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CHAPTER III

DEPARTMENT OF INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

The traditional systems of medicine are of great relevance to the

health of the people. About eighty per cent of the worlds population still

relies on traditional medical practices. In the centre, all the traditional

systems of medicine come under a single roof namely Department of

AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy). The

Department of Indian System of Medicine (ISM) in Kerala is entirely

different from the AYUSH both in terms of administration and functioning. In

Kerala, this Department gives due importance to Ayurveda as the State is

the 'Land of Ayurveda'. Kerala is the first State in the country which divided

the traditional systems into three, viz. Indian Systems of Medicine,

Homeopathy and Ayurveda Medical Education. Except the Ayurveda

Medical Education, the other two are sub - departments of the Health and

Family Welfare Department. The ISM Department deals mainly with

Ayurvedic medicine and other Indian medicines like Unani and Siddha. The

Homeopathy Department which was a part of ISM was separated from it in

19731.

STRUCTURE OF INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE

The ISM Department renders medical aid to the people through the

network of Ayurveda Hospitals and Dispensaries, Grant-in-aid Ayurveda

Institutions, Siddha-Vaidya, Unani and Naturopathy Institutions. The

Director is the head of the Department and he is assisted by one Joint

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Director, Administrative Officer, Accounts Officer Administrative Assistant

and other staff. District level administration is carried out by the District

Medical Officers. The Department has 727 Ayurveda dispensaries and 115

Ayurveda hospitals all over the State. District Ayurveda hospitals are

present in all the fourteen Districts.2

Special hospitals like mental hospital at Kottakkal, Panchakarma

hospital at Alappuzha, Nature cure hospital and Marma hospital at

Kanjiramakulam are functioning under this Department. Visha, Marma,

Netra and Panchakarma treatment units were attached to District Ayurveda

Hospitals and to some taluk hospitals. During 1995 96, five Ayurveda

Dispensaries were opened under the general scheme.3 Two, ten bedded

hospitals were upgraded to twenty beds at Paravoor ( Kollam District) and

Anithicad ( Trichur District). 52,054 in-patients were treated in various

dispensaries during 2000-2001. For the continuance of the hereditary

system of grant-in-aids were provided to ninety seven private traditional

Ayurvedic physicians.4

EVOLUTION OF AYURVEDA IN KERALA

Ayurvedic medicine is a system of traditional medicine native to the

Indian subcontinent and practiced in other parts of the world as a form of

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Ayurveda, the 5000 year

old natural herbal health care system has been recognized world over as

the most perfected body-mind health care system. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit

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word derived from Ayur which means life or longevity and Veda which

means knowledge. Hence Ayurveda is the science of life.5

The simple essence of Ayurveda is knowledge and awareness of the

qualities of nature. It promises better health, prevents diseases and helps

in achieving a long life. According to this system, the right balance of the

three subtle energies called vata, pitta and kapha maintains health. The

biological air humour, vata is responsible for all movements in the body.

The biological water humour or kapha is responsible for strength and

immunity while the biological fire or pitta is responsible for digestion and

metabolism. As long as these energies are in equilibrium, the health of the

body is maintained. The purpose of Ayurveda and Panchakarma (a

treatment method in Ayurveda) is to bring these forces in to harmony so

that they promote physical, emotional and spiritual growth in every living

being. Ayurveda has gained immense popularity not only in India but all

over the world and is considered as the oldest and most holistic medical

system available on the planet today. It is indeed a science and a way of

life. The principle of Ayurveda is based on the universal truth and it is an

intellectual gift of ancient human civilization.6

Healing practices were mainly concentrated near religious places.

Temples churches and mosques were functioning as ancient centre of

healing. The temples in Kerala gave medical preparations and oils to

mentally and physically sick devotees, and thus played an important role in

popularizing Ayurvedic treatment. 7 It was the Buddhists who gave

extensive popularity to this system of medicine in Kerala. The Buddhist

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monasteries had dispensaries which supplied medicines to the sick people

and provided medical aid to animals also. Ayurveda received a lot of

encouragement during the Buddhist period, roughly between 500 BC and

600 AD.8

According to Buddhist canonical works which are reliable sources for

the evolution of Ayurveda, Salyachikitsa (surgery) and Kayachikitsa

(General medicine) were the two main divisions of medicine at the time. As

Buddhism was founded on the principle of non-violence (ahimsa

siddhanda), the monks were against surgery associated with pain, and

viewed it as an act of violence (himsa)9. Nevertheless they propagated the

methods of general medicine as a result of which this branch rose to

prominence. There was an unprecedented growth of Ayurveda Materia

Medica and even metals and minerals began to be used as medicines

leading to the formation of a new branch called Rasayana (latro-chemistry).

Ayurveda is considered as a branch of Atharva Veda.10 But still,

there is no clear association between the Vedas and the Ayurvedic medical

texts although some Ayurvedic Matateria Medica may have been derived

from vedic traditions. Atharva Veda has many hymns eulogizing herbs.

Many plants were worshipped as deities and invoked incantations. There

were many mantras to combat jaundice and many hereditary diseases. The

Atharvan hymn chanted for the cure of diseases were known as

Bhaishajyams and those for attaining longevity and prosperity were called

Ayushyams. These hymns, especially Ayushyams are considered as the

foundation of later medical advancements.11 The rise and acceptance of

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Ayurveda as a system of medicine is associated with the preparation of

Samhitas which means compilation or collection. The three most important

treatises in Ayurveda appeared during the golden age (800 B.C to A.D.

1000). These are collectively referred as the Senior Triad: the Charaka

Samhita, the Sushruta Samhita and the Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita. The

other important treatises are the Madhava Nidana, the Sarangdhara

Samhita and the Bhava Prakasha collectively known as the Junior Triad.12

The Charaka Samhita is the earlist major text of Ayurveda, attributed

to physician Charaka who lived around 1000 to 800 B.C. The Sushruta

Samhita is the major surgical text of Ayurveda attributed to physician

Sushruta (600 B.C). It is the most advanced compilation of surgical

practices of its time. Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita is the third major treatise in

the Senior Triad, attributed to Vagbhata. It is believed that Vagbhata wrote

the treatises Astamgahridaya and Astangasamgraha, when he was staying

in Kerala around 700 A.D. and his disciples popularized this system of

medicine.13 The age of compilation witnessed production of other classical

medical literature also including Kashyapa Samhita, Agnivesa Samhita,

Bhela Samhita, Jatukarna Samhita, kharanada Samhita, Usana Samhita,

and Agastya Samhita. The Agnivesa Samhita, later revised by Charaka

and Sushrutha Samhita revised by Nagarjuna are considered to be the

masterpieces and the only works that survived. The others might have

been either destroyed or become fragmented.14

These original and authentic texts were written in Sanskrit. There

were a number of works in Malayalam describing the Ayurvedic system of

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medicine. Sarvanga Chikitsa Ratnam, Vaidya Manorama and

Vaidyamanjari are the most important of them. There were plenty of works

on special branches like toxicology (VishaVaidya), paediatrics

(Balachikitsa), eye treatment (Netra chikitsa) and for treatment of diseases

like leprosy, diabetes, tuberculosis and rheumatism. Prayogasamuchaya

written by Kerala Varma of Cochin is considered as an authoritive work on

toxicology. Kerala also contributed popular Ayurvedic dictionaries like

Ayurveda Nighantu and Ayurveda Ratnakarakosam. Sariram and

Arogyamargangal of Dr. L.A. Ravi Varma also enriched the Ayurvedic

literature. Dr. P. S. Warrier's Ashtanga Sarira and Brihat Sariram are also

notable contributions to Ayurveda. The Dharakalpam deals with the Dhara

treatment. There are also a number of books on Ayurvedic treatments such

as Sahasrayogam, Chikitsakramam, Vaidhamanjari, Chikitsamanjari,

Yogamritam, Sannipata Chikitsa, Netrarogachikitsa and Masurimala.

