Vedic Period Research Articles

An Ayurveda approach for managing Geriatric Sleep Disturbances: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Ageing is defined as the progressive deterioration in structure and function of the body organs. In Ayurveda literature ageing (Jara) has been given importance since Vedic period as the natural, progressive phenomenon. In Ayurveda, Sleep (Nidra) is one of the Upasthambha (Sub-Pillar) which is essential for overall health. Ageing causes multiple changes in sleep patterns, and various diseases can further disrupt sleep. Ayurveda describes the physiological increase of Vata Dosha in old age which causes Vata Prakopa in body leading to degeneration of Dhatu (Dhatukshaya) which alter the sleep patterns. Aim: The paper aims to review common sleep disturbances seen in ageing and their prevention and management through Ayurveda. The study discusses various patterns of sleep during ageing and their possible management through Ayurveda. Primary sleep disorders common in the geriatric population such as; insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder was discussed and their management through Ayurveda was reviewed. The selection of Ayurvedic treatment and procedures which nourishes Dhatu and pacify Vata Dosha are effective in managing sleep disturbances. Result: The study finds that Vatashamak Chikitsa, regulation of Agni, Dincharya, Ritucharya, Vegdharan, use of Rasayana, Panchakarma, Yogasana are beneficial for the management of sleep disturbances. Conclusion: Sleep disturbances are common in ageing and can be managed efficiently through Ayurveda.

Research Update on the Therapeutic Potential of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum Linn.) with Threatened Status.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) has been used in India for medicinal purposes since the Vedic era. Garden cress, a native of Egypt and southwest Asia, is a small perennial edible herb that has been used to treat many diseases for centuries. The seeds, leaves as well as roots have medicinal properties. The seeds are rich in protein, fat, calcium, and iron and have high nutritional value. They are considered to be galactagogue, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic and antidiarrheal. Leaves, seeds, and aerial parts extracts are found to have alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, polypeptides, vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Lepidium sativum is known for its pungent odor due to the several volatile oils and has been used to treat various conditions, including respiratory disorders, muscle pain, inflammation, and bone fractures in the past. Lepidium sativum is a fast-growing annual herb; in India, it is commonly known as Chandrasoor. Whole fruits or seeds are used, fresh or dried, as a seasoning with a peppery flavor. Boiled seeds are consumed in drinks by Arabs, either ground in honey or as an infusion in hot milk. The seed oil can be used for illumination and soap making. Additionally, limited awareness and conservation efforts have further contributed to its threatened status. Recognizing the importance of preserving this valuable plant species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring its availability for future generations. Furthermore, this review explores the potential benefits of Lepidium sativum in different domains. Its nutritional value and health benefits make it a promising candidate for addressing malnutrition and improving overall well-being. The presence of bioactive compounds suggests its potential use in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and natural medicines for various ailments. Moreover, Lepidium sativum exhibits antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, offering potential applications in agriculture and pest control. The current review discussed the nutritional, potential benefits and pharmacological effects of Lepidium sativum.

Evolution of Codified Criminal Laws in India: A Voyage from Colonialization to Decolonization

This research paper delves into the profound evaluation of criminal laws in Bharat from the Vedic era to the decolonization of criminal statutes. The narrative begins with evaluating the criminal justice system from the Vedic ages to today's new decolonized criminal laws in India. The paper scrutinizes the various time duration for evaluation of criminal laws in Bharat: Before the Vedic era (Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sāma, and Atharva), Shrutis, Puranas, and many more), During the Vedic era (Dharamshastra and Arthshastra), Mughal period, British colonial period, and Decolonialization of criminal laws in India. The various objectives behind the decolonization of new criminal laws include Eradication of Colonial-Era law, Offence against the state, Modernization of the criminal justice system, Strengthening Accountability and Rule of Law, and Democratizing the Law. Understanding the evaluation of laws from the colonial era to the decolonization of criminal laws, importing critical legal changes brought under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Act (BSA) in 2023, this study closely observes the backdrop, what inspires the law to launch such amendments and what subtleties result in these alterations. This historical analysis is taken up first that describes the colonial legacy of India's legal system, and how relics of archaic legislations are part of its system even today. With this background, the exam is placed against a backdrop of rising crime and changing characteristics of criminal behaviors occasioned by new technological breakthroughs that require all-around changes. The paper scrutinizes the supreme provisions of the BNSS towards replacing the archaic Code of Criminal Procedure, the BNS which is poised to replace the Indian Penal Code, and the BSA which is to replace the Evidence Act. This report will appraise the major changes in the number of sections that are incorporated into the new schemes, record digitalization, and the inevitable drift towards forensic science and collection of evidence.

