Introduction
Rasashastra and Bhaishajyakalpana is one of the most distinctive branches of Ayurveda, focusing on the science of medicine preparation, particularly the iatrochemical and pharmaceutical aspects. This department deals with the selection, collection, and processing of raw drugs, both herbal and mineral, and the preparation of various Ayurvedic formulations. These formulations include herbs, herbo-mineral compounds, metallic preparations, and more, with careful attention to their therapeutic indications, dosage, anupana (vehicle), and pathya-apathya (dietary regimen).
The department’s primary goal is to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It emphasizes the importance of traditional practices such as Samskaras (processing techniques) to ensure the purity, potency, and therapeutic efficacy of the drugs. With a strong focus on pharmaceutical aspects (Oushadha Nirmana), the department integrates classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern pharmaceutics, ensuring students are well-equipped to prepare high-quality medicines.
Vision
The vision of the Department of Rasashastra & Bhaishajyakalpana is to cultivate a new generation of skilled and knowledgeable Vaidyas (Ayurvedic practitioners) who are proficient in the preparation of Ayurvedic formulations as prescribed in the classical Ayurvedic texts. The department aims to ensure the highest standards of quality control and preparation methods, focusing on the collection of raw materials, their processing, and the creation of safe and effective medicines.
Additionally, the department seeks to promote a research-oriented approach in the field of Ayurveda Pharmaceutics, enabling students to gain a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Ayurvedic formulations. Our long-term vision includes developing sustainable, cost-effective, and user-friendly formulations to meet modern healthcare demands while preserving the ancient knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine preparation.
Mission
The mission of the Department of Rasashastra & Bhaishajyakalpana is to:
- Provide Comprehensive Training: Offer a rigorous academic curriculum that imparts in-depth knowledge of Rasashastra and Bhaishajyakalpana, including the preparation of herbal, herbo-mineral, and metallic formulations. Equip students with the skills needed to prepare these formulations with precision and efficacy.
- Ensure Quality and Standardization: Train students to prepare medicines following standardized operative procedures (SOPs) to guarantee the quality and consistency of Ayurvedic formulations, from the collection of raw materials to the final product.
- Promote Research and Innovation: Foster a research-oriented approach in the field of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, focusing on the development of new, sustainable, and cost-effective formulations. The department aims to uncover the mechanisms behind preparation methods and understand their clinical and analytical implications.
- Create Awareness and Practical Skills: Provide practical training in the preparation of various Ayurvedic medicines (Kalpanas) and cultivate awareness about industrial-scale production methods for Ayurvedic medicines among practitioners.
- Ensure Accessibility: Produce quality Ayurvedic medicines at an affordable cost to meet the healthcare needs of the community, especially in the context of the hospital and clinical settings.
Infrastructure & Facilities
The Department of Rasashastra & Bhaishajyakalpana is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support both academic and practical learning:
- Department Library: A well-stocked library with essential textbooks on Rasashastra, Bhaishajyakalpana, and related fields for academic reference.
- Teaching Labs: Dedicated Rasashastra and Bhaishajyakalpana labs equipped with necessary instruments and materials for hands-on training.
- Quality Control Lab: A lab for testing and ensuring the quality, safety, and efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations.
- Museum: A museum displaying rare specimens of Ayurvedic drugs and medicinal plants, as well as models and charts that help in understanding the properties and uses of medicinal substances.
- Medicine Manufacturing Unit: A fully functional unit where students can observe and participate in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines.
- Rasashala & Bheshajagara: Special spaces for the preparation and storage of medicinal formulations, facilitating hands-on experience in traditional and modern preparation methods.
Academic Activities
The department provides a range of academic activities to ensure students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience:
Theory & Practical Training: Students receive comprehensive instruction on the preparation of a wide range of Ayurvedic formulations, including:
- Kashayas (Decoctions)
- Tailas (Oils)
- Arishta & Asavas (Fermented Preparations)
- Avaleha (Confections)
- Ghruta (Ghee-based Preparations)
- Gutika (Tablets)
- Choornas (Powders)
- Bhasmas (Incinerated Mineral Preparations)
- Rasayanas (Rejuvenation Preparations)
Special Sessions: Practical sessions such as Aushadha Sevana Day (medicine preparation day), Ghruta Sambharana (preparation of medicated ghee), and Suvarna Bindu Nirmana (preparation of gold-based formulations) are conducted regularly.
Industrial Awareness: Students are trained on industrial production processes for Ayurvedic medicines, creating awareness about the scale and practices used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Research Activities
The department’s research focus includes:
- Development of New Formulations: Research on creating formulations that are cost-effective, easily accessible, and require minimal resources while maintaining efficacy and safety.
- Mechanisms of Action: Investigating the underlying mechanisms of Ayurvedic formulations and their pharmacological properties.
- Clinical and Analytical Studies: Exploring the clinical applications and analytical aspects of Ayurvedic medicines through laboratory and field studies.
Social Responsibility & Outreach
The department also focuses on community engagement and social welfare:
- Awareness Campaigns: Conducting awareness programs on the safe and effective use of Ayurvedic medicines in daily life.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Educating the public and farmers about sustainable herbal cultivation, plant conservation, and the importance of Ayurvedic medicine for health.
The Department of Rasashastra & Bhaishajyakalpana is committed to preserving the traditional art of Ayurvedic medicine preparation while fostering innovation and quality control to meet the evolving needs of modern healthcare. Through academic excellence, research, and community outreach, we aim to contribute to the growth and sustainability of Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine.
