Edited by

Dr Ashok S. Nene

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 0 – Prologue
The nucleus of veterinary science (Pashu Ayurveda) existed in Atharvaveda,
it is a repository of therapeutic hints and prescriptions to attain the longevity
of man‘s life upto hundred years i.e. Jigivisheth Shatum Samaha
(Yayurveveda,XL, 2). Atharvaveda consists of 20 sections (Kands). In this
Veda 114 hymns are devoted to medical subjects. Section VI of
Atharvaveda, which deals with the human medicine, also deals with
veterinary science (Atharvaveda, VI, 59; 11, 26,1,11,14). In Atharvaveda,
cow has been described as the mine of properties, thus revealing the
importance of cow in that era (2000 B.C.). It was only during Atharvaveda
period that the elephant became more popular amongst man. The earliest
available works on elephantology were Hasti-Ayurveda and the Gajasastra.
Both were attributed to sage Palkapya. The Hast-Ayurveda is a work in prose
and verses, while the Gajasastra is completely in verse form. The knowledge
of identification of the medicinal plants and its uses were mandatory for the
clinicians.
The veterinary science the animal husbandry activities have been
mentioned in a Atharvaveda. In the post Vedic literature came up Asva-
Ayurveda - about horses; Hasti – Ayurveda- about elephants; Gau-
Ayurveda- about cows and Shyenka- Ayurveda- about hawks. The veterinary
science has been mentioned in Charaka samhita, chapter II verses 10-26. It
has further been elaborated in Harita samhita. Dairying is mentioned in Gau-
Ayurveda. It has been mentioned that cattle should graze freely so that they
achieve a successful mating and their further breeding. Atharvaveda has a
specific mention about the conservation and breeding of cattle.
Similarly, in Brahmananda Purana, Maharishi Vyas said ―all cows are the
embodiment of Lord Vishnu; and Keshav resides in their limbs‖. Garud
Purana mentions a number of Ayurvedic medicines used against ailments of
animals. The Agni Purana regarded the sage Palkapya as the expositor of the

Veterinary Science in ancient India

elephant science (Agni Purana chapter 287). Vayu Purana mentioned that
horse traders brought good horses from Gandhara and Sindh to Benaras for
sale.

Sage Gautama composed the Gautam Samhita which dealt with the
treatment and management of cow.
In the later Vedic (1000-600 B.C.), Buddhist (600B.C.) and Maghadha
(400 B.C.) period, horse riding became common. During the Gupta dynasty
(300-550 AD) in Samudragupta’s army horses became more important war
animals than elephants because of their speed and easy manoeuvarability.
Kautilya’s Arthasastra presents an excellent picture of hygienic and well
ventilated animal houses attached with these veterinary hospitals. Further,
Alexander the Great, when invaded India, acquired some of the important
indigenous skills utilized by Indians to cure the diseases particularly snake
bite. Charaka, a renowned physician who composed Charaka Samhita, had
also devoted chapter II to veterinary science. Perhaps the practice of animal
and human treatment acquired status of separate profession during later
Vedic and epic period with the emergence of prominent veterinary experts
including Salihotra, Palkapya, Rajpaputra and Nakula.
References
1. Nakula, Shalihotra, Khemaraja Shree Krishna Dash (1929)
Venkateshwara Press, Mumbai.
2. Nakula, Aswachikitsitam, Shree Jivananda Vidyasagar Bhattacharya
(1893) Siddheswara Yantra, Kolkata.
3. Nakula, Aswasastram, S. Gopalan (1952) Tanjore Maharaja Serfoji‘s
Saraswati Mahal Library, Tanjore.
4. Palakapya M, Gajashastra, Subrahmanya Shastri MKS, Gopalan S
(1958) from the Tanjore Maharaja Serfoji‘s Saraswati Mahal
Library, Tanjore.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

5. Palakapya M, Shivdatta S (1894) Hastyayurveda, Anand Ashram,
Pune, India.
6. Ragho PV (1938) Pashu Chikitsa Kisan Hitakari Pustakamala
Chapara from Ajanta Art Press, Prayaga, India.
7. Thakur JS (1948) Jasawant Shalihotra in Marawari language,
Thakur Hari Singh, Jodhpur Devidana, Ratanu, India.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 1 PASHUVIDYA - ANIMAL SCIENCES

Introduction: Horses and elephants were vital assets in the never-ending

warfare of the ancient world. Physicians treating human beings were also
trained in the care of animals. Ancient Indian medical treatises such as those
of Charaka, Sushruta and Harita contain chapters or references about the
care of diseased, as well as healthy, animals.