Matangalila deals with the treatment of elephants.15 Most of the documents

in the text constitute indigenously developed knowledge of healing

practices.

Ayurveda literature was enriched by many recent scholars also.

Pachu Muthu, the author of Tiruvitamkoor Charitam was an expert

physician. He wrote two medical treatises, Hridayapriya and

Sukhasadhakam. Mahakavi Vallathol contributed Arogyachintamani,

Garbharakshakramam and Vaidyajeevanam. Astangahrudayam Bhasha

was translated in to Malayalam and published in 1915 by

V.M. Kutti Krishna Menon. The Ayurvedic system of Medicine published in

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two volumes by N.S. Gupta gives elaborate instructions about the season

and culling of medicinal herbs and plants. There are dictionaries on the

indigenous medicinal plants and herbs of Kerala. During the period of

Dutch rule Henry Van Rheede, the Dutch Governor in Kerala took interest

in the compilation of a dictionary describing the medicinal properties of

Indian plants.16 The result was the compilation of Hortus Malabaricus in

twelve volumes. The knowledge of Sanskrit enables the healers of Kerala

to interpret the Ayurvedic system accurately. The Namboothiri Brahmins

still practice Ayurveda and contribute to the efficacy of the system. Sanskrit

learning has spread to all layers of Kerala society. Thus Ayurveda became

a living tradition belonging to people of all socio-cultural groups.

Even before the spread of Sanskrit Ayurvedic medical texts, there

existed an Ayurvedic system of medicine in Kerala. Using wild medicinal

plants obtained from the forests the local physicians gave treatment for

poisoning, small pox and marmakayam. These local physicians used the

Malayalam text Sahasrayogam which was a text of ancient Kerala

medicines. The people of Kerala also accepted this text as a home text for

treatment. This text prescribes tablets like Kasthuradhi, Gocharanadi,

Kombanjadi, Dhanwasndacam and Yilaneerkuzhambu which were not

mentioned even in the traditional Sanskrit books. 17 The olden Kerala

physicians were very peculiar in their treatment methods for fever and

snake bites. Karalayam, Thumba, and Mukkuty, were important medicinal

plants used for the treatment of sprain and fractures. The non Kerala

physicians were unaware of these medicinal plants and their usage. For

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medication purpose tender coconuts were used in different forms.

Yilaneerkuzhampu is a typical medicine of Kerala18. The root of coconut

tree, husk, shell, are used as medicine. Dhara, Njavarakizhi, Pizhichil,

Talam and Thalapothi originated from the soil of Kerala. In ancient Kerala,

medical profession was not a monopoly for any community. The low caste

people also practiced midwifery and pediatric. Velan and mannan castes

were well experienced in midwifery. They considered midwifery as their

family profession. Velapanickan, Kanaka or Kanyan were experts in

pediatric treatment. Some tribal castes were experts in marma treatment.19

Legend says that as per divine origin, when Parasuram

created Kerala, it consisted of eighteen city-states with eighteen kings to

rule over them. Each city-state also had a family that practiced Ayurveda

and other traditional healing systems in order to look after the king and his

subjects. The early medical practitioners were known as AshtaVaidyans,

who were bestowed with the responsibility of maintaining the Ayurvedic

tradition by practicing it as a health care service as well as teaching its

principles in the unique gurukula tradition. These AshtaVaidyans literally

translated to doctors trained in the eight branches of Ayurvedic medicine

namely kaayam (general medicine), baala (pediatrics), griham (psychiatry),

urdhavangam (including all the organs above the neck-eyes, ears, nose,

teeth, throat, etc.), shalyam (surgery), dhamshatra (therapy for poisoning),

jara (anti-ageing treatment) and sexual diseases. Thus eighteen families of

AshtaVaidyans existed in the early days. Since, they were engaged in

surgery and were likely to touch blood, they were not allowed to intermingle

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with other Brahmin families. This led to a lot of inbreeding within these

eighteen families and consequently resulted in a decline in their fertility.

Thus the AshtaVaidyans were reduced to eight families. Alathur,

Chirattamannu, Ilayidathu Thaikkadu, Pazhanellipurathu Thaikkadu,

Pulamanthol and Vayaskara are the six families of AshtaVaidyans still

practicing today.20

In Travancore, every village had its Vaidyan long before the

Allopathic or any other system of medicine came into vogue. Traditional

knowledge about medicinal plants and cheapness of the treatment helped

Ayurvedic system to withstand the competition from other forms of

medicine. In 1875, a Sarkar Ayurveda Vaidyan was appointed at

Trivandrum.21 From this date, the Travancore State began to participate in

the work of revitalizing and encouraging Ayurveda. In Travancore, an

institution for Ayurvedic education was started at Trivandrum by Kaviyoor

Parameswaran Moothathuin 1886. In 1890, the Government took charge of

the institution. Subsequently, it rose to the position of an Ayurveda College.

Later many institutions came up like Arya Vaidya Samajam, Keraleeya

Ayurveda Samajam and Madhava Memorial Ayurveda College.22

In 1889 an Ayurvedic padasala was started in Trivandrum by Sree

Vishakam Thirunal Maharaja. This was the first Ayurvedic Educational

institution in British India. The course of instruction which was prescribed in

1889 extended to four years, at the end of which the students appeared for

an examination known as the Vaidya test. A system of grant-in-aid to

qualified Vaidyans was sanctioned in 1895. A Board was also constituted

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with two members to advise the Government regarding applications for

grant-in-aid. 23 In l907 a Superintendent was appointed under whose

supervision the padasala and the grant-in-aid Vaidya Salas were placed. In

1916, the course duration of Vaidyans was raised to five years and two

public examinations superseding the Vaidya Test were instituted. These

two examinations were known as the Lower and the Higher Medical

Certificate Examination. The former being held at the end of the fourth year

and the latter at the end of the fifth year.24 Dr. K. Sankara Menon was the

first Director of Ayurveda Department in Travancore. He gave importance

to Ayurvedic publications in the State.25 During his time, the Government

ordered for the collection, examination and publication of Ayurvedic

manuscripts at its own expense. A Vaidya Pandit was accordingly

appointed for the purpose and the work was started under the supervision

of the curator for the publication of Sanskrit manuscripts. But as the

Ayurveda publications had to be supervised by one learned in medicine,

the work was placed under the control of the Director of Ayurveda in 1924

with a Vaidya Pandit to assist him. With the formation of a Department for

the publication of oriental manuscripts, the Ayurveda manuscripts were

again transferred to the office of Curator in charge of the publication

Department. The publication section under the Department was doing

useful work for the growth and spread of Ayurveda in the State.26

In the Cochin State, formal Ayurvedic education was started only in

1926, in the Sanskrit college at Tripunithura, which was established in 1914

by King Rama Varma Raja. Many members of the royal family were

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scholars in Ayurveda and this led to the keen interest in the propagation

and education of Ayurveda. In 1936, separate courses for Ayurveda,

Vedanta, Nyaya, etc. were introduced. The title Ayurveda Bhushanam was

given to those who passed the final examinations. In 1956, the Principal of

the Sanskrit College Trikkovil Achyuta Varier took efforts to delink the

Ayurvedic Department from the Sanskrit college and thus a separate

college for Ayurveda was established. This college conducts BAMS degree

course, Post graduate course and Paramedical courses also. There are

fifteen Departments in the college and a well established 489 bedded

hospitals.