History and practices on the magnanimity and sanctity of diet

From prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies to the sophisticated gastronomy of medieval royal courts, the evolution of Indian food culture underscores the integral role of food in sustaining life and fostering communal bonds. Beginning with the ancestral legacies where food was regarded as a divine gift fostering communal eating and social cohesion, this article explores the progression of food culture through the lens of historical epochs such as the Harappan civilization, Vedic period, Mauryan and Gupta periods, and the influences of Dravidian culture, Muslim rulers, and European colonization. The article highlights the pivotal role of Prana, the life force in digestion, as described in texts such as the Chandogya-Upanishad, and the impact of food on mental purity and vitality. It examines the classification of food in the Bhagavad Gita based on its effects on the Gunas (qualities), emphasizing the preference for Sattvika foods that promote longevity and happiness. The Manusmritiunderscores the cosmic significance of food offerings, linking human actions to natural elements and divine beings. The practice of Annadanam (the giving of food) is extolled as one of the highest forms of charity, reflecting a universal ethos of generosity and hospitality. The comprehensive review underscores the holistic understanding of the sanctity of food within the intricate fabric of Indian culture, intertwining spiritual beliefs, ethical considerations, and communal practices that have shaped culinary traditions and societal norms over millennia.

HEMIONITIS CORDATA ROXB.EX HOOK &GREV- A FORGOTTEN SOURCE OF VEDOKTA PRISHNIPARNI

Medicines in Vedic period are generally procured from the botanical source. Their remarkable qualities are adored by hymns. Different names coined to the plants are used as the tools to identify the botanical source.Over a course of time, the botanical source of some drugs,are replaced intentionally or accidently or logically based on the unavailability of the true source or advancement in the understanding the plant characters or a gap in knowledge transmission . This perhaps, has led to use of one botanical source in place of other. This replacement sometimes, not limited to a single source and the drug beacame controversial. Eventually different botanical source are being used for a same drug at different times in different parts in India.This holds true for a plant called Pṛśniparṇī -a most valued herb of Atharvaveda, revered for its various medicinal properties. Presently, various botanical sources are used as Pṛśniparṇī in India. Keen search is done through all the literature related to the plant Pṛśniparṇī in Ayurveda especially in Atharvaveda, Samhita, lexicons, review articles, dictionaries, the text related to the botanical source and world flora online(WFO)to find out the reasons for the use of different source and intricacy in understanding the synonyms of Pṛśniparṇī. The search has come up with various hidden facts about plant and revealed the different botanical source of Pṛśniparṇī used for different reasons. This review will help the researchers to look up to another important botanical source of Pṛśniparṇī that remained ignored for a long time.

CHARAKOKTA RUTU-TRIVRIT ; AN UNIQUE CONCEPT.

Trivrit (Operculina terpethum ) that has been widely used for its excellent therapeutic effect, since vedic period till date. According to acharya charaka, trivrit is an agrya dravya for sukha virechana. In classics, administration of drugs has been given prime importance in accordance with bala, agni, rutu, anupana etc. In this regards, Acharya charaka has explained very unique concept in kalpa sthana, known as Rutu Trivrit.

