Edited by

Dr Ashok S. Nene
 SN Topic Page
1 Prologue 1
2 Sixty-four arts of ancient India 4
3 Description of few Skills 7
4 Relevance of ancient Indian skills 14
5a Appendix -Ancient Indian Cookery 18
5b Appendix -Details of skills 23
6 Conclusions- 31
7 References 32

List of Sanskrit Verses

SN Topic Page
1.1 Effect of food on mind and body 1
1.2 Three qualities of a good human 2
1.3 Four types learned persons 3
1.4 Means of acquiring knowledge 3
1.5 Effective learning 3
2.1 Definition of a skill (Arts) 4
5.1 Root cause of diseases 18
6.1 Hereditary skills 31

List of figures

SN Topic Page
4.1 Shaving the head -Mundan 14
4.2 Flower garlands 15
4.3 Flower decoration for Hair 16
4.4 Ajanta Paintings-Flower decoration for Hair 16
4.5 Needlework and Knitting 17
4.6 Flower carpets and Rangoli 17
1-Introduction: Manushyavidya is the third technique under Krushee
Shastra (Biological Sciences. As per Bhrugusamhita this technique includes
eleven skills (Kala) and is shown below.

Table 1.1-Skills under Manushya

Vidya
As per Bhrugu Shilpasamhit
1.Shaving ऺूरकमम
2.Stiching of bras कंचुकाददससवन
3.Cleaning of pots गृहभाण्ड्याददमाजमन
4.Washing of बस्त्रसंमाजमन
clothes
5.Amusement मनोकुऱसेवा
6.Writting Scripts नानादे शवर्मन
7.Baby sitting सशशुसंरऺर्
8.Punishment सयुक्तऩाडन
9.Seting Bed शय्यास्तरर्
10.Flower garlands ऩुष्ऩाददग्रंथन
11.Food & Nutrition अन्नऩाचन

2-Importance of Food: Growth and maintenance of a human body

depends upon the food. The human behavior is dependent on the properties
of food one takes. Knowing the good or bad effects of food, ancient learned
persons have devised certain fasts to control the bad effects of food. SV01

शरररस्स्थसतहे तुभूतत्वादाहारसहधमामर्: कामा:। वात्सायन कामसूत्र

SV 1.1 - Effect of food on mind and body

The good human are of three types

1. One who works methodically - (Susheel)

1 Human Skills of ancient India
 2. One who removes the obstacles in the work- (Chatoor)
3. One who is vigilant to avoid mistakes - (Daksha) SV02

सुशीऱश्चतुरो दऺ: कुऱशीऱगुर्ास्न्वत: ।

कल्ऩक: स्वेष्टकृ च्चैवाप्रमादी संस्कृ तो नर: ॥

मनुष्यववद्या

SV 02 - Three qualities of a good human

3-Necessity of Education

 Education makes a person educated -Vidyawan.

 The educated then becomes a person of good character -
Sheelwan.
 After passing of few generations the family becomes a reputed
family -Kulawan.
 Knowledge of mathematics, law and a structured language
makes a person methodical- (Susheel)
 Knowledge of Science, Chemicals and mechanisms make a
person imaginative - (Chatoor)
 Knowledge of astronomy, medicine and engineering makes a
person vigilant or confidant - (Daksha).
Every person should have minimum elementary knowledge of these nine
branches of education so to be called as a cultured person.

Small insects like white ants construct huge anthills by carrying minute
soil particles. Tenacity is more important than strength. People should
therefore work collectively.

There are four types of persons,

1. One who cannot read (Adnya)

2. One who can read (Granthi)
3. One who can read and knows the meaning. (Dharina)

2 Human Skills of ancient India

 4. One knows the meaning and implements it. (Dynani)
Without knowing practical application of knowledge, the learning is
meaningless. Ref. SV03.

अऻेभ्यो ग्रंसथन: श्रेष्ठा ग्रंसथभ्यो धाररर्स्तथा।

धाररभ्यो ऻासनन: श्रेष्ठा ऻसनभ्यो व्यवसासयन: ॥

मनुस्मृसत

SV 03 - Four types learned persons

There are only three means of acquiring knowledge and no forth way.
1. Learn from a teacher after pleasing the teacher
2. Pay to teacher to get the education
3. Exchange knowledge with knowledge.
More one digs (well) more is the quantity of water in the well. Similarly more
the efforts for learning more is the knowledge one acquires. Ref.SV 04

गुरुशुश्रष
ू या ववद्या ऩुष्कऱेन धानेन वा।

अथवा ववद्यया ववद्या चतुथन

ं ैव ववद्यते॥

यथा खनन ् खसनत्रेर् नरो वायमसधगच्छसत ।

तथा गुरुगतां ववद्यां शुश्रष

ू ुरासधगच्छसत॥

SV 04 - Means of acquiring knowledge

Long term benefit is better than quick small benefit. Grain harvesting is
better than grass harvesting. Similarly one should learn from teacher so that
it can be taught to others. This is effective and meaningful learning. SV 05

सचरादववसनऩाती बीजसधमां ऱाभ: श्रेयान ्।

स्ऺप्रमल्ऩऱाभात ् ॥ कौदिल्य ७-९-११५

SV 05 -Effective learning

3 Human Skills of ancient India

1-Introduction: The scope of education was very wide in ancient India.
Knowledge of arts or Skills was important part of it. There are many
references about arts in texts like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas and
poetry.
One can find very interesting description of arts in a text Nitisaar of Sage
Shukracharya. According to Shukracharya there are infinite numbers of arts
but there are main sixty-four arts. The art can be mastered even by a dumb
person.

