Ayurveda Education in India
Ayurveda education in India traces its roots back to ancient times when knowledge was imparted through the Gurukula system. Students would live with their gurus (teachers) to gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in Ayurveda. The transmission of knowledge occurred through oral tradition and hands-on training, ensuring a strong teacher-student relationship.
Invasions and British colonization had significant effects on Ayurveda, including periods of decline and challenges. However, Ayurveda has shown resilience and has experienced a revival in the post-independence era. During the colonial era, Ayurveda faced significant challenges as Western medicine gained prominence. Ayurveda education was marginalized, and its traditional practices were discouraged. However, with India's independence, efforts were made to revive and modernize Ayurveda education by incorporating scientific principles and establishing formal institutions.
History of Ayurveda education in India 1870 – 2024
|
Year |
Place |
Action |
|
1870 |
Jaipur |
Rajasthan Ayurveda Shastra (later Ayurvedacharya) Bhishagvara, Bhishagvaracharya |
|
1906 |
Mysore |
Government Ayurvedic and Unani College, Ayurveda Vidvat ‘Licenciate in Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery’, (LAMS) |
|
1910 |
Delhi |
All India Ayurvedic Congress with its Educational Division, Akhil Bharatiya Ayurveda Vidyapith (ABAV) + affiliated Vidyalayas |
|
1930 |
|
50 Ayurveda Educational Institutions under ABAV 1946 Delhi Chopra committee, combine Ayurveda with Western Medicine (Nehru) |
|
1955 |
Delhi |
Dave committee recommended a degree course of 5 1/2 years. |
|
1958 |
Delhi |
Udupa committee: develop Ayurveda (education) on scientific lines, Fill in gaps by modern scientific methods as necessary |
|
1962 |
Delhi |
Committee under Mudaliar, integrated system to be discontinued, Teaching of Shuddha Ayurveda begins |
|
1970 |
Delhi |
Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) constituted |
|
1977 |
Delhi |
CCIM Ayurvedacharya, currently sole recognized Ayurveda degree Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, BAMS
|
|
2021 |
Delhi |
National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) constituted |
Ayurveda education in India has undergone several transitions as depicted in the table above. Since its inception in 2021, National Commission for Indian Systems of Medicine has taken Initiatives and reforms in several dimensions such as medical education, medical research, medical practice, capacity-building among others, in the field of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa medical systems with the objective of transformation of these system towards global standards.
The National Commission for the Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has launched a new curriculum for undergraduate Ayurveda education. Syllabus for post graduate training in Ayurveda is underway applicable from 2022-23 batches onwards.