Effect of Lemon peel extract mediated gold nanoparticles on hematobiochemical and sperm parameter alterations in lead- arsenic induced combined exposure in male rats

Gold was used in the vedic era in India to enhance strength, potency and to combat the aging process in humans. It is one of the few metals which can be used at nano scale due to its resistance to oxidation. Considering the biological activity of gold, the present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Lemon peel extract gold Nanoparticals (LPGNP) on As + Pb induced reproductive toxicity in rats. In present study twenty-four wistar rats were divided into four groups, group I served as control, group II, III, IV received co-exposure of Sodium Arsenate 13.8mg/kg and Lead acetate 116.4 mg/kg, p.o. daily for 14 days, followed by oral administration of LPGNP @10 and 20 mg/kg, to group III and IV, respectively for 6 weeks. At the end of experiment hematology, reproductive parameters and histopathology of testes was studied. The findings of study revealed significant alteration in hematobiochemical parameters, serum testosterone concentration, sperm motility, total sperm count and sperm viability in rats received As-Pb exposure whereas LPGNP administration caused marked improvement in reproductive parameters. In histopathology of testis, As + Pb caused degenerative changes of seminiferous tubules, and sloughing of spermatogenic cells. In LPGNP treated rats, minimal histopathological alterations were observed in testis. In conclusion LPGNP caused significant improvement in biochemical and sperm parameters and testosterone level in As + Pb induced reproductive toxicity in rats.

Nishad: History of the origin of primitive man

The history of Nishads is an important chapter in the development of ancient human civilization and culture. It is a symbol of the formation of human settlements on earth, the establishment of residences and the advancement of early civilizations. Based on the skeletons and evidence obtained from the excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization, it is clear that the Nishad community was part of a strong and prosperous culture till the Vedic period. Nishad culture played an important role in the creation of Vedic literature, epics, and Puranas. Nishads have been mentioned in epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata as a symbol of ideals, bravery and cooperation. Nishad kings are especially mentioned in the Mahabharata period, in which important personalities like Nishad King Nala and Eklavya are described. The roots of Nishad culture were spread in wide areas of the Indian subcontinent, in which Nishads expanded from the Himalayan ranges to Rajasthan and Punjab. Nishad mountains and Nishad land are also mentioned in the Mahabharata, which shows their geography and places of residence. The social and cultural identity of the Nishads evolved over the centuries, and they became important components of Indian culture. The etymology and usage of the word Nishad has been used in various contexts of music, yajna, and society in different periods. The contribution of the Nishads is not only significant in the cultural heritage of ancient India, but their counting system and language have also had a significant impact globally.

Education and its importance in the Vedic Era

Education is the main pillar of human civilization. India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. In India, the first education system was established by sages during the Vedic period. Education was given considerable importance for the needs of the society.During the Vedic period, the Arya society had the Chaturashram system. These four Ashrams are – Brahmacharya, Garhasthya, Banaprastha and Sannyasa. After upanayana one had to practice celibacy and live as a disciple in the guru's house and receive education. Education or Vidya is of two types Paravidya and Aparavidya.

Analysis of Conflict-Oriented Circumstances in the Social History of the Vedic Period: A Sociological Perspective