शक्तो मूकोऽवऩ यत ् कतुम कऱासंऻं तु तत ् स्मृतम ्| नीतीसार

SV 2.1-Definition of a skill (Arts)

2-Ancient Texts on Skills: There are many Sanskrit texts on human skills.
Incidentally all texts mention only sixty-four arts, though some are common
and some are uncommon. List of all 64 skills in each of these texts is given
in Appendix. The only skills shown below are those which are related to
Manushyavidya.
1- Shivtatva Ratnakar
 दे शभाषा सऱऩीऻान -SR10-Knowledge of scripts and languages of different
countries

2-Jayamangal

 9-माल्याववधी - Prepare garlands

 10-गंधयुक्त स्वादववधन –Aromatic food recipes

3-Nitisaar of Shukracharya

 7-ऩुष्ऩस्तरर् - Floral carpets

 14-माल्याग्रंथवं वकल्ऩ -Preparation of floral garlands

5 Human Skills of ancient India

  15-शीखाकमवऩद्योजन - Ladies hair styling

 16-नेऩथ्यप्रयोग -- Body make-up with ornaments and flowers

 23-ववसचत्र शाकायुश -भक्ष्यववकार क्रीया - Culinary preparations- sweets etc.

 24-ऩानक्रष रागासव योजन -NS 24 - Making squash or syrups.

 25-सूसचवन कमम - Needle work-Embroidery

4- Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita

 11-ऺूरकमम -Shaving
 12-कंचुकाददससवन -Tailoring
 13-गृहभाण्ड्याददमाजमन -Cleaning of pots
 14-बस्त्रसंमाजमन -Washing of clothes
 15-मनोकुऱसेवा -Amusement
 16-नानादे शवर्मन -Writting Scripts
 17-सशशुसंरऺर् -Baby sitting
 18-सयुक्तऩाडन -Punishment
 19-शय्यास्तरर् -Seting Bed
 29-ऩुष्ऩाददग्रंथन - Flower garlands
 21अन्नऩाचन -Food & Nutrition

Skills by Sandipani

8- नेऩथ्यप्रयोग -Use of flower ornaments in makeup

20- ऩुष्ऩशय्या रचना-Bed decoration with flowers

32- ऩानक्रष रागासव योजन -Preparation of liquid drinks

37- कंचुकाददससवन -Stitching of cloths

38- माल्याग्रंथवं वकल्ऩ -Preparation of flower garlands

6 Human Skills of ancient India

40- शीखाकमवऩद्योजन -Ladies hair styles and decoration with flowers

44- सूसचवन कमम -Needlework, Knitting and embroidery

45 –केशमाजमन-Washing of hairs

47- दे शभाषा सऱऩीऻान- Knowledge of foreign languages

52- रसऩररऺा -udging the quality of food materials

55- शय्यास्तरर् -Setting of beds

64- कर्मभुषर् -Preparation of ear ornaments with ivory etc.

7 Human Skills of ancient India

According to sage Shukracharya the various arts are known not by its name
but its expression. The cast name is sometimes associated with the art of
artist. The first art is dancing. This contains physical expressions with
motion.
1-Dancing- This art is of two types i.e. Natya and Anatya. Behavioral
representation of men and women is termed as Natya and other form is
Anatya. The art of dancing was very advanced. Tandavnrutya of God
Shankara is famous. Dancing of peacocks during rainy season is worth
seeing. Dancing is natural expression when one is overwhelmed with some
sort pleasure. This art was developed into different forms by the experts.
Dancing is common in both civilized and un-civilized societies. In western
countries the art has a social status.
In ancient day knowledge of this art was considered essential for price or
princess. This art is maintained in South India in its original form. Artists like
Shri Udayshankar are trying to revive this art. Dance teaching by Arjuna to
princess Uttara (daughter of king Virata) is mentioned in the epic
Mahabharata.
2-Vadan- The knowledge of playing a musical instrument is an art. There
are four types of musical instruments.
1. Tat – String instruments-VeeNa, Tambora, Sarangi, Bela, Sarod etc
2. Sushir- Instrument with hallow part inside-Flute, Shahnai, Harmonium,
Conch etc.
3. Avanaddha- Instrument clad with leather-Dhol,Nagara, Mrudang,
Daf,Khanjari etc
4. Ghan-Instruments with striking parts- Zhanz, Manjira, Clapping etc
Musical instruments enhance the singing music. VeeNa was main instrument
in ancient India. Ancient texts mention playing of VeeNa by Goddess
Saraswati and Sage Narada, Flute of God Shrikrishna, and Damaru of God