The State could make rich contributions by improving the traditional

system. Kerala, the tropical paradise on the southwest seaboard is well

known as the heart land of Ayurveda. Kerala, the confluence of different

natural herbal systems enriched and fine-tuned Ayurveda. While the

Ayurvedic system was enriched by Siddha and Marma systems in southern

Kerala, it is strengthened by kalaripayattu and kalari in north Kerala.

Situated in the tropical region, the State has an unparalleled herbal wealth

compared to other parts of India. Though the same herbs are found in the

Himalayan ranges, the herbs of Kerala have a special potency due to its

unique geographical position and tropical climate. Even for classic

Ayurveda preparations, Kerala has evolved its own formulations that are

superior in effect. The ideal geographic location and the favourable climate

have made purification and rejuvenation therapies most effective for

treatment of many psychosomatic disorders. The high humidity in Kerala

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helps to open up the body pores and the medicinal oils used in massaging

get easily absorbed into the body thereby increasing the effectiveness of

the treatment. Compared to other parts of India, Kerala was a landscape

which was politically stable unaffected by invasions. A number of saints

and teachers fled to the southern end of India after the fall of the great

University Taxilla (Takshasila ) by the invasion of Muhammad Ghori.27

They settled in Kerala and with the health of palm leaf manuscripts they

practiced and spread the richness of Ayurveda. The politically stable nature

of the State helped to spread Ayurvedic health practices as a routine part in

the life of Keralities and thus Kerala can be aptly regarded as the 'Cradle of

Ayurveda'.28

The fundamentals of Ayurveda being practiced and taught in Kerala

are not different from those of the rest of the country in their essence and

philosophy. In the recent days, there is a notable difference and

uniqueness in certain aspects of Kerala tradition of Ayurveda. This

difference pertains to the importance given to Vagbhatas

Ashtangahridayam in preference to other classical texts by Kerala

traditional physicians, the uninterrupted history of practicing the classical

panchakarma therapies, the innovative development of the reputed Kerala

preparatory therapies and finally the wide variety of exclusive herbal based

formulations overshadowing the use of metal and mineral based drugs. The

development of Ayurveda in Kerala is particularly noted for its origins in

non- brahminical traditions even before the entry of classical Ayurveda in

early centuries of the Christian era. The Namboothiri Brahmins who could

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interpret Sanskrit medical texts followed and practiced the Vedic tradition

and knowledge systems. They were the only people that time to perform

the fire sacrifices or yajnas and pronounce the vedic chants in the original

way.29

EARLY AYURVEDIC CENTRES IN KERALA

KOTTAKKAL ARYA VAIDYA SALA (AVS)

The establishment of Vaidya Salas throughout the State contributed

to the logical development of Ayurveda tradition in Kerala. These private

medical institutions blended modern pharmaceutical procedures and

classical Ayurvedic traditions. Arya Vaidya Sala is a century old charitable

institution engaged in the practice and propagation of Ayurveda. It offers

classical Ayurvedic medicines, authentic Ayurvedic treatments and

therapies to patients from all over India and abroad. Arya Vaidya Sala was

established at Kottakkal in 1902 by the physician, P.S. Varier. Started as a

village clinic, it has now grown into a multi-unit, multi-disciplinary and multi-

core organization. Arya Vaidya Sala has two modern medicine

manufacturing units, well equipped quality control labs, has fully fledged

research activities, publishes Ayurvedic periodicals and books, cultivates

medicinal plants and conducts educational programmes. 30

It also runs fifteen outpatient clinics in various cities including New

Delhi, Kolkatta, Mumbai, Secunderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai,

Trivandrum, Kottayam, Ernakulum, Allepy, Calicut, Kanoor, Palghat, and

Thrissur. There are over 900 authorized dealers for the sale of Ayurvedic

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medicines. The average number of patients treated every year is eleven

lakhs. Twenty per cent of the patients coming here for treatment are

foreigners.31 The Vaidya sala has two nursing homes and a herb garden in

Kottakkal. The capacity of the nursing home is 120 in three blocks. There is

also a 110-bed charitable hospital which offers both Ayurveda and

Allopathy Medical care. Deserving poor patients are given treatment,

medicines, accommodation and food free of cost. It was first set up in 1924

for imparting classic therapies and in 1954 it was established as a major

hospital facility. There are two production units, one at Kottakkal,

Malappuram District and another at Kanjikode, Palakkad District for the

manufacture of about 500 genuine Ayurvedic medicines32.

A research centre cum Ayurvedic hospital is functioning at Kottakkal

with 160 rooms and necessary amenities. This institution provides

treatment for various ailments like paralysis, arthritis, and spondylosis. It

also provides Panchakarma and other Kerala special treatments under the

guidance of expert Ayurvedic physicians. P.S. Varier founded an Ayurveda

Pathasala in 1917 which later became the Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier

Ayurveda College affiliated to Calicut University. The college has Degree

courses and Post Graduate Degree courses in Ayurveda. The Research

and Development Department of Arya Vaidya Sala is actively engaged in

research work for modernization of production and quality control of

Ayurvedic drugs. A quarterly medical journal Arya Vaidyan is published by

AVS.33

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KERALA AYURVEDA PHARMACY IS LTD. (KAPL)

K.G.K. Panicker established the Kerala Ayurveda pharmacy Limited

at Aluva in 1945. It operates three hospitals in Chennai, Trichy and Alwaye,

a health resort and a ten-acre plot in Bangalore and a chain of nineteen

Ayurvedic clinics in Kerala and outside. KAPL is also manufacturing and

marketing Ayurvedic medicines and traditional formulations.34

CHOLAYIL AND AYURVEDA

In addition to Ashta Vaidya families and Arya Vaidyas who practiced

Ayurveda in its original and rich forms through generations, there were a lot

of families of other castes also in which Vaidyas with rich Ayurvedic

wisdom hailed. They were greatly respected and were given a high social

status irrespective of the Brahmin dominated civilization. Cholayil is one of

such families from Trichur District of Kerala that gave birth to the Ayurvedic

legends like Cholayil Kunjimani Vaidyar, Sankaran Vaidyar, and K.M.

Vaidyar who practiced Ayurveda in its true spirit.35 They also bestowed

their traditional knowledge through books and manuscripts to the next

generation.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL GARDEN

As per the Ayurveda Departmental Re-organization Act of 1917, the

Botanical Garden was opened in 1918 at Mudavankunnu. But it was

abandoned by the Government within a short period. In 1935 the

Government sanctioned the funds for a medicinal herbarium in the vacant

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area of Vetipulayanarkotta reserve for the students to study the details of

living plants and roots. The garden comprises of 150 acres of land. About

150 medicinal herbs were planted and proposals were made to collect rare

plants from several places.

