Ayurveda Manuscripts Workshop Revives Classical Medical Texts

In a major step towards preserving India’s classical medical heritage, a 15-day transliteration capacity-building workshop on Ayurvedic manuscripts has been successfully completed in Kerala. The initiative strengthens research-led revival of ancient medical knowledge through systematic documentation and scholarly engagement.

Inter-Institutional Collaboration Under Ministry Of Ayush

The workshop was organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences under the Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Central Sanskrit University. Conducted at the CSU Puranattukara (Guruvayoor) Campus in Thrissur from January 12 to 25, the residential programme brought together 33 scholars, including Ayurveda and Sanskrit experts, promoting an interdisciplinary approach to manuscript studies.

Focus On Manuscriptology And Ancient Scripts

Held under a Memorandum of Understanding between CCRAS and CSU, the programme is part of a national effort to document, digitise, and enable research-oriented use of classical Ayurvedic manuscripts. Participants received structured training in manuscriptology, palaeography, technical Ayurvedic terminology, and script orientation, with special emphasis on Grantha and Vattezhuthu scripts through intensive Lipi Parichaya sessions.

Hands-On Transliteration And Scholarly Outcomes

A key feature of the workshop was hands-on transliteration using original palm-leaf manuscripts written in Grantha, Medieval Malayalam, and Vattezhuthu scripts. This practical approach led to the successful transliteration of five rare and previously unpublished Ayurvedic manuscripts, making them accessible for advanced academic research and textual analysis.

Important Facts for Exams

• CCRAS functions under the Ministry of Ayush.
• Grantha and Vattezhuthu are traditional scripts used in South India.
• Palm-leaf manuscripts are key sources of classical Indian medical knowledge.
• Transliteration aids digitisation and preservation of ancient texts.

Academic Leadership And Future Direction

Addressing the valedictory session, Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya said the workshop marked the second successful collaboration between CCRAS and CSU, following an earlier programme in Odisha. Prof. K. K. Shine, Director of the CSU Guruvayoor Campus, reaffirmed continued cooperation to preserve Malayalam Ayurvedic manuscripts. CCRAS noted that such initiatives are vital for evidence-based Ayurveda, conservation of regional medical traditions, and long-term safeguarding of India’s classical medical heritage.