Purpose: The decline of the old and the emergence of the new; life and society involve a continuous series of conflicts within every social structure. Conflict has been a part of human civilization since ancient times, serving as a process for managing resources in socio-cultural structures. This article explores the different forms of conflict in Vedic social history, offering insights into an ancient civilization. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research is based on a qualitative approach, using primarily secondary data. Information was gathered from Vedic texts, interactions with historians, historical documents of an ancient civilization, and research journal articles using historical content analysis. The content analysis method was used to analyze the collected data. Findings/Results: The pattern of production was based on animal husbandry and the agricultural system in the Vedic period. Land and livestock were the major resources of the production system. The practices of conflicts were increasing in a way in the process of captured and extension of the land and livestock as the resources of the production system. In these surroundings of socio-economic circumstances, so many forms of conflicts are found in the Vedic period such as the conflict between the Aryans and the Dravidians, the Hind Aryan and the Vedic Aryan, the different Varna’s of Vedic Aryan, between different race and class of Vedic Aryans, the animal owners and the traders/merchants (pani), different states and kings, and in different cultures. Similarly, due to the leadership of holding resources, family, and the Gotra system are found to be debatable and antagonistic in the form of the conflicts. Originality/Value: It has been found that the conflicts are of various kinds found in the society of the Vedic period. Such conflicts have been found the conflicts between son and father, conflicts between the parents and the children, between Aryans and Dravidians, between Hind Aryan and Vedic Aryan, husband and wife, women and women, Pastoralist and trader, between wives in Polygamous, conflicts in war, cultural conflict and the so on. These different kinds of the conflicts have been found and dealt in the Vedic society. In fact, the conflicts of the society have been found as the central causes of disharmonious, chaos, restlessness, and the trouble and it has been found stressful life in the society of Vedic era and conflicts have been found to be the reasons of the suffering as well as hardship of not only individual life but of the entire social structure even in the Vedic era.

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF SUSHVIKADI VATI IN PURISHAJA KRIMI(PIN WORM) (A STUDY PROTOCOL)

The term "Krimi" in Ayurveda refers to all worms and microbes. The concept of krimi is not new; references to it date back to the Vedic era. The literature on Ayurveda describes the visible and invisible, or macro and micro, organisms that impact both living and non-living objects in the biosphere. In contemporary medical science, worms and bacteria are studied under different branches called helminthology and microbiology, respectively. However, in Ayurveda, the term "Krimi" refers to both types of worms and microbes. All acharyas in Ayurveda used the name "Krimi," and the majority of authors explained the term's classification, causes, symptoms, and treatments. Ayurvedic doctors have an understanding of Krimis and Krimi rogas ; they have identified as different varieties of Krimis.Thus, in the present study Purishaja Krimi(Pin worm) is taken as the subject of intervention with the drug ‘Sushvikadi Vati’ mentioned in a Arogya Raksha Kalpadrumah, krimi rog chikitsa adhyaya 10) MATERIALS AND METHODS : This prospective, open label, randomized clinical trial will be conducted at, School Of Ayurveda D.Y. Patil Deemed To Be University Navi Mumbai. A total of 60 children of aged 4-13 years irrespective of gender with classical symptoms of Purishaja Krimi (Pin worm )will be enrolled in the study. The outcome will be assessed according to the subjective and objective parameters established respective-ly for the study on each visit. Safety will be assessed based on the incidence of adverse events. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Krimi is the disease of GIT, and it has aaharaj and viharaja Nidana and its samprapti involves vitiation of Tridosha . Its samprapti involves agnimandya and mala dravata and the Ayurvedic formulation chosen for this study, “SUSHVIKADI VATI” usually have Krimighna property out-comes of this trial will suggest probable therapeutic options for the effective management of krimi of children.

The Hindu Right and India's Religious Diplomacy

India is investing more in religious diplomacy, arguing that the world might learn lessons from that country’s extraordinary repository of philosophical and spiritual traditions. This diplomacy has an increasingly Hindu character, reflecting the present government’s conviction that India is essentially a Hindu civilization. This article examines the drivers of India’s contemporary religious diplomacy, its target audiences, its practitioners within and outside the government, and its likely influence. It argues that India’s religious diplomacy is unusual in terms of its target audiences and the message aimed at each of them, and in terms of its messengers, which include several Hindu nationalist social movements and elements of the Indian diaspora. It argues too that the impact of these efforts remains unclear.

