Bhela-Samhita

by K.H. Krishnamurthy

Bringing out the ancient Sanskrit texts of repute to the expert attention of the non-Sanskrit knowing modernity is a specialised academic pursuit of many sided value. But this will be so, only if executed with all the care needed.

Bhela-samhita, an incomplete Mss, is a reputed, ancient Ayurvedic work of this nature, earlier than the redacted Caraka Samhita. As such, it automatically assumes an important historical value. The present attempt is a pioneering work and has utilized the merits of all the editions to correct the text as much as possible.

To derive maximum productivity, the translation should be incisive, meticulous and reflect the merits and the vigour of the original. For this purpose, a special system of what is referred to as an interpretive translation has been developed and meticulously followed through out. This would productively highlight the specialties and also bring into proper relief quite a few advanced thinkings in the field as available here. This is so, despite the great age of the work. An usual criticism is that his text is too general and nonspecific. Enough care is taken to disprove this statement and show instead that it is quite specific and adequately detailed within its own framework. Infact, it is better treated as a special work, written more to the practitioners and has some emphasis on neurology. An other specialty of the attempt is that it heavily leans on the Vyutpatti or the etymology of the Sanskrit technical terms utilised. For, this is rather a more reliable key to the original thinkers in the field.

This is particularly useful in suggesting the botanical equivalents of the Ayurvedic plants of this Samhita.