8 Human Skills of ancient India

Mahadeo. There are many Sanskrit texts related to musical instruments
describing preparation and maintenance and standard dimensions. Musical
instruments were played during auspicious occasions and festivals.
Instruments were also played for marching army.
3- Dresses and ornaments - To assist men and women with proper dress
and ornaments is an art.
4-Costumes and make up – To change the personal appearance by
suitable costumes is also an art. Hanuman met Sita in the attire of a
Brahmin.
5- Setting and decorating the bed- In this art the bed is decorated with
different bed sheets and covered with flowers and garlands.
6- Gambling - This art was for entertainment of men. The gambling was of
different types and played with dices. As per Mahabharata Nala, Yudhishtir
and Shakuni was expert in this art.
7-Sex play – According to Gandharva Veda knowledge of different positions
is also an art.
8- Distillation –Preparation of wines or medicinal liquids was an art.
9- Surgery -extraction of thorn etc, dressing of wounds was an art.
10-Cookery- Use of various spices for food preparation is art. King Nakul
and Bhim were experts in this art.
11-Horticulture- The art involves plantation of trees creepers etc for fruits
and flowers. Ancient texts like Vishnudharmottar puraN, AgnipuraN and
Nitisaar gives detailed information on this art.
12- Mining- Extraction for stones, metal, separation of metals, preparation
of metallic powders etc is an art.
13- Sugar making – Making sugar from juice of sugar cane, beet root is an
art. The product can be in different form such as jiggery, raw sugar,
crystalline sugar etc.
14- Gold smithy –Preparation of gold and silver ornaments is an art.

9 Human Skills of ancient India

15 – PruthakkaraN (Analysis) – Art to separate different metals.
16-Apurva vidynan – Making alloys by combination of different metals.
17-LavaN kriya –Salt making – Art of making salt from water from sea,
lakes or rock etc.
The last ten arts are related to modern Botany, Mining, Metallurgy and
Chemistry.
18-Marshal arts-It involves balancing of legs and use of weapons in dual
fight.
19- Mallayudhha- Wrestling – In wresting the person attacks on hands or
legs of the opponent. This art was very famous in India. Ancient texts
mention the famous wrestlers such as Jarasnadha, Bhim, Kans and
Shrikrushna etc.
According to sage Shukracharya, on who is defeated in wrestling goes to hell
and war should continue till the end of enemy. Ancient text Sapatashati (1-
92 to 84) describes a sea war between lord Vishnu and demon
Madhukaitabha, which lasts for 5000 years.
20-Nipidan-Physical attacking – It involves sudden attack on the un-alert
enemy. It is also used in self defense.
21-Astra – Throwing weapons on enemy- In modern wars guns and missiles
are used.
22-Yuddha- Strategic planning – It involves movement of army laid on
horses and elephants. Five arts numbered from 18 to 22 are related to
Dhanurveda (Archery).
23 Hastamudra- Arrangement of hand fingers- This art was to please gods
and also to attain physical and mental power and treatment of body
ailments. There are as many 32 arrangement described in Sanskrit texts on
Tantra and Aagams. Modern hypnotists also use some such arrangement of
fingers.

10 Human Skills of ancient India

24-Sarathhya- Driving the horse driven chariots was an art. Driving horse
or elephant was essential for princes. Mahabharat describes Lord Krishna
driving chariot of Arjuna and King Shalya driving chariot of KarNa.
25-Pot Making- Artisans of ancient period were expert in making pots from
clay, wood and brass etc. Museums display such artifacts found during
archeological excavations from various sites.
26- Drawing and Painting –Paintings at ancient temples and Buddhist
caves indicate the high level of skill developed by the painters. The paints
used appear as still fresh. These paintings attract large foreign tourists. To
decorate walls of house, use of paintings was very common. Women too
were expert in paining on wall and floors. Chitralekha, the friend of princess
Usha (daughter BaNasur) used to draw portrait of person seen only once.
There are six things involved in this art namely;
i. Roopbhed-Mixing of colors to get the correct shade.
ii. PramaN- Use of a scale to show depth and distances within a painting.
iii. Bhav- Expression on face.
iv. Sadrushhya –Similarity.
v. VarNika- Color composition and
vi. Bhang –The posture (to enhance the figure).
The texts “Samarangan Sutradhar” and other describe this art in details.
27-Levelling of ground –For construction of Temples, palaces, lakes etc,
the ground has to be leveled.
28 Preparation of time measuring instruments- In ancient period time
was measured with Jalayantra, Sand clock, sun-dial etc. With the invention
of mechanical clocks earlier ancient types have become obsolete. Only few
astrologers use for special occasions such as marriages or know sunrise and
sun set times.
29- Preparation of musical instruments-

11 Human Skills of ancient India

30-Rangakarma- Dyeing of cloth-This art was a house hold art earlier but
nowadays dyeing is done by dyers. Many expert dyers of Rajasthan can dye
the two sides of a fine cloth with different colors. Tie and dye work
(Bandhani) is a skillful art mastered by dyers of Rajasthan.
31-Jalavayuagni Sanyog - Combination of water, air and fire to control
steam- Ancient text Samarangan Sutradhar by King Bhoja contains a
chapter 31 entitled as Yantravidhan (Machines). The chapter contains 224
verses describing various machines. This indicates that Indians in ancient
period were using various machines for day to day works.
32–Ratha Nauka NirmaN –Initially the means of transport was carts.
Subsequently boats and ships were made for water transport. Use of ships is
mentioned in Veda. Water transport to various countries was popular but
with the rise of British Empire in India this art vanished.
33 - RajjukaraN – Rope making with the fibers of hemp jute etc.
34-Patbandha- Cloth weaving –This art was very advanced in India. Prior
to East India company‟s arrival, weaving of extra fine cloth was known to
local weavers. But foreign traders destroyed this art to promote their
industries.
35-Ratnaparikshya- Gemology- Identification of various gems, polishing
and making holes is a art. People in India wear precious stones in rings or
bracelet to protect themselves from bad effects of some planets as per
astrology.
36- Gold smithy –This art involves assessment of purity of gold or silver.
37-Artificial jewelry making- an art of making ornaments using artificial
metals and stones.
38-SwarNadyalankarkruti –Gold smithy involving making gold and silver
ornaments and gold plating on other metals.
39 -Mardavadikriya- It is an art of softening of raw leather for further
uses.

