the animals for easy understanding either in relation to identification
J Homeop Ayurv Med, an open access journal
ISSN: 2167-1206
Page 5 of 5
locally for therapeutic approach as those are varied in different places
or the specific species found on that place which has most significant
therapeutic value, viz., keñco for gandūpāda, gughu for spotted pigeon,
gandāra for khaṅga, koñcabaka for krauñca , girgiti for krkālāsa,
kuñce for kucikā, khemkaśiyāla for lopāka, sajāru for sallka, śuśuka for
śiśumāra, bāinmācha for varmī etc.
The etymological derivations of those nomenclatures are useful to
understand the characters for proper identification.
In few cases his views differ from the classical text and other
commentators. He had identified Udra as jalavidāla (a variety of cat)
but majority of the scholars have viewed in favour of cat-fish. Urana
is recognized as a variety of deer (mrgabheda) whereas scholars have
identified as mesa (wild sheep). Vabhru, as per Jogindranath, is a
variety of dog (Atilomaśa kukkura) which is basically a mongoose etc.
Conclusion
The identification was made on practical applicability of the animals
in clinical use based on co-local terms, physical and physiological
characters, and etymological derivations of the terms. Majority of
instances the views have not been varied in the commentary from that
of the original text, but in few exceptions different opinions are viewed.
Keeping the applied sense of the animals in mind the above non
identified animals (table 1) (blank spaces in column 3 and 5 with
* marks) are to be properly explored as in the present era neither
zoologist, veterinary experts nor folk persons are well acquainted with
those terms and their functions.
In this era almost all the animals come under Animal Protection
Act and therefore the number of used animals and its products are
restricted. On the basis of similar functionalities of the identified
animals and maintaining the legal aspects, the animals and their
products are to be used as medicine or diet.
Acknowledgement
Dr. Abhilash Chattopadhyaya, B.V.Sc, Veterinary Medical Officer, Haringhata
Dairy, Govt. of West Bengal for helping identification, authentication and providing
related matters.
References
1. Sharma PV (2003) Āyurveda kA VaijJAnika ItihAsa, Chaukhamba Orientalia.
(7thedn), Varanasi.
2. Singh, Pratap (1935) Nikhil BhāratavarSIya Āyurveda MahāmaNDala kā
RajatajayantI Grantha.
3. Agnivesh, Sutrasthan (1920) Shloka (Jogindranath’s commentry), caraka
Samhita, carakopaskara commentry by Pt Jogindranath-Part-1. (2ndedn), JN
Sen-Publisher.
Volume 1 • Issue 4 • 1000111