A LITERARY REVIEW ON HISTORICAL ASPECT OF AMAVATA ( ~RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS )

About Author

Correspondence Address

Dr. Vaishali Ekanath Tayade
Prof. , Head Dpt of Kayachikitsa
Smt. Shalinitai Meghe Ayurved College Bhilewada Bhandara
Contact No. : 9404582988, Email : vaishalitayde1979@rediffmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 29 Dec 2025

Date of Publication : 31 Dec 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_158

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3412

Abstract

A historical review involves the systematic study and critical analysis of past events to understand their development and implications. History plays a vital role in shaping society, as it provides valuable insights into human behavior and social evolution. It serves as a repository of knowledge that allows for critical examination of past experiences and events, thereby helping to interpret their influence on present and future developments related to life processes. Verification and reinterpretation of historical facts guide researchers in generating new perspectives and advancing scientific inquiry.

Amavata is described as a pathological condition arising from the accumulation of Ama along with aggravated Vata, which circulates through the Dhamanis and becomes localized in various joints. This leads to clinical manifestations such as pricking pain, inflammation, and restricted joint movements, which closely resemble the features of rheumatoid arthritis.¹ Although Amavata is not described as a distinct disease entity in the Brihattrayi (the classical trio of major Ayurvedic texts), it was first systematically introduced by Acharya Madhavakara, one of the eminent authors of the Laghutrayi, in the 7th century AD in his treatise Madhavanidana, a classical text on Ayurvedic diagnostics.

Therefore, the present work focuses on the historical review of Amavata to trace the evolution of its conceptual understanding. Such an analysis aids in comprehending the changing etiological factors influenced by evolving lifestyle patterns over time and facilitates the formulation of more precise and effective treatment protocols.³³

KEY WORDS:-  Ayurveda, Amavata, Brihattrayi, Laghutrayi, Madhavakara, Ama, Vata, Dhamanis, Madhavanidana.

Introduction

In the present era, rapid lifestyle changes, hectic work schedules, psychological stress, and other related factors have contributed to a rising incidence of chronic diseases, among which Amavata is increasingly prevalent. Owing to its clinical presentation, Amavata can be closely correlated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The condition has been selected for the present study because of its broad clinical spectrum, increasing prevalence, and the limitations of effective long-term management options. The prevalence of RA is estimated to be approximately 0.8% of the population, with nearly 80% of affected individuals developing the disease between 35 and 50 years of age.²˒³²

A historical review encompasses not only written records but may also include oral traditions and documentary evidence such as manuscripts, diaries, letters, newspapers, and official reports. The assessment of historical significance involves evaluating the importance of selected events, individuals, and developments in shaping past and present knowledge. A well-defined theoretical framework plays a crucial role in guiding research, as theories are formulated to explain, predict, and interpret phenomena, including relationships, events, and behaviors. Research, in this context, aims either to verify existing knowledge or to generate new insights based on critical analysis of earlier evidence.

The origins of Ayurveda are traditionally traced to the Atharvaveda, in which descriptions of various diseases and their treatments are found. Subsequently, from approximately the 6th century BC to the 7th century AD, Ayurveda underwent systematic development during the Samhita period, marked by the composition of authoritative classical texts and the establishment of organized medical practices.

Amavata has been recognized since ancient times, with references found in early Ayurvedic literature, including the Charaka Samhita, one of the Brihattrayi. However, Amavata was first described as a distinct disease entity in detail by Acharya Madhavakara around the 9th century AD. He dedicated an entire chapter (Chapter 25) to Amavata in his renowned treatise Madhavanidana, wherein the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, complications, and prognosis of the disease were systematically elucidated. In view of these considerations, the present research aims to explore references to Amavata in ancient Ayurvedic literature and to examine the historical and contextual factors that led to its recognition as a distinct disease entity by Acharya Madhavakara.³³

After a thorough screening of available literature, the references where Amavata and its related subject matter were dealt with were collected and arranged systematically; all the references are classified as under the pre-Vedic, Vedic, Samhita period, the mediaeval period, and the modern era.

Discussion

Ayurveda, the ancient system of medical science, is primarily documented in the Brihattrayi and Laghutrayi. The Brihattrayi—Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya—presents detailed Ayurvedic principles, while the Laghutrayi—Madhava Nidana, Sharangadhara Samhita, and Bhavaprakasha—offers concise clinical descriptions. Amavata was first recognized as an independent disease entity by Acharya Madhavakara in the 7th century AD in Madhava Nidana, where its etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, classification, complications, and prognosis were systematically described.

Prior to this, classical texts extensively discussed Ama, Amadosha, and joint disorders, but Amavata was not clearly delineated. Historical evidence suggests that lifestyle and dietary changes during the 6th–8th century AD—such as increased consumption of heavy, unctuous, and sweet foods, overeating, and sedentary habits—contributed to the emergence of Amavata as a distinct disorder. Subsequent authors expanded on Madhavakara’s work, particularly focusing on therapeutic strategies. Collectively, the literature establishes Amavata as a condition resulting from the interaction of Ama and aggravated Vata Dosha, primarily affecting the joints, and recommends management through Langhana, Swedana, Deepana–Pachana, Virechana, Snehana, and Basti therapies.

Conclusion

Finally, it can be concluded that the disease Amavata is not mentioned before Acharya Madhavakara. Even though there are extensive descriptions of Amadosha and aggravation of Vata in Brihattrayi, there is no particular chapter on Amavata as a single disease entity. For the first time, Acharya Madhavakara has described the aetiology, pathogenesis, signs & symptoms, types, and prognosis of Amavata and has delineated them lucidly, which have been followed by the other followers. Acharya Madhavakara’s descriptions not only helped the other physicians to prescribe the line of treatment but also to enlist the wholesome diet and regimen to be followed in the Amavata condition.

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