12 Human Skills of ancient India

40- Pashucharmangnirharkriyadynan- It is an art of separating skin of a
dead animal without damage.
41-Dairy work -Making curd , butter and Ghee from milk is also an art.
42-Kanchukadi siwan – Tailoring or stitching the cloth is an art.
43-JalataraN- Swimming also includes life saving of drowning person.
44-Bandasamarjan – Cleaning the household utensils used in cooking or
for serving food.
45-Vastrasamarjan –Washing clothes and repairing.
46 –Khurkarm – Shaving and hair cutting.
47-Oil extraction- Extraction of oil from oil seeds and fatty oil from animal
flesh.
48- Palaung – Ploughing an agricultural land is an art.
49 –Tree climbing – It needs a skill to climb high trees for collecting fruits.
50-Manokul sewa- It is an art to serve other persons with pleasing
manners. Servants and students should know this skill.
51-VenutruNadi Kriya-Bamboo works- Bamboo and grass are abundantly
available natural material. To make baskets, mats, roof covers from bamboo
and grass is an art.
52- Glassware making – To make glass articles such as bangles, lamp
shades is art.
53-Sanchetan –It deals with irrigation of agriculture fields.
54-SamharaN- It deals with drainage of excessive water from fields.
55- Iron smithy- It deals with fabrication of iron implements for
agricultural or domestic uses.
56-PalyaN kriya- It deals with saddle making for horse or elephant riding.
57 Samrakshyan and 58 Poshan - Baby care- To look after the physical
and mental growth of a child.
59-Toy making – This art involves preparation of toys considering the age
of the child.

13 Human Skills of ancient India

60-Sayuktatadan- Punishing the guilty persons with appropriate
punishment is also an art.
61- Handwriting – Ancient texts were copied by manual hand writing.
Huge texts such as Mahabharata, with more than 125000 verses, are written
in same size of letters without any correction and the pages are free from
dirty spots. With modern discovery of type writers and printing presses,
people are neglecting this art.
62-Presevation of beetle leaves - Experts can preserve leaves for months
by reshuffling daily.
63-Aadan –It is an art doing a job quickly
64-Pratidan- It is an art doing a job for a long period with the same
quality. The last two arts are very important in present era.

14 Human Skills of ancient India

More than 520 skills were existing in ancient India. But now most of these
have become irrelevant and few have changed with the modern techniques
and tools. New versions of few skills are mentioned below.

 Shaving and Hair cutting (ऺूरकमम): A barber was essential part of a

village. The practice of shaving the head of male persons (Mundan) is

diminishing. Services of barber are required for few religious
ceremonies such as thread ceremony (Mounj) and Shradhha. Hair
cutting saloons are now equipped with modern tools and equipment.

Fig.4.1 - Shaving the head -Mundan

 Stitching of bras (कंचुकाददससवन): The first historical reference to bras

in India is found during the rule of King Harshavardhana (1st century

AD). Sewn bras and blouses were very much in vogue during the
Vijayanagara Empire.Grownup girl used to stitch her own
undergarments. Now the villages and cities brimmed with tailors who
are specialized in these garments.
 Flower garlands (ऩुष्ऩाददग्रंथन): Few decades ago there was no scarcity

of fragrant flowers. Indian girls and women used to prepare flower

garlands for daily pooja and various ceremonies. With the scarcity of
flowers and shortage of time garlands, natural or artificial are now
purchased from shops of florists.

15 Human Skills of ancient India

 Fig.4.2 –Flower garlands

 अन्नऩाचन- Food & Nutrition- An Indian house wife was a

nutrition expert herself and knew about the food habits of

individual members from in-laws, husband and children. No junk
food was allowed. Now a house wife has to do job to earn and
therefore has little time for kitchen work. All ready to eat food
items are readily available in market. The sweets which were
prepared for a specific ceremony are available throughout the
year. Young generation has become addict of fast (junk) food.
Women love to see cookery shows on TV but do not try to
prepare traditional recipes (Idli, Dosa, Paratha, Naan etc) which
survived for centuries. Women attend cookery classes to learn
preparations of Piza, Noodles, cakes and biscuits etc.
 Maintenance of clothes बस्त्रसंमाजमन: Use of silk and woolen

cloths was very common. Very costly silk sarees were handed
over from one generation to another. Woolen and silk cloths
were kept in sunlight for 3-4 days before storing in metal
boxes. Solution of soap-nut (Aristha-Reetha) was used to wash
sil cloths. Now nobody uses same cloths for more than two
years. Synthetic cloth has replaced silk and wool and no
maintenance is needed in these days of „use and throw‟.

