Abstract

A METRICAL ANALYSIS OF CHANDAS IN THE NIDANASTHANA OF THE CHARAKA SAMHITA

Prabodh Yerawar^*, Umapati Baragi, Akansha Anupam

Abstract

The Charaka Samhita is one of the foundational texts of Ayurveda, and its Nidanasthana occupies a significant place due to its detailed exposition of the etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and prognosis of diseases. The present study aimed to analyze the metrical structure of all verses occurring in the Nidanasthana according to the principles of Sanskrit prosody described in Shrutbodh. Each verse was systematically examined and classified based on its metrical pattern. The analysis revealed that Anushtup is the predominant meter employed throughout the text, while only a single verse was identified in the Svagata metre. A few verses exhibited minor deviations from the classical Anushtup pattern described in Shrutbodh. Overall, only two meters were found in the entire Nidanasthana, demonstrating a high degree of metrical uniformity. The predominance of Anushtup highlights its suitability for memorization, recitation, and oral transmission of Ayurvedic knowledge. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the literary and pedagogical features of the Charaka Samhita and provide a foundation for further metrical studies of Ayurvedic classics.

Keywords: Chandas, Sanskrit Prosody, Charaka Samhita, Nidanasthana, Anushtup, Shrutbodh, Ayurvedic Literature.