FORMATION OF THE AYURVEDIC DEPARTMENT

In 1917-18, the Re-organization Act was passed and the

Ayurvedic Department was formed. The year 1917 witnessed a number of

remarkable changes in the history of the institutions and also in the

Ayurvedic Department. A Director was appointed for the Department with

full powers of administration. The term Native Vaidyasalas by which the

indigenous medical institutions under the control of the Department were

changed into Ayurveda Vaidya Salas and the superintendent of Native

Vaidya Sala was designated as Director of Ayurveda.36

The main features of the Department were: revision of the

curricula of studies in the Ayurveda padasala on an upto date and scientific

basis to suit modern requirements, enlargement of the library attached to

the padasala, increase of stipends from rupees twenty five to forty,

appointment of a lecturer in Modern Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene in

the Ayurvedic padasala, establishment of an Ayurveda hospital and

dispensary, establishment of a Botanical Garden and opening of an

Ayurvedic Pharmacy for the supply of medicines to the Ayurveda hospitals

and dispensaries. In 1889 an Ayurvedic padasala was started in

Trivandrum by Sree Vishakam Thirunal Maharaja. This was the first

Ayurvedic Educational institution in British India.

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AYURVEDIC HOSPITALS

The Ayurvedic healing activities of Travancore were based on the

SahasraYogam, a text of Ayurveda in Travancore. Thus the indigenous

system which existed was reasonably well developed and Travancore got

its own Ayurvedic system with all its cultural richness.37 Though colonial

attempts were made to legitimize the development of indigenous medicine,

the Travancore State had taken measures to promote the same even

before the end of the nineteenth century. Despite of the continued

resistance from the British Government, the native State stuck to its

policies and included the Ayurvedic practitioners in the grant-in-aid system

in 1896.38

In the year 1918 when the Ayurvedic Department was formed, an

Ayurveda Hospital was also opened.39 It was started as an appendage to

the Ayurveda College and not as a treatment centre with facilities for the

accommodation of patients. By 1895 a regular system of medical grants to

hospitals, dispensaries and Vaidyasalas were sanctioned and the

Vaidyasalas were placed under a committee of two leading native

physicians appointed by the Government. 40 In 1896, the number of

Vaidyasalas was raised to twenty eight. At the end of the year 1935, there

were 150 grant-in-aid Vaidyasalas and three grant-in-aid Ayurveda

hospitals in Travancore.41

Facilities were provided for treatment by massage which still

remains as a peculiar feature of this institution. Provisions were made in

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the hospitals for Thakradhara, Kanni Dhara, Vasthi, Pilichil, Njavarakili and

Thirumal, the special methods of treatment that were in vogue. 42 The

Marma ward was rendering useful medical service in all cases of fractures.

The three grant-in-aid hospitals in the State were also treating an

enormous number of patients. Proposals for opening additional hospitals in

the moffusil areas were under consideration.43

In 1920, the status of the padasala was raised to that of a

college. In the same year a temporary Vaidya Pandit was appointed and

put in charge of the publication of ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts. In order

to assist the Director in inspection work, an Inspector of Vaidyasala was

appointed.44 In the Ayurveda College the lower and the higher medical

certificate examinations were abolished and substituted with the diploma

courses viz, the Vaidya Sastri and Vaidya Kalanithi. Besides these, there

was the Ayurveda Acharya title for which a Vaidya Kalanidhi diploma holder

may be admitted, two years after passing the latter. The Ayurveda Acharya

was the highest title conferred by the State for proficiency in the Indigenous

System of Medicine. Further, for candidates seeking proficiency in the art of

poison treatment, a title known as Visha Vaidya Visarada was conferred

after they pass a public examination known by the same name.45

In 1922, the Ayurvedic Department was divided into two, one under

the independent charge of the Principal of Ayurveda College, and the other

under the Inspecting Officer. The Sarkar aided Ayurveda educational

institutions, publication of rare manuscripts, Sarkar Ayurveda pharmacy,

and the Botanical Garden were placed under the control of the Principal of

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Ayurveda College. All the grant-in-aid and other recognized institutions

were placed under the control of Inspector of Ayurveda. These officers

were vested with the powers formerly possessed by the Director in respect

of the institutions placed under them.46

The Government permitted local boards, consequently on the

retrenchment scheme and on the withdrawal of the Government Allopathic

doctors from the hospitals in 1929 to appoint practitioners of indigenous

medicine to fill up the gap. The local board was also given permission to

open rural Ayurveda dispensaries on their own. These apparent changes in

the Government attitude did not improve the medical facilities in Malabar.

Because of severe financial crisis in 1932, the boards were compelled to

suspend most of the health programmes in Malabar.47 In short, while in

Malabar, the States policy became hostile to the development of the

Indigenous System of Medicine, in Travancore, the State gave active

support both in terms of quality and quantity for the development of this

Department. However the active growth of the Department of Indian

System of Medicine occurred under the Government of Travancore.

AYURVEDIC PHARMACY

The formation of Ayurveda Pharmacy in Travancore was one of the

main features of the Re-organization Act of 1917. 48 In the pharmacy,

medicines were prepared for the practical training of the pupils undergoing

instruction in the Padasala as well as for the patients resorting to the

hospital and pharmacy for treatment. The students of the College were

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allowed to undergo training in the Pharmacy for the identification of drugs

and preparation of medicines. In 1918, the Travancore Government

sanctioned the manufacture and sale of medicines to the public. During the

initial stages, they were sold to the public at a reasonable price. But later

on the Government resolved upon fixing a profit of five per cent on the cost

of the medicines sold to the public. The rate of profit was raised and fixed

at ten per cent in 1920. But early in the year 1924, the Government

stopped the sale of medicines to the public and confined the supply of

medicines to the hospital alone. Orders were issued accordingly and the

scope of the pharmacy was restricted to the preparation of medicines

required for Ayurveda Hospital alone. In 1934, the government again

sanctioned the opening of a selling outlet in the Ayurveda pharmacy

temporarily as an experimental measure.49

DEPARTMENT OF INDIAN SYSTEM OF MEDICINE IN MODERN KERALA

The Department continued its functions even after the formation of

the modern Kerala State. There were encouraging attempts the

government by appointing expert committees for the revival of the

indigenous system of medicine and to give a place in the health services

sponsored by the State. At that time the Department was called the

Department of Indigenous Medicine. The main function of this Department

included the control of Ayurveda hospitals, Ayurveda Dispensaries, Visha

Vaidyasalas and Dispensaries, Ayurveda Pharmacies, and grant-in-aid

institutions. The Ayurveda and Homeopathy were under the same

Department until the formation of a separate Department of Homeopathy.50

140

In 1956 it was decided that the Department of Indigenous medicine and the

grant-in-aid institutions should be abolished gradually consequent to the

opening of taluk hospitals and dispensaries in every taluks and panchayats

under the development schemes. As a first step, the policy of not awarding

fresh grant-in-aid and not to fill up the vacancies arising out of it was

adopted. As a result, the number of grant-in-aid institutions was reduced to

297 as against 317 during 1955-56. During the consequent re-organization,

twenty-one grant-in-aid institutions were situated in the southern taluks of

Travancore Cochin in Travancore District and one from Shencottah taluk in

Quilon District were added to the Madras State51.

Twenty one subsidized Ayurveda rural dispensaries maintained by

the Malabar District Board were brought under the control of this

Department with effect from 1 November 1956.52 The control exercised

over these institutions was only in respect of the functions held by the Dean

of College of Integrated Medicines and the Director of Medical Services. A

separate Ayurveda College Department was formed in the year 1956.53 It

was under the direct administrative control of the Department of Indigenous

Medicine of the Government. The Principal of the College was the head of

the Department. During the year 1959-60 the department was again

reorganized and two zones were created with head quarters at Trivandrum

and Trichur North zone comprising the revenue districts of Ernakulum,

Trichur, Palghat, Calicut and Cannanore was placed under a Deputy

Director. The South Zone comprising the revenue districts of Trivandrum,

Quilon, Alleppey and Kottayam was placed directly under the supervision

141

and control of the Director of Indigenous Medicine. Consequently the

Inspectors of Indigenous Medicine were redesignated as District

Indigenous Medical Officers with gazetted rank. For the purpose of easy

administration, the state was divided into four districts with headquarters at

Trivandrum, Kottayam, Trichur and Shoranur.