16 Human Skills of ancient India

  Ladies hair styling (शीखाकमवऩद्योजन): Several temples of India

have sculpted images of women having long hair and different

hairstyles and women having „high bun‟ hairstyle. Probably this
is the only art which has not changed during last few centuries.
Women with long or extra long hairs can change their hair styles
on some specific occasions. Hair styles in India change from
state to state. Right from tribal women to urban women spend
lot of time in combing and tying their hairs.

Fig.4.3 – Flower decoration for Hair

Fig.4.4 – Ajanta Paintings-Flower decoration for Hair

 Needlework and Knitting (सूसचवन कमम ) : This art was mastered by

both and women. Women used knit woolen garments mainly for her
children. Needlework was essential for maintenance of daily wear

17 Human Skills of ancient India

 cloths. Embroidery work was a special skill. In old houses show
pieces of embroidery were displayed on the walls.

Fig.4.5 – Needlework and Knitting

 Flower carpets (ऩुष्ऩस्तरर्): Flower carpets or Rangolies are laid at

the main entrance of a house. Rangoli or flowers of different colors are

used. A skilled person can draw Rangoli on water also. In Bengal,
Odisa and South India rice floor is used for more durable Rangoli.

Fig.4.6- Flower carpets and Rangoli

18 Human Skills of ancient India

Sushruta Samhita written between 2nd and 4th century BC, is a medical text
that prescribes seasonal foods and flavours.

Nala and Bheema were celebrated cooks. Charak Samhita states that the
root cause of diseases is bad food. Ref. Sv.5.1

आहार सम्भवम वास्तु रोगश्च

आहार सम्भव सवममान्यम
ऩररत्याज्य शरररमनुऩाऱेख्य –चरक सस्न्हता
SV5.1- Root cause of diseases

Saint Andal, a 7th-8th century Tamil Alvar saint of lord Thirumal, mentions a
dish called Akkaravadisal in the Nachiyar Thirumozhi, in that she "wishes
to devote lord Thirumal 100 brimming pots of akkaravadisal". The dish is still
prepared for lord Thirumal in South Indian temples during the Tamil month
of Marghazi(November-December), and is a known dish amongst most Tamil
Brahmin families.

The 12th-century Manasollasa describes foods that continue to be part of

modern Indian tradition. Above clockwise from top left in Sanskrit: Dosaka
(Dosa), Iddarika and Vataka (Idli and vada), Parika (bonda) and Kshiravata
(Dahi vada).

Manasollasa, is one of the earliest texts compiled during the rule of Chalukya
king Someshvara III in the 1130AD. It includes several recipes including
"iddarika" thought to refer to idli, although there is disagreement about that.
It has been suggested that Vaddaradhane, the Kannada text of Jain Acharya
Sivakoti written in 920 AD, the mention of iddalige may be the earliest
mention of Idali.

19 Human Skills of ancient India

Books on Cookery
1. Soopa shastra-1508 ad,
2. Mangarasa‟s soopa shastra
3. Bhojana kuthoohala-1670 ad
4. Shiva tatva rathnakara-1700 ad

Soopa Shastra, (1508 A.D.) written by Mangarasa III, a follower of

Jainism, is exclusively vegetarian. The ingredients and cooking methods are
given detail, and even the types of utensils and ovens needed are
mentioned. King Mangarasa III belonged to the Chengalvu dynasty, and was
under the suzerainty of Hoysala kings .The first chapter describes thirty five
breads, sweets and snacks, now mostly obsolete. The second chapter
describes drinks, salty, sour and sweet in taste. Third chapter discusses nine
types of payasa (kheer), eight types of cooked rice and 24 mixed rice
dishes. The remaining three chapters include recipes for 20 dishes with
eggplant, 16 dishes with jackfruit and 25e dishes made with raw bananas
(plantains) and banana flowers. The last chapter contains recipes using
bamboo shoots and myrobalan.[11] Even though it was composed during the
rule of a Jain ruler, some of the vegetarian ingredients mentioned, such as
onions, are regarded inappropriate for strict Jains.

In the chapter, Pishtakadhyaya, food items made with flour like rotti,
mandige, garige, dose, iddali have been mentioned. It shopuld be noted that
inncient Kannada poetry has used „rotika‟ even earlier. It is notable that the
word Soopa is used in the same sense as the English term "soup".

2-Mangarasa’s soopa shastra

 Chapters Six with 358 verses on cookery
 Food is for nourishing the Body
 Food is for the bhoga of and PARA

20 Human Skills of ancient India

  Nine plant parts are the exclusive source
 Tree, shrub, grass, creeper, tuber, stalk, leaf, flower, fruit are
the plant consumables.
 An exclusive text of vegetarianism
 First chapter on starchy Foods
 Nine types of Rotis (sweets )
 Ten types of vataka (Wada like milk, curd, iddali, kadubu, dosa
 Preparation of Soji
 Chandra manadala, peeyoosha and Jengoda
 some more types of sweets
 Panakadhyaya
 All dairy products like butter from milk, rasala , mathulunga
siddha dadhi and lassi.
 All types of oils.
 Juices like jamun, kadali, amra and aloe juice.
 Rain water and other types of water.
 Ogara (odanadhyaya)
 Eight types of cooked rice(pongal)
 Nine of payasa types.
 Twenty-four types of bhath ( mixed rice) like pickle nimbu ,
nimbu, tamarind and Curd as well as butter milk rice.
 Cooking of vegetables.
 Twenty types of brinjals and cooking methods.
 Processing of brinjal and vangi bath.
 Leafy vegetables.
 Tender bamboo.
 Gooseberry processing in jaggery, sugar and amalaka pooga
 milk bitter gourd, radish, wada,
 Thair wada and patrawada

21 Human Skills of ancient India

  Use of asfoetida, garlic, onion is conspicuous although the author
is a Jain prince!

