Marvels of India - THE BRIHAT TRAYI

Bharat's Three Ancient Medical Encyclopaedias

The Brihat Trayi, literally "The Great Triad", refers to the three Sanskrit encyclopaedias of medicine that constitute the indigenous ancient Indian system of Ayurveda: the Charaka Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridayam.

Medicine: The Charaka Samhita

The Charaka Samhita presents comprehensive theories of physiology, diagnosis, anatomy and the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), i.e., the three vital bio-energies or forces that govern physical, mental and emotional functions in the human body.

Surgery: The Sushruta Samhita

The Sushruta Samhita includes detailed anatomy through cadaver dissection, over 300 surgical procedures, 121 surgical instruments, herbal anaesthesia and wound care. It was translated into Arabic at the commission of Caliph Mansur and the Latin translations of those Arabic versions laid the foundation of European medicine.

Synthesis: The Ashtanga Hridayam

Vagbhata's Ashtanga Hridayam is an Ayurvedic treatise that integrates the insights of the Charaka and Sushruta Samhitas into a unified systematisation.

A Civilisational Marvel

This triad encapsulates the collective wisdom of ancient Indian wellness experts, detailing methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases. These three Granthas are revered not merely as medical compendiums but as comprehensive explorations of the philosophy of life, health, nutrition, disorders and ailments, and well-being.