In 1961 M.N. Kesavapillai was appointed in charge of the

Department as Director of Indigenous Medicine. Next year also he

continued his job as the Director of the Department. One Ayurveda hospital

and nine Ayurveda dispensaries were opened during the year 1962-63. In

December 1962, the Government appointed an expert committee on

Ayurveda with the following persons as members (1) A.N. Thampi - retired

Director of Public Instruction (Chairman), (2) K. Sukumaran - Editor, Kerala

Kamudi, (3) Kumarakam Parameswaram Pillai (4) Soma Sekharan Vaidyan

(Kaladi), (5) Kaladi Parameswaran Pillai, (6) Director of Indigenous

Medicine and (7) the Principal, Ayurveda College, Trivandrum. The

committee was requested to consider and report on the points raised in the

memorandum submitted to the Government by the representatives of the

Kerala Ayurvedam Mandalam, Ayurveda Sahruthsamathi and Kerala Grant

Vaidya Sanghom. The committee met four times every year. After the

formation of this advisory committee, the Department steadily progressed

in Kerala. In 1966 a temporary project in Ayurveda was initiated by the

Department. Temporary Vaidyasalas were constructed during this year at

Erumeli, Pampa and Sabarimala in connection with the mandala pooja and

makaravilakku festivals. For this project the Department got high

142

appreciation from the Hindu Sabarimala travellers who were benefited with

the health services from these Vaidyasalas54 .

In 1968, a notable administrative change took place in the

Department. The posts of the Principals and Heads of the departments of

Ayurveda Colleges at Trivandrum and Thripunithura were abolished and

the administration was brought under direct the control of the Director of

Indigenous Medicine. Subsequent to the re-organization of the Department

and the Ayurveda Colleges, the post of the Administrative Officer in the

Ayurveda College Trivandrum was transferred to the Directorate of

Indigenous Medicine. In the same year, the Department introduced

comprehensive Rehabilitation Research and Training Projects. 55 Dr. M.

Thangavelu, Principal of Ayurveda Medical College; Trivandrum continued

to be the Director of the projects initiated. Dr. P.B.Muraledharan Menon

took charge as Principal Investigator of the project in May 1968.

During this period facilities for treatment were improved as new

equipment and materials for diagnosis, treatment and testing were

obtained. Clinical facilities were also improved during the period. A polio

clinic was added at the centre. The physical medicine and rehabilitation

clinic was re-organized with the aid of the project. The facilities were

improved and the area was renovated. A vocational training section for the

handicapped was started, where training was imparted to patients in

tailoring, wood carving, saree printing, weaving, book binding, pottery, plant

nursery etc. Thousands of cases were registered in the project. The

143

Research cell sponsored by the International Cancer Medical Research

continued to function in the Collegiate Hospital.56

In the year 1970 the Department of Indigenous Medicine and

Ayurveda College were introduced by the Government.57 Before that the

Ayurveda College was a separate Department. After the amalgamation of

the two Departments, many changes were introduced in the Department.

The Director of Indigenous Medicine acted as head of the Department of

Indigenous Medicine and Ayurveda College. After the introduction of this

post, both the Departments vastly improved in the State. The Department

of Indigenous Medicine started its statistical wing and planning section in

the Directorate in 1972.58 Through this section, the Department undertook

many statistical and planning programmes throughout the State. After that

every year, this method was followed by the Department. Working hours of

the Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy hospitals changed in the year

1972 as in the case of Allopathic hospitals. Thus Ayurveda, Siddha and

Homoeopathy got equal status as that of Allopathic system in the State.59

In 1971, the two Government Ayurveda Colleges one at Trivandrum

and the other at Trippunithura, with their attached institutions were

functioning as separate units under the administrative control of the

Director.60 The immediate controlling authorities of these two institutions

were the Principals of the respective colleges. The office of the Assistant

Director of Homeopathy was also under his administrative control. There

were fifty five Ayurveda Visha Vaidya Hospitals and 267 Ayurveda

Vishavaidhya / Sidha Vaidhya dispensaries along with one subsidized

144

Ayurveda dispensary functioning in the State. 61 In 1973, the Department

continued to function under the Director of Indigenous Medicines. The

Director was assisted by the Project Officer, Principals of the two Ayurveda

Colleges, one Deputy Director and nine District Indigenous Medical

Officers. Consequent to the formation of a separate Department for

Homeopathy, the administration of Homeopathic institutions was

transferred to the Director of Homeopathy.62

In 1974, all the state Siddha dispensaries were converted into

Ayurvedic dispensaries by the Department to promote Ayurvedic medicine

in the State. Because of this conversion, the Siddha dispensaries lost their

importance in the State. 63 But the Siddha hospital at Vallakadavu in

Trivandrum District still remains. Seven Siddha dispensaries and two

Siddha units that have been attached to the Ayurvedic hospitals are also

functioning in the State.64 For the preparation of Ayurvedic medicine, the

central pharmaceutical firm was sanctioned in the year 1974. With the help

of this unit, production of Ayurvedic medicines increased in Kerala State. In

the same year the Department of Indigenous Medicine started an institute

for treating mental diseases 65 The Department introduced a special

employment programme for pharmacists and nurses of the Department

through which they were trained under the Ayurvedic system of treatment.

For the cultivation of Ayurvedic medical plants a survey team was

constituted by the Department in the year 1975.66

The Department opened the States Visha section at Neyyatinkkara

hospital in the year 1977. Treatment in the Visha section was based on

145

Ayurvedic method.67 The Panchakarma treatment method was started in

the Ayurveda hospitals in 1980 which further improved the Ayurvedic mode

of treatments.68 Thus the fame and popularity of Ayurvedic system was

raised by the Department of Indigenous Medicine in the Kerala State. The

year 1980 was an important year in the administration of the Department.

The Department of Indigenous medicine was changed into the Department

of Indian System of Medicine by the State Government,69 and the change

vested more power upon the Joint Director of the Department. At the

beginning of the year 1980, there were sixty eight general hospitals, two

Visha Vaidya hospitals, one mental hospital and one Marma Hospital under

this department. Five dispensaries were upgraded to hospitals, and six new

hospitals including a Nature Cure Centre, at Varkala were opened during

the period.

There were 412 regular dispensaries including four Visha Vaidya

Dispensaries, four Siddha dispensaries and one mobile dispensary at the

beginning of the year. Twelve dispensaries including one mobile

dispensary were opened in the same year. Total number of dispensaries at

the end of the year was 419.70 There were 244 (18 first grade and 226

second grade) grant-in-aid vaidyasalas in the State at the beginning of the

year. One first grade vaidyasala in Quilon District and one second grade

vaidyasala in Cannanore District were newly sanctioned. Grant-in-aid

awarded to seventeen institutions in the state was withdrawn during the

period of 1980-81. Thus the number of grant-in-aid institutions at the end of

the year was 229.