Kadalee panchaka (Five recopies using Banana plant)

All other parts except leaf of kadalee is consumed as food and

processed. 4th chapter also describes about kitchen vessels in kitchen,
Cook and poisoning woman (Vishakanya) who was to kill enemies.
All vallee phalas (Beens), Jack fruit and processed jack fruit 16 items
Kadalee processed 8 items Banana flowers in 20 items

3-Bhojana kuthoohala

Bhojan Kutuhalam (Curiosity for Food)

This ancient Indian text, composed by Shri Raghunath, deals with cookery.
The text was composed during 17th Century A.D. The author was a friend of
Swami Ramadas and enjoyed the patronage of Ekoji Bhosale of Tanjore. The
book is available in University MSS library at Trivandrum . The book
contains three parts. The first part presents properties of different food
materials such wheat and paddy, liquids such as milk, curd and Ghee. It
describes the methods of preparation of different dishes and their digestive
effects. The second and third part deals with edible and non-edible
materials and purification methods.

The author recommends different food for different seasons.

The work is based on old texts such as Sushruta, Bhavaprakasha,

Manusmruti and Vatsyayan Sutra etc.

4-Shiva tatva rathnakara

22 Human Skills of ancient India
 1. Four chapters on cookery in an encyclopedia ( Sanskrit work)
2. Fruits of the vegetables and era
3. Qualities of the non-vegetarian items
4. Many textual practices are still alive in folk!

Indo-Islamic cookbooks of Sultanate and Mughal Period

The Ni'matnama-i Nasir al-Din Shah is a fifteenth-century (1495-1505)

collection of the recipes during the rule of Sultan of Mandu (Madhya
Pradesh), Ghiyath Shahi, and his son and successor, Nasir Shah. It contains
recipes for cooking as well as providing remedies and aphrodisiacs. It also
includes a section on the preparation of betel leaves. Samosas and wada
were first prepared for the Sultan Ghiyath al-Din,

The first book of Ain-i-Akbari (the third volume of the Akbarnama), written
in 1590, gives several recipes, mainly those prevailing among the Mughal
elite.

Alwan-e-Nemat 17th-century contains 101 recipes from the kitchen of

Mughal emperor Jahangir

Nuskha-e-Shahjahani contains Pilaf (seasoned rice) recipes from Shah

Jahan's‟s reign .

23 Human Skills of ancient India

Shivtatva Ratnakar: Shiva tatwa Ratnakar was composed by Basappa Naik
during 1694 to 1714 A.D. It comprises of 30,000 verses . The book contains
108 chapters (Taranga)/ The book was first published by the Mysore
Oriental Research institute in 1921 and published second edition in1969. The
chapter 44 and 45 deals with , Town planning, Architecture and iconography.
The chapter 47 48 and 51 deal with music , paintings and dancing
respectively.

The list below describes the Sanskrit name of the art and its brief
description.
1 Itihas-History
2 Aagam - Rituals
3 Kavya -Poetry
4 Alankar- Grammar of poetry
5 Natak- Dramatics
6 Gayaktva – Singing
7 kavitva – Composition of poems
8 Kamashastra – Sex
9 Durohar / Dyuta – Gambling
10 Deshbhasha Lipidynan -Knowledge of scripts and languages of different
countries.
11 Lipikarma -Script deciphering
12 Vachan -Reading
13 GaNak - Computation
14 Vyavahar –Behavioral etiquette
15 Swardynana -Phonetics
16 Shakun -Knowledge of Auspicious time and events
17 Samudrik - Palmistry

24 Human Skills of ancient India

18 Ratnashastra - Gemology
19 GajaAshvaratha Kaushalya - Horse/Elephant riding
20 Mallashastra- Wrestling
21 Soopakarma -Cookery
22 Bhuhdohad -Gardening
23 Gandhavada- Perfumery
24 Dhatuvad -Metal purification
25 Rasasambandha –Khanivad-Chemical mining
26 Bilwad-
27 Agni Sanstambha-Fire control
28 Jala Sanstambha-Water control
29 Vachahstambhan- voice control
30 Vayahstambhan-Age control
31 VashikaraN- Hypnotism
32 AakarshaN - Attraction
33 Mohan -
34 Viddveshan -
35 Uchattan -Extraction (thorn)
36 MaraN - Killing
37 Kalavanjan-
38 unknown-
39 Parakayapravesh-To enter into another person‟s body
40 Padukasidhhi -
41 Vaksidhhi -Oretory
42 Gutikasidhhi-
43 Endrajalik-
44 Anjan - Ointment making
45 Pardrushtivanjan -
46 Swaraivanjan -

25 Human Skills of ancient India

47 Manimantra Aushadik Sidhhi-
48 Chorkarm -Theft/ Stealing
49 Chitrakriya- Drawing
50 Lohakriya- Iron smithy
51 Ashmakriya- Stone working
52 Mrutkriya - Soil conditioning
53 Darukriya- Wood working
54 Venukriya- Bamboo works
55 Charmakriya- Leather works
56 Ambarkriya -Umbrella making
57 AddrushyakaraN -Vanishing things
58 DantikaraN -Dentistry
59 Mrugayavidhi -Animal hunting
60 Vanijya - Commerce
61 Pashupalya- Animal keeping
62 Krushi- Agriculture
63 Asavkarma - Distillation
64 Lavkukkutameshadiyudhakarak kaushalya - Bird/Animal fighting

Jayamangal- According to all arts can be grouped under two categories.

