Essay name: Surgery in ancient India (Study)
Author:
P. P. Prathapan
Affiliation: Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit / Department of Sanskrit Sahitya
This essay studies Surgery in ancient India based on Sanskrit sources such as the Sushruta Samhita. These references indicate evidence of theoretical and practical knowledge of hygiene rivaling contemporary routine practices. Further topics include Ayurveda, a historical study of surgery, surgical schools and instruments used in ancient India.
Chapter 3 - Schools of Surgery in ancient India
30 (of 46)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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187
students. So attendance of these general category students is compulsory
in the 'Gurukulas'.`
34 At present only a few families are teaching Kūṭiyāṭṭam, Kūttu, and
Pāthakam traditionally under the banner of Gurukulams. For eg.
Chachucakyar Smaraka Gurukulam. Irinjalakuda, Perincallur Manicakyar
Gurukulam, Kozhikode, Manimadhavacakyar Smaraka Gurukulam
Palakkad, Pothiyil Gurukulam Kottayam, Koypa Gurukulam, Kidangur
Gurukulam, Muzhikulam Gurukulam and Margi institutions at
Thiruvananhapura.
35 Today only a few actors have the traditional knowledge and skill to
perform Kūṭiyāṭṭam. About a dozen Cākyār actors regularly act Sanskrit
plays in the Kūṭiyāṭṭam form. The plays of Bhāsa, kālidāsa, Kulasekhara,
Sakti bhadra are commonly staged. The eldest male member of the family
(Cākyār and Nambyār) of actors is regarded as the head of a family. He is
responsible for keeping the traditions alive by teaching the secrets of the
arts to the younger generation of his family. Kūṭiyāṭṭam has survived
centuries precisely because men such as these have transmitted their
knowledge to the members of their families with at utmost devotion.
Today people in general are interested in this art form.