146

In January 1981, the Government created a post of Administrative

Assistant at Trivandrum and the Senior Superintendent at that time was

promoted and posted to the newly created post. 71 There were District

Officers in all the districts except Idukki till 1980.72 The institutions in Idukki

district were under the control of the District Medical Officer (I.S.M),

Kottayam. The post of Administrative Assistant was created to attend

exclusively the formation, co-ordination, implementation and monitoring of

Plan Schemes.

The District Medical Officer (I.S.M), Kottayam continued to be in full

additional charge of the District Medical Officer (I.S.M), of Idukki till the 13th

of January, 1981. Ayurveda mental hospital, at Kottakkal was the only one

such institution in the State and it was under the administrative control of

the Director. New hospitals opened in rural areas during the year under

report were Kottakkal in Malappuram district with thirty beds, Mannarghat in

Palghat district with thirty beds, Kayamkulam in Allepey district with twenty

beds and Parassala in Trivandrum district with thirty beds. The status of the

Government Ayurveda Hospital in Kottayam and Alleppey was raised to

that of district hospitals. A District Store was started at Kottayam. A Nature

Cure Centre with ten beds was opened at Varkala. A Panchakarma unit

with five beds was started in the Government Ayurveda Hospital at

Payyannoor.73

Twenty five Ayurveda dispensaries, one mobile Ayurveda

dispensary and one Siddha Dispensary were opened during the same time.

Two new Ayurveda hospitals were opened at Manjeri and Paremavu. The

147

status of Government Ayurveda Hospital, Varkala was raised to that of a

district hospital. A Panchakarma unit with five beds was started in the

Government Ayurved a Hospital at Nedumangad. A Marma Section was

also started in the Government Ayurveda hospital, Thodupuzha.

Nine hospitals were opened during the period of 1981 82, of which

two were newly opened and the other seven were dispensaries upgraded

to hospitals. Thus the number of hospitals at the end of the year was ninety

two including two visha Hospitals, one Nature Cure Hospital, one Mental

Hospital and one Marma Hospital. Four visha vaidya dispensaries, four

Siddha Dispensaries and two mobile dispensaries were among the 419

regular dispensaries at the beginning of 1981. Twenty seven new

Dispensaries (including one Siddha dispensary and one mobile dispensary)

were opened during the year thus making the total number of Dispensaries

at the end of the year as 439.74

Three visha vaidyasalas were newly sanctioned and grant was

awarded to three general vaidyasalas and one visha vaidyasala was

withdrawn during the period. Thus the total number of vaidyasalas at the

end of the year was 228 including seventy-five general, 149 visha, two

marma, one netra and one mental vaidyasalas. Out of 228 institutions 221

were in the second grade, and seventeen institutions were of the first

grade. One dispensary was upgraded to hospital and fifteen new

dispensaries were opened during the year 1982 83, thus raising the total

number of dispensaries to 453.

148

Grant-in-aid to three general vaidyasalas were withdrawn during the

period. One visha vaidyasala was sanctioned grant in - aid newly during

the report year. Thus the total number of grand in - aid institutions at the

end of the year became 226 including seventy one general, 147 visha,

three marma, two netra and three mental. Among them 209 were second

grade and seventeen institutions were in the first grade. Some of the

important developments in the department during 1982 83 under the non

plan scheme include the name change of the Nature Cure Centre at

Varkala changed as Nature Cure hospital, Varkala. The name of the

Ayurveda dispensary, Kodiyeri was changed as the Ayurveda dispensary,

New Mahe. Ayurveda Expert Committee was reconstituted and the term

was extended for a period of one year with effect from 10th October 1982.

Temporary posts of medical officers (Ayurveda) and Pharmacists in the

Ayurveda dispensaries were created in addition to the corresponding posts

under the Tribal Welfare, and Health and Family Welfare Department and

E.S.I Dispensaries75

There were ninetythree hospitals at the beginning of the year 1984 -

1985. One Panchakarma hospital was opened during the same year. Thus

the total number of hospitals at the end of the year was ninety four. There

were 455 dispensaries at the beginning of the year. Two more dispensaries

were opened during the year, thus making the total number of dispensaries

at the end of the year as 457. There were 227 grant-in-aid institutions.

One Ayurveda dispensary was opened under Special Component

Plan at Kunnathukal Panchayath (Trivandrum District) and one dispensary

149

at Mannancherry (Alleppey District) under plan scheme during the year.76

During 1984-85 one person belonging to Scheduled Tribe had been given

promotion to the gazetted cadre and 14 more persons belonging to

Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes were recruited to the non gazetted

posts. Twelve Ayurveda dispensaries and one Ayurveda hospital were

opened for the benefit of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. An

Ayurveda dispensary for the benefit of Scheduled Caste at Kunnathukal in

Trivandrum District was also opened during the year. Fourteen Lady

Ayurvedic Doctors were sent to the Health Service Department training in

the insertion of I.U.C.D (Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device) under Family

Welfare Programme.

Seventy free medical camps were conducted by the Department in

various Harijan colonies and Tribal settlements throughout the state.

Medical officers and Para medical staff of the Department voluntarily

attended the camps. Medicines worth Rs 1, 08,000/- have been collected

by the Kerala Government Ayurveda Medical Officer Association for the

camps organised.77 There were eleven district offices in the department

during 1985 86. District Offices were not yet sanctioned in the districts of

Kasargode, Wayanad and Pathanamthitta.

The Department has conducted six temporary dispensaries and 186

medical camps throughout the State towards Flood Relief operations

during 1985-86. 65,408 patients were treated and medicines worth Rs. 16,

00,000 were bought for Flood Relief Operation. Seminars were also

conducted to teach the public on the basic principles of health.78

150

At the end of the year 1986 87, the number of hospitals in the

state was ninetyseven including a mental hospital, two visha vaidya

hospitals, a marma hospital, a panchakarma hospital and a nature cure

hospital. Twenty seven dispensaries were also opened during the same

period under various plans. Out of these thirteen were opened under the

tribal sub plan, ten under special component plan, four under general plan

and a siddha dispensary. Thus the number of dispensaries was raised to

497. There were twelve district officers to assist the Director in the

administration of the department at the district level. The district office at

Wyanad started functioning at the close of the year. The institutions in

Kasargode were under the control of the district medical officer at

Cannanore, and those in Pathanamthitta district continued to be under the

control of district medical officers of Quilon and Allepey. The government

passed an order that the vaidyans who were conducting grant in aid

vaidyasalas will be aided grant till life.79

Three dispensaries were upgraded into twenty bedded hospitals in

1988. Thus the total number of hospitals at the end of the year was 101.

One dispensary in Cannanore district was shifted to the administrative

control of the medical department which was previously under the tribal

development department thus making the total number of dispensaries as

496. There were fourteen district medical officers during 1987 88. The

district office at Pathanamthitta and Kasargode started functioning during

the year.80

151

During the period 1988 - 89, one ten bedded hospital at Kalloor in

Idukki district was upgraded to a thirty bedded taluk hospital and the status

of Government Ayurveda hospital at Kalpetta was raised to a district level

hospital with 50 beds for Wayanad district. Two Ayurveda dispensaries,

one at Ulleyeri in Kozhikode district and another at Padanna in Kasargade

district were opened under plan schemes81.