The first category is arts related to sexology and other is arts related to
techniques. Each category comprises of 64 arts. Many arts in both categories
are same. The arts under first category can be divided into four groups.
A. Karmashraya- Work based- 24 arts
B. Dyutashraya – Gambling based – 20 arts
C. Shayanopacharika –Sleeping posture based -16 arts
D. Uttarkala- Miscellaneous- 4 arts.
A- Karmashraya (Work based group)-The twenty-four arts under this
group are listed below.

26 Human Skills of ancient India

1 Geet - Singing
2 Nrutya -Dancing
3 Vadya- Playing musical instruments
4 Kaushal Lipidyan -Reading different scripts
5 Udarvachan -Give blessings
6 Chitravidhi - Painting
7 Pustakarm -Book binding
8 Patrachheda -Making leaf plates or cones for meals
9 Malyavidhi - Prepare garlands
10 Gandhayutsya swadavidhan -Cookery
11 Ratnapariksha - Gemology
12 Sivan – Sewing
13 Rangaparidyan- Colors
14 UpakaraNkriya – Making instruments
15 –Manavidhi -Measurements
16 -Ajivdyana
17 –Tiryagyonichikikitsit -
18 -Mayakrutapashandparidyana
19 -Kridakaushal
20-Lokadyana -
21 -VaichkshyaN
22 –Samvahan -
23 –Sharirsanskar -
24 –Vishesh Kaushalya
B-Dyutashraya (Gambling based group) – 20 arts. First 15 arts are
Visual and remaining 5 are real arts.
1-Auuhprapti -Longevity
2 –Akshavidhan-
3-Roopsankhya

27 Human Skills of ancient India

4-KriyamargaN-
5-BeejgrahaN-
6-Nayadynan-
7-KaraNadynan-
8- Chitrachitravidhi -
9- Gudharashi -
10 –Tulyabhihar-
11-KshipragrahaN
12 -Anupraptilekhsmruti
13 –Agnikarm-
14-Chalvyamohan-
15-Grahadan-
16-Upasthanvidhi-
17- Yuddha-War
18-Ruta
19-Gata-
20-Nrutta
C-Shayanopacharika(Sleeping posture based group) -16 arts
1-Purush BhavkaraN-
2-Swaragaprakashan-
3-Pratyangdan-
4-Nakhadantvichar-
5-Nivistansan-
6-Guhyang Sansparshnanulomya
7-Parmartha Kaushal-
8-HarshaN
9-Samanarthakrutarthata
10-Anuprotsahan
11-Mrudukrodhapravartan-

28 Human Skills of ancient India

13- Kruddhaprasadan
14-Suptaparityaga
15-Charamswapavidhi
16-Guhyadohan
D- Uttarkala (Misc) group – four arts
1-Sashrupat shapdan
2-Swashapathkriya
3-Prasthitanugaman
4-Punah PunrnirishyaN
Nitisaar of Shukracharya : The 64 arts are as below.
1-Geet -Singing
2- Vadya –Playing musical instruments
3-Nrutya- Dancing
4- Visheshakchhadya- Forhead decoration with paper, leaves etc.
6-Tandul-kusumabalivikar-use of colored rice grains and flower for worship.
7-PushpastaraN- Floral carpets
8-Dashnavsanangrag- Decoration of nails and body
9- Manibhumika karma-Floor decoration with pearls or precious stones.
10- Shayanrachana –Bed arrangement.
11-Udakvadya- Jalataranga-Series of water pots for creating music.
12-Udakaghat- Sprinkling with water cannons.
13-Chitrashycha yoga – Herbal preparations for weakening of enemy
14- Malyagranthanvikalpa-Preparation of floral garlands and hair bands
15-Shekarkapidyojan –Ladies hair styling.
16-Nepathyaprayog- Body make-up with cloth, ornaments and flowers.
17-KarNapatrabhanga- Ear ornaments preparation.
18- Gandhayukti- Making scented dhupa.
19-BhushaNyojan-Ornamental make-up
20- Endrajal – Magic / mesmerism.

29 Human Skills of ancient India

21-Kauchumaryog - Preparation of sex tonics.
22- Hastlaghav- Hand magic.
23- Vichitrashakayushbhakshyavikar kriya- Culinary preparations- sweets
etc.
24-Panakrasa Ragasav yojan- Making sharbat or syrups.
25- Suchivan Karm –Needle work-Embroidery
26-Sutra krida –Hand puppets show
27- Veenadamruvadya-Playing musical instruments like veena or damru
28-Pahelika - Solving riddles.
29- Pratimala- An interesting style of reading text or poem.
30-Durvachakyog - Reciting text which is difficult to pronounce and
understand.
31- Pustak Vachan –Book reading
32- Natakakhyalika darshan -Dramatics
33-Kavya Samasyapurti – Solving riddles.
34-Pattikavetrayanvikalpa - Furniture making.
35-Takshyakarm –Cutting wood to proper size and shape.
36-TakshyaN - Carpentry.
37- Vastuvidya - Civil engineering / architecture.
38-Roopyaratna Pariksha - Valuations of gems and coins.
39-Dhatuwad- Mixing of metals like brass.
40-Maniragakar Dyana- Identification of pearls and gems.
41- Vrukshaurveda- knowledge of Botany.
42- Meshkukkutlavakyuddhavidhi – Knowledge of bird/ animal fighting for
gambling.
43-Shukasarika Pralapan - training of bird to speak.
44-Utsadan-Samvahan-Keshmardankaushal- Body massage and hair care.