Shalihotra's principal work was a large treatise on the care and management
of horses, the Shalihotra Samhita (encyclopedia of the physician Shalihotra)
having some 12,000 shlokas in Sanskrit. It has been translated into Persian,
Arabic, Tibetan and English languages. This work described equine and
elephant anatomy, physiology, surgery and diseases with their curative and
preventive measures. It elaborated on the body structures of different races
of horses, and identified the structural details by which one can determine
the age of a horse. Two other works, namely Asva-prashnsa and Asva-
lakshana sastram are also attributed to Shalihotra. Nakul, author of the
Ashva-chikitsa, was considered an equine expert, while Sahdev was a
specialist in cattle management.

World's first vet was Indian. His name was Shalihotra and he was born on
Saturday, April 25, 2352BC (Vedic Age). The last Saturday of April is every
year celebrated as World Veterinary Day!

Veterinary Science in ancient India

Shalihotra, was an expert in horse husbandry and medicine and composed a
text Haya Ayurveda. Sage Palakapya was an expert dealing with elephants
and composed a text Gaja Ayurveda. During Mahabharata period (1000 BC),
Nakula and Sahadeva, the two Pandava brothers were experts of horse and
cattle husbandry, respectively. The great king Ashoka (300 BC) erected the
first known veterinary hospitals of the world.

Surgical treatment of animal disease was very much developed during Vedic
period. Skilful surgeons treated animals with precision and great perfection.
Various techniques of surgical operations along with instruments have been
dealt in detail in Shalihotra‘s and Palakapya‘s works.

Scriptures such as Skanda Purana, Devi Purana, Matsya Purana, Agni

Purana, Garuda Purana, Linga Purana, and books written by Charaka,
Susruta, Palakapya (1000 BC), and Shalihotra (2350 BC) documented
treatment of animal diseases using medicinal plants. Vedic texts also
describe divine healing powers. Yajurveda cites importance of growth and
development of medicinal plants and Atharvaveda mentions about the value
of medicines in curing the diseases. Shalihotra undoubtedly appears to be
the first veterinarian of pre-historic times. The ancient Indians were so apt
with the knowledge of herbals, even Alexander acquired some of the skills
used by Indians, particularly for treatment of snakebite.

Good horse rider : According to Nakulshastra, a good horse rider is one

who

 Looks straight.
 Reads mind of the horse.
 With non-shaking chest.
 One whose legs move.
 Knows when and where to hit the horse. All others are a burden
to the horse. SV 1.1
Veterinary Science in ancient India
 चरकिशरमऩाद: िर्णभध्मैिदृष्टि:।

न चरति िकिदे शे स्वासने संस्स्ििो म :॥

हमहृदमगतिऻ :स्िानदं डावऩािी ।

स खरु िुयमािा ऩूज्मिां ऩातिणवेन॥ शातरहोत्र

SV 1.1 - A good horse rider

Horse trainer: For a horse trainer, Shalihotra specifies that the trainer
should hit;

 chest if the horse is timid

 mouth if the horse is uncontrollable
 hips if the horse is angry
 legs if the horse is wild
 Tender part of the horse. But do not hit the horse unnecessarily
else it will damage the horse. SV 1.2a and b

बीिे वऺ:स्िरं हन्माि ् वक्त्त्रं चोन्भागणगातभन:।

िुष्टऩिे ऩुच्छसंस्िानं भ्रांिे जानुव्दमं ििा:॥

मऻत्प्रस्खरिे गात्रं िस्म दं ड तनऩािमेि ्।

अस्िानदं दऩािाच्च फहुदोषी रजामिे ॥ शातरहोत्र

SV 1.2 a -Tips for a horse rider

भेरुस्स्ियो मस्म चरौ च ऩादौ ।

ष्टत्रिोन्नि संहिभासनं च ॥

स वास्जवाह :रतिि :ऩृतिव्माभ ्।

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 शेषा” नया बयिया हमानाभ ्॥ निुरशास्त्र

SV 1.2b - A good horse rider

Seven Defects of oxen: An ancient text "Gawaryuveda" mentions seven

defects of oxen

1. Vyanga - Unequal parts (Eyes, nostrils, legs or kidneys)

2. Vivarna - Different colors in front and back portions.
3. Vishama i- One side higher than other side.
4. Khistr-White spots (leucoderma type)
5. Dhumra- Bright horns and back tail, side dark black
6. Chala- Shaking horns or teeth
7. Khar- Unhealthy skin SV 1.3

व्मंगो ष्टववर्ो ष्टवषभ :स्खत्री धूम्रश्चर :खय :।

एिे सप्तभहादोषा वृषबार्ाभुदीरयिा:॥ गवामुवद

े

SV 1.3 - Defects of Oxen

Insulin preparation: Sage Palakapya thought of antibodies present in the

stomach of animals which eat poisons creatures. He advised that a serum
should be prepared from the meat of mongoose, peacocks, and pigs. This
serum should be used as medicine against poisons. Ref Hastaurveda 2.6 SV
1.4