A post of medical officer and a post of Pharmacist were created

respectively in the Govrnment Ayurveda Dispensaries at Thrithaloor in

District and Kothala in Kottayam District. Sanction was received for starting

the marma section at Ayiroor in Pathanamthitta district and at Government

Ayurveda hospital in Kozhikode. Eight Ayurveda dispensaries were opened

during the year 1989 90. Government Ayurveda hospital at Padanakad

was upgraded to district Ayurveda hospital with fifty beds and Government

Ayurveda hospital Thalavoor was upgraded to a taluk hospital with thirty

beds. Marma sections were also started in district Ayurveda hospitals at

Pattanakad and Kottayam during the same year. Twenty dispensaries

under the general plan, two under the special component plan and one

under the tribal sub plan were newly sanctioned during the year 1991

92.82 Till today this Department of Indian System of Medicine retains the

same name and is functioning effectively as a widely recognized system of

treatment along with Allopathic System of Medicine

In almost all the other States, the Ayurvedic Drugs Control and

Standardization Units are functioning under the Department of Indian

Systems of Medicine. But in Kerala the Ayurvedic Drugs Control section is

152

attached with the State Drugs Controllers Department with a Deputy

Director. The production of Ayurvedic drugs in the State is increasing day

by day as most of the people prefer this system. But the present system of

checking the drugs quality and ingredients is not up to the mark. This State

is the main market for the Ayurvedic Drugs producers of various other

states. Hence a separate Drugs Control Wing for Ayurveda, under the

control of the Department of Indian System of Medicine is very essential.

AYURVEDA MEDICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Ayurveda medical Education was established under the

Department of Health and family Welfare for the effective management of

Ayurveda Medical Education. The Directorate of Ayurveda Medical

Education (DAME) started functioning in Arogya Bhavan Building from 29 /

11 / 2000. This Directorate was started with three aided Ayurveda college

and two aided Ayurveda colleges. Now eleven self financing colleges are

also functioning under DAME and each college has its own hospital.

Government Ayurveda colleges are at Trivandrum, Thiruppunithra and

Kannur. There are two aided colleges Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda college at

Ollur and V.P.S.V. Ayurveda College at Kottakal. There are eleven self

financing colleges also. Notable ones are at Kothamangalam, Kannur,

Shornur, Palakkadu and Kollakkode. The Directorate conducts post

graduate courses, BAMS and also paramedical courses (Ayurveda Nurse,

Ayurveda Pharmacist and Ayurveda Therapist). The mission and vision of

this Department is to enhance the importance of Ayurveda in world through

153

education. The Departments also implement many schemes utilizing funds

received from the State and the Central Government.

The fame of Ayurveda has been continuously contributing to the

flourishment of medical tourism in Kerala. The impact of Ayurveda on the

tourism in Kerala remarkable. Kerala is ranked as one of the worlds most

renowned destinations for authentic Ayurvedic treatments. Thousands of

tourists flock to Kerala every year to avail of Ayurveda treatments for

ailments like arthritis, paralysis, obesity, sinusitis, migraine, premature

ageing, skin ailments, etc. Various rejuvenation programmes, beauty care

and body care therapies which have been developed and improved over

years by learned physicians and sages are also offered.83 The immense

popularity of Ayurveda in Kerala can be attributed to the favourable climate,

its natural abundance of forests which are the store houses of rich herbs

and natural oils and the cool monsoon (June November) that Kerala has

which are all ideally suited for this ancient system of medicine.

According to traditional texts, the monsoon is the best season to

indulge in rejuvenation therapies of Ayurveda. The atmospheres remain

dust- free and cool during this time, opening up the pores of the body to the

maximum, thereby making it most receptive to herbal oils and massages.

There are innumerable Ayurveda resorts in Kerala which offer health and

fitness programmes based on Ayurvedic oil massages and therapies.

These massages rejuvenate the whole body system and cure various

ailments besides enabling general fitness. Some of the famous Ayurveda

154

treatments offered in these centres include panchakarama, sweet

treatments, oil massages, purwakarma, samana, yoga and meditation.84

An array of prime properties are set in the finest spots of Keralas

significant Ayurvedic destinations by Government and private

entrepreneurs which present exotic ways to experience leisure tours and

health tours in Kerala. Reduction therapy offered in these destinations

include two parts namely, pacification and purification. Pacification is done

with herbs, fasting, exercise, sunbathing and exposure to wind. Purification

is a special form of therapy for elimination of the disease causing humors. It

again consists of five parts, the panchakarmas cleaning enemas, nasal

medication, purgation, emesis and bloodletting. All these require

preliminary Ayurvedic practices of oleation and sweating.85

Kerala has developed its own Ayurvedic treatment modalities like

Dhara, Pizhicil, Navarakizhi, Elakizhi, Sirovasthi and Thapothicil which are

effective in curing a number of diseases like Motor Neuron diseases,

arthritis of various kinds, skin diseases heart diseases, peptic ulcer,

asthma, peripheral vascular diseases, and gynecological disorders. A vast

variety of plants, metals, minerals, animals, birds, mud and sand are used

as medicines. Ayurvedic resorts in the State offers traditional and authentic

treatments with resident doctors, masseurs, visiting doctors who are

specialists and experts in various branches of Ayurvedic medicine.86

People from all around the world have found the unique procedures

of Ayurveda to be highly effective in giving them relief from various ailments

155

and disorders. Kerala also has the best environment to learn meditation

and yoga which are now recognized as the best way to relax and vent

stress. Kerala is also one of the few states in India with many Ayurveda

colleges and institutions offering in-depth study of various aspects of

Ayurveda. All these factors play a significant role in the booming of

Ayurveda tourism in Kerala. Ayurvedic resorts, spas, massaging centres,

hospitals and clinics are plenty in Kerala.87 To avoid the mushrooming of

fraudulent centres, the Government has two types of certifications for

standardizing the level of services namely Green leaf and Olive leaf. The

certifications are given in view of the type of facilities, quality of medicines

and health programmes, the expertise of physicians, masseurs and

supervising personnel. Some of the Green leaf certified Ayurvedic centres

in Ttivandrum include Somatheeram Ayurvedic Hospital and Yoga Centre,

Manaltheeram Ayurvedic hospital and research centre. Most of the

backwater and beach resorts of the State have Ayurveda centres. Kerala

has evolved into an internationally acclaimed centre for Ayurveda medical

system and the promotion of flow of tourists will provide a great source of

revenue for the State.88

The Health policies of the state have ensured a permanent

place for indigenous systems of medicine. Kerala is the only State in India

which keeps Ayurveda tradition so actively and the age old Ayurveda

centres and institutes of Kerala have been reported by the Government.

The Keralites preferred this form of medicine since it prevents disease,

promotes health and longevity in addition to the curative aspect. Despite

156

enjoying the states patronage and a favourable political climate the Indian

System of Medicine faces discrediting by the allopathic system of medicine.

The entire scope of Ayurveda is much wider and there is a lot more to be

learnt and practiced. Ayurveda has suffered severe setbacks because of

modernization, commercialization and materialization of its pure concepts.

Over the last few decades, Ayurvedic System of Medicine has experienced

a rebirth and has continued to evolve its holistic approach to health in

accordance with modern needs and scientific advances. At this point, it is

worth mentioning the efforts of the Department of Indian Systems of

Medicine to bring up the traditional systems of treatments especially

Ayurveda which have opened an epoch in this widely acclaimed treatment

system.

NOTES AND REFERENCES

1. Administrative report for Department of Homeopathy in Kerala, 1998 99, p.1.

2 . Letter from C. Chandramathi Amma, Director, Indian System of Medicine to the Directorate of

Indian System of Medicine, Trivandrum, dated 06-07-2001, See Appendix no: 9.

