Preventive Health Concepts in Ancient Indian Literary Traditions

This paper examines preventive health concepts as articulated in ancient Indian literary traditions, particularly the Purāṇas, classical Saṁhitās, and Manusmṛti. These texts collectively present health not merely as freedom from disease but as a balanced state sustained through ethical conduct, disciplined lifestyle, and harmony with natural and cosmic order. While Purāṇic narratives embed health within ritual and cosmological frameworks, the Saṁhitās reflect a systematic understanding of bodily balance and preventive care. Manusmṛti contributes a social and moral dimension by prescribing daily routines, dietary discipline, and codes of conduct aimed at preserving individual and collective well-being. Through a comparative literary approach, this study highlights how preventive healthcare was deeply embedded in ancient Indian thought, anticipating modern discussions on lifestyle-based health and holistic wellness.