बऺमंति भांसातन ष्टवष्टषर्ां बऺमंति िान ्।

निुरानां वयाहार्ां ऩृषिानां च मुष्टिि:॥

भांसान्मादाम िेषां िु मिोिं िायमेद्रसभ ्।

औषधातन तबषिेषां ष्टवषहायीस्र् िायिेि ्॥ हस्त्प्मामुवद

े २-६

SV 1.4 - Insulin preparation

Veterinary Science in ancient India

Types of natural fibers: Parashar Krishi mentions fibers and woven cloth.
A cloth can be made by weaving four types of fibers; fibers of

 Barks (Jute)
 Fruits (Cotton)
 Cocoons (Silk)
 Animal hairs (Wool) (Romaj or Lomaj)
Woolen cloth should be made of fine soft hairs. Animal skins are also used
for cloths. A cloth should preferably contain only one type of fiber. Cloth of
two types of fiber is considered inferior. A cloth with more than two types of
fibers is not suitable. SV 1.5

त्प्वक्त्परिृ तभयोभास्र् वस्िमोतनश्चिुष्टवणधा ।

जंियोभोभ्दवं योभजं नाभिीतिणिभ ्॥

सुक्ष्भयोभा सुखस््शी िोभरांगस्िु बवेि ्।

ब्रम्हजाति :स ष्टवऻेमो वस्त्रं चास्म गुर्ोत्तयभ ्॥

एिजातिबवं बद्रं व्दै जािं सुखसंभदभ ्।

फहुजातिसभुद् बूिभ ् रोभजं न सुखावहभ ् ॥ ऩयाशयीम िृ षी

SV 1.5- Types of fibers

Hunting with dogs: Kings and noble men should keep dogs for hunting,
chasing or for games. Qualities of good breeds of dogs are many and those
are detailed in Yuktikalpataru. SV 1.6

भृगमािण शािुनािण िौिुिािण भहीबृिा।

स्वान :ऩोष्मास्िस्िेषाभात्र वऺातभ रऺर्भ ्।

गुर्जातिरबदे न शुनां बेदा ह्यनिधा॥ मुष्टििल्ऩिरु

SV 1.6- Hunting with dogs

Veterinary Science in ancient India

Elephant medicine or Gaja Ayurveda

Palakapya, an ultimate authority on elephant medicine belonged to the

Rigvedic period 2000– 4000 BC. The Gautam Samhita, the Ashva Ayurveda,
and Hastya Ayurveda are the only treatises on animal science till now.
Palakapya wrote Hastya Ayurveda or Gaja Ayurveda dealing with elephant
medicine and dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Elephant medicine and surgery
were divided into four parts by Palakapya, viz., Maha Rogsthan or major
diseases, Kshudra Rogasthan or minor diseases, Salyasthan or surgery, and
materia medica-diet and hygiene.

He classified various ailments of elephants into: Adhyatmika (physical) and

Agantuka (accidental or incidental); physical classes of ailments were called
Manasa (caused by mental diseases) and Dosaja [caused by disorder of
bodily humors – vata (air), pitta (bile), and kapha (phlegm)]. Hastya
Ayurveda also mentions about anatomy of elephant, treatment of different
kinds of diseases, training of elephant, and also classification of elephants on
the basis of a number of characteristics.

Life span of animals

The life span of some animals mentioned by Shalihotra is given below:

Table -Life span of few animals

 Elephant:120 years
 Horses:32 years
 Cows:24 years
 Asses and camels:25 years
 Dogs:16 years
 Jackals:25 years
 Bees:14 days

Veterinary Science in ancient India

Breeding of cattle: In the Agnipurana we find the king enjoined to
preserve the breed of cattle in the country. There were certain restrictions
on castrating bulls. Emperor Asoka issued an order that a bull, a goat or a
ram must not be castrated on the 8th, 10th, 15th and 13th day of each
fortnight, neither on the Punarvasu day, on a festival day and in every fourth
month of the year

