Concept of Varna in Charaka Samhita

Ayurveda which is unique in its origin, observations and documentation of diseases and its treatment has added beauty in understanding the prognosis too. Acharya’s have not left any area untouched related with preventive and curative aspect of diseases. Ayurveda classifies disease as mainly two i.e., Sadhya and Asadhya. This classification is very important to know the prognosis of disease rather than diagnosis, otherwise it can lead to loss of social respect, money and knowledge of physician. For the proper knowledge of Asadhya Laxana’s there is description of Arishta’s in Samhita Grantha’s. The whole Indriya Sthana of Charaka Samhita (12 chapters), 5 chapters (28 - 33 ) of Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana and in 2 chapters (5-6) of Ashtanga Hrudaya Sharirasthana different types of Arishta’s are clearly mentioned which are helpful to explain the prognosis of a patient. Along with Charaka Samhita, Bhela Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita and Harita Samhita also included Indriya Sthana. A total of 47 factors are mentioned to look into for the prognosis. These are again basically grouped under 2 factors i.e., those signs and symptoms which are lodged in subject and those which are understood by inauspicious signs. Thus, it covers all the Laxana’s starting from Pratyaksha Bhava’s to Anumanagamya Bhava’s. In this article, Varna which is one among the 47 factors is been explained from Indriya Sthana as well as from other Sthana’s is been reviewed.