Gayadasa
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Gayadasa
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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G. J. Meulenbeld
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Gayadasa
Year: 1984
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
This article discusses the historical figure Gayadasa, known for his commentary on the Susrutasamhita, particularly his work titled Nyayacandrika. The author analyzes the challenges associated with understanding Gayadasa's contributions, his references in the works of Dalhana and other commentators, and the implications for dating his life. Despite the significance of the Nyayacandrika, much of his work remains fragmentary or unedited, complicating the task of establishing his influence in the context of ancient Indian medical literature.
The Life and Works of Gayadasa
Gayadasa's role as a commentator is underscored by the numerous citations found in Dalhana's commentary on the Susrutasamhita. His work, while not wholly preserved, is essential for understanding aspects of Ayurvedic texts. The debate surrounding his potential additional commentary on the Carakasamhita remains unresolved, with no surviving fragments to support this claim. Scholars have attempted to identify the nature of his relationship with other commentators, leading to suggestions that Gayadasa's Nyayacandrika may correspond with the larger or more widespread commentaries referenced by Dalhana. The analysis also addresses the challenges in attributing specific quotations to Gayadasa due to the overlapping references with other scholars such as Bhaskara.
Conclusion
Determining the timeline of Gayadasa's life is complex due to the reliance on references from later commentators that suggest he lived between the 6th century and the early 12th century, with scholars reaching varying conclusions on his exact timeframe. Recent studies suggest that Gayadasa precedes Cakrapanidatta, and further research into Brahmadeva's work provides additional context that supports a dating of Gayadasa's life prior to the latter's. Through meticulous examination of source materials and commentators’ references, the article seeks to clarify Gayadasa's place in the evolution of Ayurvedic thought and literature within ancient India.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
Who was Gayadasa and what is his notable work?
Gayadasa was a commentator on the Susrutasamhita, known for his work Nyayacandrika. This commentary covered the entire text and was widely cited by Dalhana, although only partially preserved.
What complications arise in identifying Gayadasa's works?
Identifying Gayadasa's works is complicated due to ambiguous references in Dalhana's writings. Several authors and panjikas are mentioned, making it hard to definitively ascribe quotes and opinions to Gayadasa.
What information do we have about Gayadasa's historical context?
Gayadasa's date is difficult to pinpoint, but he is believed to have lived between the 10th and 11th centuries, earlier than Cakrapanidatta and later than Jejjata. Various scholars have made estimations based on his quotes.
Is there any personal information known about Gayadasa?
Little personal information about Gayadasa is available. He was referred to as an antaranga, or court physician, in a manuscript colophon, suggesting he served a king in Bengal during his time.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Gayadasa”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bhaskara (Bhāskara):
Bhaskara is referenced as a commentator whose opinions and commentary are discussed in relation to Gayadasa. He is believed to have authored a separate panjika, which complicates the identification of the sources cited by Dalhana. His work is considered distinct from Gayadasa's, but they are often compared due to their prominence in commentaries on Ayurvedic texts.
2) Sushruta-samhita (Suśruta-saṃhitā):
The Susrutasamhita is an ancient Sanskrit text, foundational to Ayurvedic medicine, on which Gayadasa authored the Nyayacandrika, a commentary. This text contains knowledge on surgical techniques, medicinal herbs, and therapeutic practices. The prominence of this text in Dalhana's commentary highlights its significance in the Ayurvedic canon and the influence of Gayadasa's interpretations.
3) Caraka-samhita (Caraka-saṃhitā):
The Carakasamhita, another key text in Ayurvedic medicine, is speculated to have a commentary by Gayadasa, though no fragments have survived to confirm this. Its significance lies in its extensive treatment of medicine and philosophy, serving as a counterpart to the Susrutasamhita, thus indicating the diverse scholarly activity in ancient Indian medicinal literature.
4) Nidanasthana (Nidānasthāna, Nidana-sthana):
Nidanasthana refers to a section of the Susrutasamhita that Gayadasa addressed in his commentary, the Nyayacandrika. The focus of Nidanasthana is on the causes and diagnostics of diseases, highlighting the clinical aspects of Ayurveda. The preservation of only one manuscript of Gayadasa's commentary emphasizes the challenges in studying ancient medical texts.
5) Candrika (Candrikā, Candrīkā):
The term 'Candrika' is associated with several commentators, including Gayadasa. It suggests a possible connection between Gayadasa's Nyayacandrika and other lost works. The ambiguity surrounding references to Candrika necessitates further investigation into the authorship and the nature of commentaries, revealing the complexities of textual transmission in Ayurveda.
6) Jejjata (Jejjaṭa):
Jejjata is an influential ancient scholar referenced by Gayadasa, helping to establish a chronological framework for Gayadasa’s work. His existence highlights the intellectual milieu of the time and provides a terminus post quem for dating Gayadasa. This association with scholarly predecessors is crucial for understanding the evolution of Ayurvedic scholarship.
7) Brihat (Bṛhat):
Brihat, potentially synonymous with Brhat, indicates a broader commentary style possibly attributed to Gayadasa’s works. The discussion surrounding Brihat emphasizes challenges in differentiating between various commentaries and indicates how the legacy of Gayadasa and other commentators influenced subsequent medical literature and practices in Ayurveda.
8) Sharirasthana (Śārīrasthāna, Sharira-sthana, Śarīrasthāna):
The Sarirasthana is another section of the Susrutasamhita, which although remains unedited, is significant for the study of Gayadasa’s commentary. This section covers aspects of human physiology and anatomy in Ayurveda, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of ancient medical knowledge and underscoring Gayadasa’s engagement with comprehensive medical discourse.
9) Shivadasasena (Śivadāsasena):
Sivadasasena is mentioned as one of the commentators whose works possibly include references to Gayadasa’s texts. The inclusion of various commentators denotes a rich tradition of scholarly dialogue in Ayurveda, and understanding their interplay can shed light on the broader historical context of medical commentary and the evolution of Ayurvedic practices.
10) Activity:
Activity here pertains to Gayadasa’s scholarly contributions and commentary on existing Ayurvedic texts. His work reflects the vibrant intellectual pursuits of the time, focusing on interpreting and expanding upon earlier medical knowledge. Understanding such activities helps reinforce the historical significance of commentary in preserving and transmitting Indian medicinal wisdom.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study of medicine as established in Ayurvedic texts, including the contributions of scholars like Gayadasa. Ayurveda represents an early form of scientific inquiry into health, disease, and treatment methods, illustrating how ancient practices laid the groundwork for modern medical sciences.
12) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma is referenced as an author who places Gayadasa in relation to historical contexts, suggesting a contemporary relationship with Cakrapanidatta. This highlights the importance of collaborative scholarship during this period, allowing for a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic traditions and the development of medical theories within the timeframe outlined.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Gayadasa’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Sushruta-samhita, Nyayacandrika, Cakrapanidatta, Antaranga, Medical literature, Ancient Science of life, Gayadasa G. J. Meulenbeld, Dalhana's commentary, Unique manuscript, Panjikakaras quoted, Bhaskara's commentary, Candrika and candrikakara, Manuscript collection, Evidence for chronology, References to Susrutasamhita, G.Haldar's analysis, P.Cordier, Indian Studies.