The only source of use of indigenous drugs in veterinary medicine is Agni

Purana, which reveals the real picture of practice of veterinary medicines
during the Gupta dynasty (300-500 DA). The ancient system of Indian
medicine is termed Ayruveda (Gavyayurveda fir cattle, Hastyayurveda for
elephants, and Ashvayurveda for equines. Shalihotra lectured on the subject
of horse and its treatment, the ―Ashvayurveda‖or‖Turangama shatra‖.
Garuda Purana also describes the treatment of horses. King Nala had a
surname ‗Ashvavit, i.e., versed in the science of horses. Nakula and
Sahadeva, the twin sons of Madri, were taught by Drona the art of training,
management and treatment of horses and cattle respectively. To Nakula is
ascribed the work called Ashvachikitsa or ―Treatment of diseases of the
horse‖ which is still in existence. This book is also called ―Shalihotra‖. In the
epic Mahabrarata, Virata Parva (Chapter III). Sahadeva, the fifth Pandava,
has described himself as well versed in the science of management and
treatment of cows. He also mentions that he knows such type of cows and
bulls whose urine when smelled by a barren woman; the conception occurs
(Mahabrarata, Virat III.12). Perhaps the cow urine contains some type of
hormone, which needs to be investigated. Nakula Samhita is considered the
first treatise dealing with treatment of animals with herbal preparations and
was compiled during the Mahabharata period. During the early medieval
period drugs of vegetables and animals origin and minerals have been used
for treatments. Jayadeva also wrote on the treatment of horses and he is
quoted by Jayadatta. Shalihotra, father of veterinary science in India,

Veterinary Science in ancient India

flourished in Shalatur, a town near Kandhar or old Gandhara. According to
an incomplete manuscript of Shalihotra (India Office Library, London), he is
described as the father of Susruta. Hastyayurveda or Gahayurveda is also
an important branch of veterinary medicine. The source of the science is
Palakapya‘s Hastyayurveda which is now available (Published in
Anandashran Sanskrit Series, Poona, 1894). Susruta Samhita. Thus it may
be assumed that this work also belongs to 1000 BC.

Animal feed: The breeds were fed on barley and corn, and in the
Agnipurana,

Vishnudharmottara Mahapurana (500-700 AD.) contains information on the

medical practices of treating the diseased animals.
 Dipping the food of animals in its urine for the control of food and
mouth disease.
 Dipping the tail in hot water or by applying powdered camphor for
overcoming tail neurosis.
 Feeding ground neem leaves for internal parasites.
 Feeding sprouted whole wheat for 10-15 days continuously for
anoestrus, etc.
Also, application of ground custard apple leaves or sprinkling camphor
powder on affected area is practiced. Both act as a fly-repellent, and are
anti-inflammatory and give soothing effect.
Utility of a cow :Cows eat and digest grass and give milk for all and satisfy
children, old and unhealthy persons. Who says that cows are unaffordable?
As per Sage Parashar, cow‘s urine is best medicine for human bones and
intestines and questions which part of a cow in inauspicious? Though cow‘s
urine, cow dung, milk, curd and ghee are precious medicines, but care
should taken about their purity. SV1.7.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 गावोहजातिय िस्भात्तस्माज्जािा अजावम :॥

अनादे मं िृनंजग्धा स्त्रवस्मुिुकदनंऩम :।

िृतप्तदं दे विा दीनां गाव :ऩोष्मा िंधनकह ॥

शिूनभुर्द
ण कद मस्मास्िु ऩीिं दहति ऩाििं ।

किभऩूज्माकहि स्मागोरयति ऩायाशयोव्रवीि ॥ बृगुसंकहिा अ.?

SV1.7-Utility of a cow

1.3b Cows unsuitable for milking: Cows, Weak, deceased, violent or

which gave birth to twins, are prohibited from milking. Only a pious (clean?)
person should do the milking job. SV1.8.

दफ
ु र
ण ा व्मातध :बीिा ऩुस्ज्मिामास्व्दवत्प्संबू :।

िागावोनैव दोग्धमा धतनिै धभाणतबत्प्सुतब :॥ बृगुसंकहिा ?

SV1.8- Cows unsuitable

1.3c- Time for milking: Wise men milk cows in the morning only. One
should not milk the tired cows returning home in the evening. SV1.9.

रािये वकहद्गग्ध व्मा सामंगािोव ब्राम्हर्ै :।

दोग्धुकहण ऩर् सोनैव वधंतििा :िदाचन ॥ बृगुसंकहिा ?

SV1.9-Time for milking

1.3d- Essential fodder: Proper food is essential for animals. Their health
depends on their food. It is therefore necessary to take the animals out to a
green land away from home so these animals eat properly. SV1.10.

अन्नंिु जगदाधायं सवणभन्ने त्रष्टवस्ननिं ।

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 न दयु े गौश्चनेिव्मा चायर्ाम िदाचन ॥

संऩश्मेच्चयि :सवाणन ् गोवृषाकदि स्वमंगह

ृ ी ।

तचंिमेस्िभभात्प्भी मांत्प्स्वमभेव िृ षी व्रजेि ्॥ बृगुसंकहिा ?

SV1.10-Essential fodder

1.2f- Scrubbing: The animals get a pleasure when their bodies are
occasionally scrubbed some tools. If such arrangement is not made the
animals get injured by rubbing against a wall or trees. SV1.11.