3. G.O. (P) No: 367/95/H&FWD, Trivandrum, dated 07- 09 - 1995.

4 . Letter No: 328/B2/2000 dated 27/05/2000 From the Principal, Ayurveda College, Thrippunithura.

5 . S.Swami Sadasiva Ti(Rt)ha, The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, p.3.

6 . Ibid., p. 176.

7 . S. Frank John, Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide to Traditional Indian Medicine for the Asia,

pp. 73 75.

8 . P.Kutumbiah, Ancient Indian Medicine, pp 47 49.

9 . D. Wujastyk , The Roots of Ayurveda Selections from Sanskrit Medical Writing, p. 103.

157

10 . Indian Medical Gazette, The Ancient System of Medicine, Vol. 60, December 1975, pp.587-588.

11 . K.P. Sankara Pillai. Ayurveda and some Western Medical Sciences, JAHSM, Vol. 10,

No: 4, October, 1983, p. 221.

12 . Ibid.

13. G. Srinivasa Murti, Our Aims and Ideals, The Journal of Ayurveda or the Hindu System of

Medicine (JAHSM), vol. 1, No: 1, July 1984, p.10.

14 . D. Priya Vrata Sharma, History of Medicine in India: From Antiquity to 1000 A.D, pp 43 47.

15 . Ibid.

16 . V. Jayananda Thankara, Methodology of Research in Ayurveda , p. 7

17. K.Raghava Thirumalpad, Buddhist Tradition in Ayurveda in Kerala, International Congress on

Kerala Studies, Vol.III, p.180.

18. V.B. Dash, Fundamental of Ayurvedic Medicine, p.26.

19 . D. Chowry Muthu, A Short Account of the Antiquity of Hindu Medicine and Civilization in India,

pp.5-6.

20. Ibid.

21 . Travancore Cover File No: 15049, 1875, State Archives Trivandrum.

22. Ibid., No: 3307, 1890, State Archives Trivandrum.

23 . Travancore Cover File No: 3432, 1895, State Archives Trivandrum.

24 . TAR for the year 1916 17, p. 166.

25. A. Sreedhara menon, Kerala District Gazeeteers of Trivandrum, p.702.

26 . Local Government Administration File. R. Dis. No: 6125, dated 07-01-1925.

27. P.N. Shanavas , Kerala -2006, p. 269.

28 . Ibid.

29 . C.Ravi Chandran, Kerala p. 167.

30 . K. Anilkumar, Development of Ayuveda, Un Published M.Phil. Dissertation, 2003.p .67.

31 . Potrait Kerala p.176.

32 . C. Ravi Chandran, Kerala p. 167

33. P.K. Mukherjee, Integrated Apprroaches Towards Drugs Development From Ayurveda and

Other Indian System of Medicines, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp 25 35.

34. K. Anilkumar, op.cit.,

35. N.V Krishnan Kutty Varrier, Ayurveda Charithram(Mal.), Trivandrum, pp. 85 89.

36 . TAR for the year 1917 18. p.172.

158

37 . P. Girindranath, History of Indian System of Medicine, Vol. I pp.10-15.

38 . N.V. Krishnan Kutty Varrier, op.cit, pp 85-89.

39 . TAR for the Year 1917 -18, p. 129.

40. Travancore Cover File No: 6942, 1895, State Archives Trivandrum.

41. TAR for the Year 1935-36, p.88.

42 . K.P.P Menon, History of Kerala, VoI. IV, p. 515.

43 . V. Raman Kutty, Health of Keralites, pp.68-72.

44 . Local Administration File, D. Dis No: 406/42, dated 03-06-1920.

45 . Ibid.

46 .General Department File No: 1172 / 1922, dated 15-10- 1922, p2.

47 . N.V. Krishnan Kutty Varrier, op.cit., pp 85-89.

48 . T.K Vellu Pillai, op. cit. Vol.IV, p. 233.

49 . Legislative File No: B8/1933, dated 08-06- 1934, p. 39.

50. Letter No: B2 5966 / 99, from the Director of Indian System of Medicine, Trivandrum, 1999.

51. KSAR for the Year 1956 57, pp.203 204.

52. Ibid., p. 205.

53. Report of Public Health Department 1956 57, p. 56.

54 . KSAR for the Year 1957 -58, p. 224.

55 . G.O. (Ms) No: 341/68/ Health, Trivandrum, dated 28-09-1968.

56 . G.O. (Rt) No: 2539/69/ Health, Trivandrum, dated 29-12-1969

57 . G.O. (Ms) No: 215/70/ Health, Trivandrum, dated 22-06-1970.

58 . G.O. (Ms) No: 19/72/ Health, Trivandrum, dated 25-01-1972.

59 . G.O. (Rt) No: 358/72/Health, Trivandrum, dated 08-02-1972.

60 . G.O. (Ms) No: 21/70 / Health, Trivandrum, dated 17-01-1970.

61 . Ibid.

62 . G.O. (Ms) No: 54/72/ Health, Trivandrum, dated 02-03-1972.

63 . G.O. (Rt) No: 1068/72/ Health, Trivandrum, dated 04-05-1972.

64 . G.O. (Ms) No: 85/80.HD, Trivandrum, dated 27-03-1980.

65 . G.O. (Rt) No: 448/74.Health, Trivandrum, dated 26-02-1974.

66. G.O. (Rt) No: 2642/75/HD, Trivandrum, dated 18-09-1975.

159

67 . G.O. (Ms) No: 59/ 77/ HD, Trivandrum, dated 21-03-1979.

68 . G.O. (Ms) No: 543/80.HD, Trivandrum, dated 31-12-1980.

69. G.O. (Ms) No: 85/80/HD, Trivandrum, dated 27-03-1980.

70 . Letter No: B3 14389/81 From the Director of Indian System of Medicine, Trivandrum, dated 01

-- 07 1982.

71 . G.O. (Ms) No: 5/81/HD, Trivandrum, dated 06 01 -- 1981.

72 . G.O.(Ms) No:145/1980/HD, Trivandrum, dated 13 06 -- 1980.

73 . Ibid.

74. Letter No: B3 PL 9/82, From the Director, Indian System of Medicine, Trivandrum. dated 25

05 --1983 and 08 08 1983.

75. G.O. (P) No: 204/83/HD/ Trivandrum, dated 05 08 -- 1983.

76 . Letter No: B3 18064/85, From the Director of Indian System of Medicine, Trivandrum,

dated 06 10 1985.

77. G.O. (P) No: 212/85/HD Trivandrum, dated 21 12 1985.

78 . G.O. (P) No: 417/86/H&FWD, Trivandrum, dated 08 07 1986.

79 . G.O. ((Rt)) NO: 3585/86/H&FWD, Trivandrum, dated 04 10 1986.

80 . Letter No: B220357/DISM, From the Director of Indian System of Medicine,

dated 29 07 1988.

81. G.O. (P) No: 262/89/H&FWD, Trivandrum dated 8 12 1989.

82. Letter No: B2 905/92/DISM, From the Director of Indian System of Medicine, dated 14 05

1992.

83 . Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Tourism Statistics of 2007,pp. 12 16.

84 . L. Chandra Mishra, Scientific Basics for Ayurvedic Therapies, pp58 62.

85 . A.K. Sharma, Panchakarma Theraphy in Ayurvedic Medicine p.43

86 . Ibid.

87 . J.Premchand, Kerala Tourism Recent Trends and Development, SMA(RT) Journal of

Business Management Studies, Vol.4, No:1, January - -June2008, pp.30 36.

88 . Government of Kerala, Status of Kerala Tourism Brand, p.12.