Alchemist: 1 definition

Introduction:

Alchemist means something in the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

India history and geography

Source: Singhi Jain Series: Ratnaprabha-suri’s Kuvalayamala-katha (history)

Alchemists in ancient India were known as Dhātuvādins and were involved in the “art of making artificial gold” (Dhātuvāda) representing one of Siddhis (powers) practiced in ancient India, as mentioned in the Kathās (narrative poems) such as Uddyotanasūri in his 8th-century Kuvalayamālā (a Prakrit Campū, similar to Kāvya poetry).—Page 191.28-32: We get some details about Dhātuvāda (p. 195), i.e., the art of making artificial gold, being practised in a secluded part of the Vindhya forest. [...] It is said that the assembled Dhātuvādins or alchemists were failing in their attempt. Prince Kuvalayacandra tried his own knowledge and succeeded in the making of gold. It appears that one of the epithets of the Dhātuvādins was Narendra, meaning a master of charms or antidotes. The word is also used in this sense in classical Sanskrit literature. Dhātuvāda is also called Narendrakalā (Ṇariṃdakalā, 197.16).

India history book cover
context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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