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A Systematic Critical Review of Kaiyadev Nighantu with Conceptual Insights

Published:04 May 2026
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Swati Goyal1*, Dr. Nitin Verma2

1 Assistant professor, Dravyaguna Department, Government Ayurveda College, Jaipur, Rajasthan.

2 State Program Manager, NAACO, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

Corresponding Author:Swati Goyal

subjectAbstract

Introduction

A Nighantu is a glossary of names used to identify Ayurvedic substances. [1] Kaiyadeva Nighantu, stands out for integrating medicine, diet and lifestyle in a unified framework. It is a classical Ayurvedic lexicon that systematically describes medicinal, dietary and lifestyle-related substances. It presents a concise and practical classification of dravyas, highlighting their nomenclature and therapeutic relevance. The text remains important for accurate drug identification and holistic Ayurvedic practice. Methodology- The review is based on classical Ayurvedic texts, Kaiyadeva Nighantu and relevant scholarly literature. Results- Kaiyadeva Nighantu classifies substances into eight Vargas: Aushadhi, Dhatu-Dhanya, Drava, Mamsa, Krita-Anna, Vihara, Mishraka and Nanarthaka, covering medicines, foods, liquids, lifestyle factors, and polysemous terms. Discussion- The text provides a clear and holistic classification useful for clinical practice, though some descriptions require modern scientific correlation.

Conclusion

Kaiyadeva Nighantu remains a concise and relevant reference for Ayurvedic drug identification and integrated health practice.

sellKeywords

Kaiyadeva NighantuDravyagunaVarga

format_list_numberedReferences

  1. Wikipedia. Nighantu. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nighantu
  2. Dhanvantari. Dhanvantari Nighantu (Ksheeradi Varga). Edited by Priyavrat Sharma. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2008.
  3. Madanpal Nighantu. In: Sharma PV, editor. Madanapala Nighantu. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 1981.
  4. Amarasingha. Amarkosha (Nāmalingānuśāsana). Edited by Nandargikar GS. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass; 2003.
  5. Bhoja. Raja Nighantu. pp. 1–18. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy; 2010.
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  7. Kaiyadeva KN. In: Sharma PV, editor. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chaukamba Orientalia; 2006, pp. 1–120.
  8. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Aushadhi Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 1–120.
  9. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Dhatu Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 121–150.
  10. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Dhanya Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 151–180.
  11. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Drava Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 181–210.
  12. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Mamsa Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 211–240.
  13. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Kritanna Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 241–270.
  14. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Vihara Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 271–300.
  15. Sharma PV (Ed.). Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Mishraka Varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; pp. 301–330.

How to Cite

Goyal, S. & Verma, D. N. (2026). A Systematic Critical Review of Kaiyadev Nighantu with Conceptual Insights. International Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.47191/ijahm/v16i3.02

APA

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