वस्जगोवृषारा सुसुिीक्ष्र्ं रोह :मैनि ।

स्िानमंिु सवणदा िेषां िंडू मन ष्टवभोऺवृद्॥ बृगुसंकहिा ?

SV1.11- Scrubbing

Few important reference books

1. Srilakshyana (Sage Shakatayan) mentions different characteristics

of women.
2. Purushlakshyan (Sage Babhru) mentions different characteristics of
men.
3. Kanyalakshyan (Sage Babhru) mentions different characteristics of
virgins.
4. Supashashtra (Sage Sukesh) mentions 128 different recipes.
World‘s first book on cookery.
5. Lokasangrahum (Sage Vivekanacharya) deals with anthropology,
characteristics of men and women from different states, dress, and
food habits etc.
6. Karmadisar (Sage Aapastambha) mentions duties, planning of
work, auspicious time (Muhurta) for a specific work.
7. Namarthkalpum (Sage Atri) mentions how to select a name of a
child based on birth constellation (Janma Nakshyatra). The
Veterinary Science in ancient India
 personality and destiny , it was believed, depends upon the name
such selected.
8. Apte, M. S. "Selected articles from Salihotra's Asvasastra." Indian
veterinary journal 15 (1938): 415-420.
9. Froehner, R. "Salihotra." Veterinärhistorische Mitteilungen 2, no. 1
(1922): 1-2.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 2- Mruga Pakshee shastra Or Science of animals and Birds

(Zoology in India)

Sanskrit book authored by a Jain Author Hamsadeva

Compiled in 13th century A.D.

Translated by M.Suderacharya

Published by V.Krishnaswamy in 1927

Introduction: In 13th century A.D. Zoology or Science of animals and Birds

was first composed by so extensively , in India by the famous Jain Poet
Hamsadeva in Sanskrit language comprising nearly 1700 Slokas in Anushtup
metre.

The text describes 21 types of animals and 16 types of birds.The names of

animals are Lions, Tigers, Hyenas, Bears, Rhinos, Elephants, Horses,
Camels, Asses, Boars, Buffaloes , Bullocks, Cows, Goats, Dears, Sabaries,
Monkeys, Jackals, Cats, Rats & Hares, Dogs &Wolfs.

The names of birds are – Geese, Sarasa, Eagle & Hawks, Cranes, Crows,
Owls, Parrots, Peacocks, Pigeons, cocks, Chataka, Heron, Wagtails, Plava.

The text mentions life of 21 animals and birds. Elephant has a life of 100
years while rat has a life of one and half year.

Conclusion: The author (Hamsadeva himself) concludes with the following

words;

All kinds of birds are said to be ornaments of tress. The organs of male and
female birds of any kind from Swan to Harita, could not be easily seen by
naked eyes. The male and female birds could not be easily identified. The
menstrual course could not be seen by human beings. But everything could
be seen and identified of all animals previously mentioned. Unless people
move very closely and minutely with all animals and birds, they cannot

Veterinary Science in ancient India

understand their nature, qualities, intercourse time, the method of
cohabitation, various methods of lonely plays, bad and good temper, period
of pregnancy and signs of abortion etc. Though all the animals and birds ,
are baturally bad in temper, they could turned as good ones by good
training. The animals and birds which are good and friendly among
themselves should be grouped in one place and those which are bad
enemical amongst themselves , in another place. They must be kept in
palaces, gardens, halls in cages; and by the side of tanks and wells, The
different kinds of food should be given to them as per their desire according
to the changes of seasons and climate and thus, be protected well. The main
nature and qualities of the main breeds of animals and birds, have been
described in this Zoology and those of the mixed breed of animals and birds
may be learnt from intelligent persons. Due to the living of all animals and
birds, by side of rivers and lakes and in forests, Mountains, their nature ,
color and qualities do differ from those which live in towns, palaces and
gardens and other places. They have been described in this work to some
extent. Detailed descriptions in full, may be learnt from the learned Pundits
By the order of the King Sauda Deva, I (Author) have written this book ,
which is a Sun‘s race to his Lotus Mind.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 3 Vedic Sarp Vidya

Authors of Hindi book

Late Pandit S.D. Satwalekar and R.K. Kirloskar

Aagam Essay Series No.6, 1922

Published by Swadhyay Mandal, Ounth (Satara) MS.

Introduction: In our country more than 35000 persons die due to snake
bites. In Vedic period one Vidya (Technique) called ― Sarp Dev Jan Vidya‖
was in practice. Ref.Chhandogya Upanishad 7/1/12. The meaning of the
Sanskrit word ―Sarp -Snake‖ is a creature which crawls on ground.
Similarly meaning of another Sanskrit word ―Naag -Cobra‖ is a creature
which is unsteady. Vedic literature mentions three types of snakes namely,

 Darwikar (or FaNeebhee) - Snake having bowl shaped hood.