Mathematical innovations in calculus during the Vedic era

Mathematical innovations in calculus during the Vedic era

Razumijevanje vedske ekoduhovnosti kroz prizmu etike okoliša

Eco–spiritualism is not a new idea; in fact, it has a long history in the Vedic tradition. ‘Vasudhaiva Kuṭumbakam’ in the mantra of Mahā–Upaniṣad of the Sāmaveda tradition presents us with a thought–provoking message, namely, that every being or entity on this earth is one family [अयं बन्धुरयं नेति गणना लघुचेतसाम् ।उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ॥७१॥]. In the Vedic civilization the realm of ethical thinking was extensive. The Vedic science of ecology addresses eco–spiritualism from the perspective of the cosmological and the ontological unity of nature. However, the ethics of natural laws, such as ṛta, satya and dharma, plays a very vital role in the human being’s environmental actions. Firstly, this paper intends to trace and identify the ecological divinity of the Vedas. Secondly, the paper shall endeavour to apply and evaluate ancient scriptures and their understanding of the environment in terms of its intrinsic value and its relation to human beings. We conclude with the discussion on the problems of eco–spiritualism in the contemporary world.

ROLE OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

The Indian Constitution is a beautiful blend of both federal and unitary systems. The Indian Constitution is called a federal constitution on the basis that it is a written constitution. It provides for a supreme and independent judiciary. The preamble of the Indian Constitution declares the goal of making India a democratic republic. Its head of state will be elected democratically. Being a republic means that any common person of India, whether a man or a woman, can reach the highest position in the country on the basis of his qualifications. India is a union of states. It is an independent sovereign socialist democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government. This republic is governed according to the Constitution of India which was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and which came into force on 26 January 1950. The Constitution of India is the supreme legal authority that links together the legislative, executive and judicial organs of the government. The Constitution provides fundamental rights to all citizens and gives the independent judiciary the right to declare invalid the laws or government actions that violate the Constitution. In the Vedic period, women had a very respectable position in India. But later in the medieval period, the status of women deteriorated a lot due to the arrival of foreigners. Due to illiteracy, bad customs and conservatism in the society, the status of women was greatly affected. But gradually in the first half of the nineteenth century, some social workers of India like Raja Ram Mahen Rai, Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Ishwarchand Vidyasagar and Keshavchand Sen raised their voice against the oppressive social system. They raised their voice before the then British rulers for gender equality, women education, ban on Sati Pratha and ban on polygamy, as a result of which Sati Pratha Prohibition Act, 1829 and Hindu Widow Remarriage Act in 1856, Age of Constancy Bill in 1891 and Vative Marriage Act to stop polygamy were passed. By the twenty-first century, the condition of women started improving and the Indian Constitution implemented provisions to promote women's upliftment and empowerment and to improve their economic, social, educational and political status and to include them in the mainstream of development by running many welfare schemes and developmental works.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN BHUMISUKTAM (ATHARVAVEDA-12/1)

As we know that, the study of Vedas and understanding its meaning is a vast and complex process. Basically, the main reason for this complexity is the deviation of understanding the meaning of the ancient language. This is why Wiseman gives instructions to study of the Vedas along with the six Vedangas and Purans. There is no denying that as a result of this indication, the study of Vedas has been restricted to one area. In modern times, the poetic forms of various Suktam of the Vedas, Social Consciousness, Spiritual Consciousness, World Consciousness, and Environmental Awareness became the focus of discussion. Today, in the world there are many countries always active in protecting the balance of the environment. Although there was hardly any environmental thought during the Vedic period. Then people were not aware of the environment? In the answer of such question, it can be said that the people of Vedic period did not do anything to pollute the environment. It is also said that they did not think about the environment separately, accepted the environment as a part of their life. As a result, there is no question of environmental pollution. In this regard, it is not right to say that in the Vedic period, people were vigilant about environmental awareness, because they used to live and earn their living in the natural environment and they unconsciously valued and always protected the environment. In the Vedic literature such environmental suktams are, Bristisuktam, Nadisuktam, Vaksuktam and one of the main suktam is Prithivisuktam or Bhumisuktam.