30 Human Skills of ancient India

45-Akshyarmushti kathan-Secret word codes for communication or Mushti
sanket - Secret communication through fingers (used by traders in
auctions).
46- Mlenchhit Vikalpa- Secret communication through gestures.
47- Deshbhasha vidyan –Knowledge of foreign languages.
48 - Pushpashakatika- Decoration of vehicles with flowers.
49 - Nimittadyana – Knowledge of auspicious date and time for a particular
work.
50 – Yantramatruka- Knowledge of instruments or machines
51-DharaNmatruka- Remembering heard sentences.
52-Sampathya-
53-Manasi Kavya Kriya – To complete incomplete poem or its part.
54- Abhidhankosha-
55-Chandodyan
56-Kriyakalpa –Poetry forms
57- Chalitak Yog –Conceal body or speech.
58- Vastragopan – covering parts of body with cloth.
59-Dhyutavishesh-
60 -Aakarsh kriya - Playing with dices.
61- Balakridanak
62- Vainayiki dyna – Behavior with known and unknown persons.
63- Vaijayiki Dynan –Knowledge of victory.
64-Vyayam –Physical exercise.

31 Human Skills of ancient India

Sixty-four ancient Indian arts are described in this book. The extent of this
subject is very wide. The aim of education should be increase of knowledge,
betterment of personal relations and more earning for the livelihood. The
ancient education system was to fulfill the four basic duties of a person,

 Dharma (Religion),
 Artha (Earning),
 Kama (Family life) and
 Mokshya (Attainment of eternal peace).
Lord Krishna was master of all the sixty-four arts. Arjun in Dance, Bhim in
cookery and Parshram and Dronacharya were expert in archery. Due to
modern education system a person has to perform any job available to him.
This leads to class struggle and unemployment. All human are not same.
Some people are inclined to some particular subject.
Sage Shuracharya mentions that “It is easy to learn and master traditional
Or family skill than acquire new skill”. Ref. SV6.1

यां यां कऱां समासश्रत्य सनऩुऺो यो दह मानव: |

नैऩुण्डयकरर्े सम्यक् तं तां कुयामत२ स एव दह॥
SV6.1 –Hereditary skills
A son of a carpenter is able the learn carpentry skill much better than other
person because he is familiar since childhood the intricacies of the trade.
Ancient education system was based on this psychological principle. Modern
educationists are realizing the lacuna of modern education system.
But we are blindly following their system which creates a hatred towards
own trade. Sons of artisans are after low salary office jobs. It would be
better if we follow our ancient system of education.

32 Human Skills of ancient India

Only ancient references are enlisted below. There are many books and
articles on the modern skills such as cookery, needlework, childcare, flower
arrangements, nutrition etc .

 Alwan-e-Nemat 17th-century
 Bhojana kuthoohala-1670 A.D.
 Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita
 Charak Samhita
 Jayamangal , commentary on Kamashastra by Vatsyayan
 Kamashastra by Jayamangal
 Kamashastra by Vatsyayan
 Kautilya Arthashastra
 Mangarasa‟s soopa shastra
 Manasollasa of 12th-century
 Manusmruti
 Ni'matnama (1495-1505)
 Nitisaar of Shukracharya
 Nuskha-e-Shahjahani 15th-century
 Sandipani –Sixty-four arts
 Shiva tatva rathnakara, Keldi Shri Basavrajendra., published by the
Mysore Oriental Research institute in 1921
 Shivtatva Ratnakar
 Soopa shastra, 1508 ad, by Nalaraja

34 Human Skills of ancient India

 About the Editor

 Name and Designation: Dr. A.S. Nene Retired Professor and Dean,
VNIT Nagpur.
 Date of Birth: 10th July 1942
 Name of the Institution: V.N.I.T. Nagpur (1972-2002)
 Department: Civil Engineering
 Field of Specialization: Geotechnical Engineering
 Academic Qualifications : B.E., M.E. Ph.D. ,MIGS,MSET
 Industrial Experience: Supervised more than 150 Consultancy
projects
 Award: Khosla Memorial Award (1987) by Roorkee Universit
 Nomination: Nominated by Indian Geotechnical Society to Tech.
Committee TC-19 of International Society of Soil Mechanics &
Foundation Engineering ISSMFE on "Preservation of Historical Sites"
 Developed six CAL-CAD, Self learning Software packages for
undergraduate students of Civil Engineering.
 Patent on “Use of Geo-foam geo-synthetics for expansive soils”

Research Guidance:

 Three Ph.D. and Two M. Tech. Dissertations Completed.

 One Ph.D. dissertation under progress

Research Papers –More than 50 papers in National and International

journals and conference proceedings

E Mail - nene_ashok@yahoo.com OR prof.ashok.nene@gmail.com