 Mandhalin- Snake like round bundle of rope.
 Rajeemaan – Snake whose body has lines.

In some ancient texts 14 varieties of snakes are mentioned. Tenth

volume of Atharva Veda mentions following 6 names , meaning of which
is given below

अकह: Dangerous snake

स्ित्र: White snake
अतसि: Black snake
तियस्श्चयाजी Slant lined snake
दवॉ Bowl hooded snake
दशो-नसी Highly poisonous snake

Atharva Veda mentions many names for snakes and pythons out of which
–Adhashva and Ajagar (which swallows a goat) are well known. Cobra
amongst all varieties of snakes is highly poisonous.
Veterinary Science in ancient India
―Astik Parva‖ of 35th chapter of Mahabharat contains many names of snakes.
It is believed that snakes have very long life, because it drops its skin every
month. Like PraNayam Kriya snakes take a deep breth and exhales with
anaudible sound . Snakes do not build any habitat but occupies ant-hills or
rat holes. Snakes donot bite without ant reasonbut bite in self defence .

According to Vagbhat the 8 reasons can be 1- to eat, 2-due to fear, 3-

touch by foot, 4- excess storage of vemon, 5-due to anger, 6-due to enmity
or 8- by the order of death God Yama.Ref. Vagbhat ch. 36.

Snake Poison: Though this poison is deadly, Ayurvedic doctors prepare

very effective medicines known as 1-SuchikabharaN, 2-Aghor Nrusinharas
and 3- Pratapalankeshewar, which are useful in treatment of Epilepsy ,
Leprosy or Eczema . As per Atharva veda (5/13/4) one poison kills another.

ष्टवषेर् हस्न्भ िे ष्टवषभ ् ॥ अिवणवेद ५।१३।४

Yajur Veda (13/6) asks people to worship snakes for their work (killing
rodents etc)

नभोऽस्िु सऩैभ्मो मे िे च ऩृतिव्माभनु ॥ मजुवद

े १३।६

Yajur Veda (6.12) on the other hand asks people not to imitate qualities
of python (cruelty, laziness , aggressiveness) .

भाऽकहबूभ
ण ाण ऩृदािु: ॥ मजुवद
े ६।१२

Veterinary Science in ancient India

Vagbhata ch.36, mentions the immediate effects of snake bites. 1- Poison
travels towards the heart through impure blood vein and 2-Impures the pure
blood. All this happens within 100 seconds. Vagbhata gave this information
much before study of modern medicine. Vagbhata mentions 12 symptoms of
Snake bite

भात्राशिं ष्टवषं स्स्ित्प्वा संशे दिस्म दे कहन: ।

दे हं रिभिे धािून ् रुतधयादीन ् रदष
ू मन॥॥
वाग्बि उ.स्िा. अ. ३६

Treatment of Snake bite: Rig-Veda (10/16/6) and Atharva Veda

(18/3/55) mention treatment of snake bite, which includes use of SOMA
creeper. Atharva Veda (10/4/26) mentions ‗burn technique‖ which involves
burning of skin and flesh near the wound by snake bite. Red hot gold rod or
coal was used in such treatment.

अस्ग्न: अहे :ष्टवषं तनयधाि ् ॥ अिवणवेद १०।४।२६

The same hymn mentions use of juice of SOMA creeper,which became
extinct before era of Shatapath BramhaN (4/5/10, 1-7) . Atharva Veda
(10/4/24) mentions three herbs ‗Toundi, Ghrutachee and Kanya‖ . Probably
the herbs might be 1- big cardamom , 2- Aloe Vera or 3-Bitter pumpkin.
More research is needed.

Atharva Veda (10/4/25) mentions methods to move forcefully the poison

down from heart part by sweat therapy. But if the poison reaches the heart,
death is inevitable.

Atharva Veda (7/56/2) mentions a herb called ―Madhu‖ (Madhuk in

Sanskrit means a Mahuwa tree) for snake bite . This also kills mosquitoes
(Nashak Jambhanee).

Veterinary Science in ancient India

Treatment of Snake bites: Many household remedies are known to rural
people. These are enlisted below,

 Scrapping the wound area with a sharp knife and application of gun
powder.
 Use of hot water, sand or common salt. Burning the wound area with
red hot coal.
 Use of decoction of tamarind in sesame oil and blue vitrol as a drink
for the patient.
 Decoction of foul smelling fish in water as a drink for the patient.
Preparation of paste of cactus roots in water as oral medicine.
 The patient is asked to eat red chilies. In the beginning patient doen
not recognize the taste but as the effect of poison decreases the
person recognizes the taste . Then patient is serve with ghee to
neutralize the chilies.

Inoculation: Haffkin institute, Parel, Mumbai prepares serum for snake

bite. But it is not universally applicable.

