Chemistry of ancient India

Chemistry of ancient India-

In ancient times, chemistry was not considered as a separate science in the East and West. Attempts were made to use different metals to make gold. Later, however, known as metallurgy. Used as an aid to various industries and medical sciences.

In ancient India, chemistry originated from the technique of converting other metals into gold by the use of chemical methods, such as mercury, and chemistry probably originated from the practice of Ayurveda.

Ancient Chemistry - In ancient India, chemistry meant the treatment of various diseases like mercury and other metals such as oxidation, refining, alloying, etc., and the extraction of Alkali and acids. Moreover, knowledge of chemistry was very necessary for the preparation of alkali and its use, skinning of meat, etc., drying of objects, stopping of bleeding, etc.

It is known in the folklore that Mahadev taught this science to Adinath. After that Chandrasana,Nityananda,Goraksanatha, Kapali, Bhaluki, Mandavya, etc. learned through yoga practice. In Vedic literature, it is mentioned that Ashwinidvaya was a scholar of chemistry. In the chemistry of that time, his job was to make medicine from various herbal juices. Gradually, in the age of Ayurveda, when the medical system improved and Ayurveda was called an adjunct to Atharva, chemistry developed.

The ancient teachers of chemistry are -Patanjali, Damodar, Basudev, Charaka, Harit, Sushruta, Bagbhatta etc. The oldest text in chemistry is Nagarjuna's Rasaratnākar. It is probably a composition from the seventh to the eighth century AD.

Chemistry of ancient India-

Chemistry Rasaratnākar:

This is one of the ancient texts of chemistry. There is a process of mercury and other metals in the treatment of various diseases such as oxidation, refining, mixing etc. Nagarjuna proves that mercury is mastered by consuming one metal after another. He proves that mercury can cure many incurable diseases. That is why in Indian medicine he is called the pioneer of chemistry and the father of mercury science. He was the first to invent the method of converting the black sulfide compound of mercury into medicine. He also mentions two more such metals.

Discovered methods of curing diseases without the proliferation of weapons. Instead of treating weapons, he invented what could be eliminated simply by applying drugs in a combination of different metals such as sulfur, amber, copper, conch, diamond, lead, etc. He is also credited with inventing various types of ointments for the treatment of toxins, fractures, hemorrhoids and especially for eye treatment.

Chemistry of ancient India-

Other important book of chemistry -

Author Works

1. Shāṅgadhara - Sāṁgadharsaṁhitā

2. Somdev - Rasendracūrāmṇi

3. Yashodhara - Rasaprakāshasudhākar

4. Gobindācārja - Rasasāra

5. Mādhav - Rasakoumudī

6. Gopālkrisna - Rasendrasārasaṁgrah

7. Bhojadev - Rasarajmrigaṁka

8. Devdutta - Dhaturatnamālā

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Roy in his book "A HISTORY OF HINDU CHEMISTRY" has mentioned various books on chemistry. According to Govindacharya, the author of the book Rasasara, chemistry was practiced in Tibet as well as in India, and the Acharyas of both the countries exchanged views with each other.