Ritual: Violence and Non-violence

Current paper looks at the vicissitudes of thought on violence and non-violence in India, from Vedic period to the present. The early Vedic people lived a nomadic life and practiced customary animal sacrifice. Gradually, however, they started using euphemisms in connection with ritualistic violence and switched subsequently to non-violent rituals. Possibly, because there was a lot of opposition to ritualistic violence, mainly from the Buddhist and the Jaina thinkers, even the later Hinduism ultimately accepted the principle of ahiṃsā (non-violence). Although at present most followers of Vedic rituals do not practice violence when performing Vedic rituals, some others still partly accept it and act accordingly. Also, there is some ritualistic violence outside the Vedic ritual, but there is definitely a change in outlook.

A review on the green chemistry perspective of multipurpose use of cow urine

Abstract The use of cow urine (CU) in treating a variety of illness can be traced back to ancient ages. It has been referred as an important and integral component of Cowpathy – an age-old practice in Indian sub-continent since the Vedic period (1500 BC – 600 BC). The CU contains several important compounds that are essential in maintaining a balance between the well-being of human and the nature. It is composed of about 95 % water and other useful ingredients such as urea, hormones, lyase enzyme, and salts containing Fe, Ca, P, Mn, S, N, and K. In addition, it also contains lactose, cytokine, and amino acid which are the fundamental building blocks of protein. Researchers have developed various processes for the green synthesis of CU concentrate and evaluated its usefulness in treating various diseases owing to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Further, CU has also shown promising immunity boosting and anti-oxidant characteristics. Even though human civilization has benefited from the use of CU in treating various types illness but the modern scientific understanding of the cause-effect relationships was partly developed in the last few decades. There exists a huge knowledge gap and a comprehensive study on exploring the science and application of CU hasn’t been reported. This paper reviews the historical perspective, compositional analysis, processing, applications, knowledge gap, and future research required in the field of therapeutic usage of CU.

Ashwamedha Yagya: Gupta Dynasty

The Ashwamedh Yagya, an ancient Vedic ritual extensively documented in Indian epics and Vedic texts, holds significant historical importance. This ritual, detailed in texts such as the Rig Veda and Yajur Veda, is also elaborated upon in the Mahabharata’s Ashwamedha Parva. Despite its ancient prominence, the frequency and depth of the Ashwamedh Yagya declined over time after the Gupta dynasty. Archaeological evidence, including inscriptions and rock edicts, provides substantial insights into the practice of the Ashwamedh Yagya. The Gupta dynasty's inscriptions, particularly those issued by rulers like Samudragupta and Chandragupta II, provide critical genealogical and historical data regarding the Ashwamedh Yagya. These inscriptions mention the performance of the ritual and highlight its significance during their reigns. Samudragupta, in particular, revived the Ashwamedh Yagya and issued commemorative Ashwamedha coins, which serve as crucial historical artifacts. These coins depict the ritual’s elements and were used to honor the Ashwamedh Yagya, showcasing the advanced metallurgical technology of the Gupta period. Furthermore, archaeological discoveries, including inscriptions and rock edicts, illuminate the extensive practice of Ashwamedh Yagya among the Gupta rulers to build the nation and culture against foreign attackers of the time. Overall, the Ashwamedh Yagya's practice and its documentation through archaeological findings, inscriptions, and coins reveal its extensive significance in ancient Indian history, particularly within the Gupta dynasty, for reviving Vedic culture through Ashwamedh Yagya. \\

The Revolutionary Vision of Deep Yagya (Lamp Sacrifice) and Its Era-Transforming Potential

In Indian culture, Yagya holds a significant place and is considered the backbone of Vedic culture. Yagya is not just a religious ritual but a method of profound contemplation, philosophy, and practice. Considering the complexities of traditional Yagyas, Yug Rishi Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharyaji introduced the concept of Deep Yagya, which is simple and accessible. Deep Yagya requires less time, space, and money, and is capable of including all sections of society. Its aim is to bring about moral, intellectual, and social reform in society. Through the use of a lamp and incense sticks, this Yagya symbolizes a deep spiritual and psychological transformation. Through it, the reconstruction of individuals, families, and society is possible, paving the way for the welfare of all humanity.