Matras : Some people treat the patients by reciting Mantras, but it is a just
a psychological method to remove the fear of death from the mind of a
patient.

Killing of Snakes: Atharva Veda (10/4/9) has clear instructions to kill

snake if it is must. But snake catchers catch snake and release them in

Veterinary Science in ancient India

forest. As a precaution such persons should apply some materials to their
hands, such as

 Paste of roots of white Kanher or Osavanti(?)

 Powder of tobacco.

Nowadays use of Turpentine oil. Carbolic acid phenol etc is used as snakes
dislike smells of such materials.

Conclusion: In the end it can be concluded that snakes which enter into
residential area should be killed or caught alive. But snake in farms or
forest should not be killed and allowed to escape.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 4 Appendix

Famous Sanskrit Texts on Veterinary Science in ancient India

Matanga Lila

Matanga Lila is a treatise in Sanskrit dealing with the life and behavior of
elephants. The title has been translated as Elephant-sport. It is a treatise in
263 stanzas divided into twelve chapters of varying length. In the treatise,
the author's name has been mentioned as Nilakantha, but nothing more is
known about the author. From the popularity of the text in the region now
comprising the modern state of Kerala in India, it is thought that the author
might have lived there. Also, nothing definite is known about the date of the
work.

Matanga Lila is a text about the Indian elephant science, which is a technical
science dealing with the taming and training of elephants, and also the
anatomy and zoological features of elephants.[2] Franklin Edgerton, who

Veterinary Science in ancient India

published a translation of the text to English, has argued that the content of
the text represents the codification of orally-transmitted traditions of
practical knowledge. In support of this contention he noted that the
"signature texts such as the Matanga-Lila" contain over 130 technical words,
for which there are no clear Sanskrit etymologies.[3]

Outline of contents

The book is divided into 12 chapters. The first chapter describes the mythic
origin of elephants. It also contains a description of the various `castes' of
elephants. Chapter 2 describes favorable marks of elephants. This chapter
also describes the different sounds produced by elephants. Chapter 3
describes the unfavorable marks. They include the number of nails, presence
of external testes, undesirable marks on the trunk, on the penis, on the tail
and on other parts of the body. Chapter 4 deals with longevity of elephants
and Chapter 5 describes the various stages in the life of an elephant and
also gives names to various body parts of elephants. Chapter 6 deals with
measurements of elephants. Chapter 7 consisting of only three stanzas,
deals with prices of elephants. Chapter 8 is on marks of character. This
chapter also contains a classification of elephants based on their varying
sensitivity to stimuli. Chapter 9 deals with the state of mast and Chapter 10
with catching of elephants. Chapter 11, the longest in the whole work is
titled "On keeping of elephants and their daily and seasonal regimen". The
12th and last chapter deals with the character and activities of elephant
managers. Various commands including visual signs, oral, percussion, and
prodding are given. There is a section describing how and when these
commands are to be used so that the elephant will obey the mahout.

Some other Sanskrit books on elephant-science

Veterinary Science in ancient India

There are a few other well-known texts in Sanskrit dealing with the science
of elephants.

 Palkapya Muni (1894). Hasthi Ayurveda. Sivaji Nagar, Pune,

Maharastra: Sarawaathi Grantha Bhundar. Retrieved 13 November
2016.(Sanskrit text only; edited by Sivadatta Sarma)
 Palakapya Muni (1958). Gaja Sastram. Thanjavur: T. M. S. S. M.
Library. Retrieved 13 November 2016. (Edited with translation in Tamil
by K.S.Subrahmanya Sastri. Summary in English by S. Gopalan)
 Bhulokamalla – Somasevara III. Manaollasa (Gajavahyali-
Abhilashitarta Chintamani) (PDF). Retrieved 13 November 2016.
 The Elephant Lore of the Hindus: The Elephant Sports (Matangalila) of
Nilakanth (Sanskrit) Hardcover – 1 January 1985,by F. Edgerton

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 Shalihotra

Shalihotra (mythological estimate c. 2350 BCE), the son of a Brahmin sage,

Hayagosha, is considered the founder of veterinary sciences. He is said to
have lived in Sravasti (modern Sahet-Mahet on the borders of Gonda and
Bahraich districts in Uttar Pradesh).

Shalihotra and the sage Agnivesa may have been pupils of the same
teacher; according to tradition, Bharadwaja's Ayurveda, the science of life,
was first presented in text form by Agnivesa, in his book the Agnivesh tantra
and later by Charaka (Charaka Samhita, encyclopedia of the physician
Charaka). Others assert the great surgeon Acharya Sushruta (c. 600
B.C.E.?), author of Sushruta Samhita (encyclopedia of the physician
Sushruta), may have been Shalihotra's pupil.[2]

Horses and elephants were vital assets in the never-ending warfare of the
ancient world. Physicians treating human beings were also trained in the
care of animals. Ancient Indian medical treatises such as those of Charaka,
Sushruta and Harita contain chapters or references about the care of
diseased, as well as healthy, animals.

