“Chakradatta,” also known as “Chikitsa Sangraha,” is a seminal 11th-century Ayurvedic treatise authored by Acharya Chakrapani Datta. This comprehensive work, comprising 79 chapters and approximately 4,800 verses, serves as a vital reference in Ayurvedic medicine, focusing extensively on therapeutic practices across various medical disciplines. Chakrapani Datta, renowned for his authoritative commentary on the “Charaka Samhita,” compiled this text to provide an up-to-date medical guide, drawing from over 50 preceding sources, including Vrinda’s “Siddhayoga.”
The structure of “Chakradatta” is meticulously organized, with the initial 65 chapters aligning with the disease classifications found in Madhava Nidana, focusing primarily on therapeutic approaches rather than diagnostic descriptions. Subsequent chapters delve into rejuvenation therapies (Rasayana and Vajikarana), purification procedures (Panchakarma), and preventive medicine, offering a holistic view of health maintenance. Notably, the final chapter provides insights into daily and seasonal regimens, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle in disease prevention.
A distinctive feature of “Chakradatta” is its extensive inclusion of herbal, mineral, and metallic preparations for internal use. Chakrapani Datta introduced several innovative formulations, such as ‘Rasaparpati,’ a mercurial compound utilized in treating various disorders. The text also highlights the use of ‘Ksharasutra’ (alkaline thread) in surgical interventions, particularly for conditions like fistula-in-ano, showcasing an integration of medicinal and surgical knowledge. These contributions underscore the text’s role in advancing Ayurvedic pharmaceutics and iatrochemistry.
“Chakradatta” remains a cornerstone in Ayurvedic education and practice, valued for its systematic presentation of treatment protocols and its synthesis of traditional knowledge with contemporary advancements of its time. Its enduring relevance is evident, as many formulations and therapeutic principles outlined continue to be employed by practitioners today, reflecting the text’s profound impact on the evolution of Ayurvedic medicine.