Rediscovering Unique Insights: Comparative Analysis of Manuscript Dravyagunaaguna with the Sutrasthana of Ashtanga Sangraha

Abstract

Introduction: Ayurvedic manuscript contains significant information; however, a large proportion of these manuscripts are not published. The work Dravyagunaaguna written by Kavi Trimalla discusses the classification and characteristics of Ahara Dravya (foods). On the other hand, the Sutrasthana of Ashtanga Sangraha by Acharya Vagbhata also provides the basic concepts of Ayurveda and dietetics. Objective: To comparatively analyse the content of Dravyagunaaguna with the Sutrasthana of Ashtanga Sangraha to identify similarities, differences, and unique contributions. Materials and Methods:  A comparative literary study was conducted using the manuscripts Dravyagunaaguna and Sutrasthana of Ashtanga Sangraha. The analysis was performed through verse-by-verse and word-to-word comparison. A grading scale (0–4) was developed to assess the degree of similarity and difference in meaning, terminology, and principles. Results: It was found that 50.01% of the content in Dravyagunaaguna has uniqueness, and there is only 1.10% similarity that exists between Dravyagunaaguna and Sutrasthana. Approximately 23.23% of the content is slightly altered, whereas 17.12% of it contains similar concepts expressed with the help of different terms. Another 8.56% shows different concepts. Conclusion: These results clearly suggested the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Kavi Trimalla in Ayurvedic dietetics. Dravyagunaaguna provides a comprehensive classification of Ahara Dravya. The importance of researching the unknown texts of Ayurvedic literature cannot be underestimated.