Shalihotra's principal work was a large treatise on the care and management
of horses, the Shalihotra Samhita (encyclopedia of the physician Shalihotra)
having some 12,000 shlokas in Sanskrit. It has been translated into Persian,
Arabic, Tibetan and English languages. This work described equine and
elephant anatomy, physiology, surgery and diseases with their curative and
preventive measures. It elaborated on the body structures of different races
of horses, and identified the structural details by which one can determine
the age of a horse. Two other works, namely Asva-prashnsa and Asva-
lakshana sastram are also attributed to Shalihotra.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

Some of the later authors have named their veterinary works after
Shalihotra and others have based their work on his Samhita. Subsequent
generations copied, revised and added to Shalihotra's text—one of these
later texts is shown in the illustration above. Hence, the term "Shalihotra"
refers to similar texts in a tradition. In the year 1800 B.C.E., Muni Palkapya
wrote Hasti Ayurveda, covering all aspects of elephant medicine. This book
has four sections and 152 chapters, including the anatomy of elephants.
During Mahabharat period (1000-900 B.C.E.), Nakul, author of the Ashva-
chikitsa, was considered an equine expert, while Sahdev was a specialist in
cattle management.

Contents of Shalihotra Book: The contents can be briefly listed as ;

 Forty-eight types of horses.

 Classification of horses according to the breed.
 Description of various parts of a horse.
 Names according to the defect of a horse.
 Qualities of good horse.
 Colors and shades of a horse.
 Classification of horses according to their speed.

According to this book a horse has 1200 veins and their knowledge is
useful it treatment of horses. Average life of a horse is 32 years.

Reference

 Apte, M. S. "Selected articles from Salihotra's Asvasastra." Indian

veterinary journal 15 (1938): 415-420.
 Froehner, R. "Salihotra." Veterinärhistorische Mitteilungen 2, no. 1
(1922): 1-2.

***.***

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 AshvaVaidyakam

Treatise on Veterinary Science

Authored by Mahasamant Shri Jayadatta

Or

AshvaChikitsam by Shounakulachatam

This text has 67 chapers dealing with the diseases of different parts of
horses,

***.***

Ashwashastra (Science of Horses)

Nakul, the youngest of Pandavas was expert in this science. He composed a

book ‗Ashwashastra‘ .

Contents of Ashwashastra by Nakul

 In praise of Horses.
 In praise of Raivata.
 Horses loose their wings.
 Anatomy of Horses.
 Characteristics of Horses.
 General Characteristics.
 Age of Horses.
 Avartas.
 Horses of multiple colors.
 Pundras.
 Pushpas or flowers.
 Neighing of Horses.
 Smell of Horses.
 Shade of Horses.
 Trot of Horses.
 Character of Horses.
 Defects to be avoided.
 Color of Jaw.
 Blood stock of Horses.
 Age of Horses.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 Horses suitable for different riders.
 Color of Horses.
 Life of Horses.
 Indications of Calamities.
 Training of Horses.
 Horse riding.
 Equipment for Horses.
 Psychology of Horses.
 Benumbed Horses.
 Measurement of limbs of Horses.

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 Animals and Birds

A-Coins

B-Birds

C-Stamps

Animals

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 Indus civilization

Veterinary Science in ancient India

 About the Editor

 Name and Designation: Dr. A.S. Nene Retired Professor and Dean,
VNIT Nagpur.
 Date of Birth: 10th July 1942
 Name of the Institution: V.N.I.T. Nagpur (1972-2002)
 Department: Civil Engineering
 Field of Specialization: Geotechnical Engineering
 Academic Qualifications : B.E., M.E. Ph.D. ,MIGS,MSET
 Industrial Experience: Supervised more than 150 Consultancy projects
 Award: Khosla Memorial Award (1987) by Roorkee Universit
 Nomination: Nominated by Indian Geotechnical Society to Tech.
Committee TC-19 of International Society of Soil Mechanics &
Foundation Engineering ISSMFE on "Preservation of Historical Sites"
 Developed six CAL-CAD, Self learning Software packages for
undergraduate students of Civil Engineering.
 Patent on ―Use of Geo-foam geo-synthetics for expansive soils‖

Research Guidance:

 Three Ph.D. and Two M. Tech. Dissertations Completed.

 One Ph.D. dissertation under progress

Research Papers –More than 50 papers in National and International

journals and conference proceedings

E Mail - nene_ashok@yahoo.com OR prof.ashok.nene@gmail.com

Veterinary Science in ancient India