Ratna Pariksha
Ratna Pariksha is an ancient science on testing gemstones.[1][2] This art was used by Kosadhyaksha (Superintendent of Treasury) mentioned in Kautilya's Arthashastra in order to control business of pearl, diamonds and all important gems in the ancient times.[3] It classifies gemstones into Maha-Ratna and Upa-ratna[4]
History
Ratna Praiksha is mentioned in Kautilya's Arthashastra (323-299 B.C.).[5] Vatsayana of Kamasutra mentions about rupa-ratna-pariksha.[6] This subject was also studied by princess in Karnataka, India in the Medieval times.[7] The author of this treatise is very commonly known to be Buddha Bhatt. There's also mention of another author in medieval period Shri Thakkar Peru who is again credited to have worked on this subject. There's a mention of Vaidyaraj Shri Radha Krisha Navetia who uses Ratna Pariksha for preparing a type of alcohol meant in the use of gem therapy.[8]
References
- ^ Mubarak 1978
- ^ Asiatic Society 1848
- ^ Mookerji 1990, p. 364
- ^ Roger Calverley 2007, p. 274
- ^ Mookerji 1990, p. 363
- ^ Ancient Indian History and Civilization, Sailendra Nath Sen, ISBN 81-244-1198-3, Page 240
- ^ Social Life in Medieval Karnataka, Jyotsna Kamat
- ^ Johari 1996
Bibliography
- Mookerji, Radhakumud (1990), Ancient Indian Education: Brahmanical and Buddhist, Volume 11 of History and Culture Series, Motilal Banarsidass Pub, ISBN 978-81-208-0423-4, retrieved 2009-10-05
- Johari, Harish (1996), The Healing Power of Gemstones: In Tantra, Ayurveda, and Astrology, Inner Traditions / Bear & Company, p. 202, ISBN 978-0-89281-608-8, retrieved 2009-10-05
- Mubarak, Abu al-Fazl ibn (1551-1602) (1978), The A'in-I Akbari : an encyclopaedia of Hindu philosophy, science, literature and customs, with the life of the author and Akbar's wise sayings, vol. 3, translator: Jarrett, H. S, revised and further annotated by Jadu-Nath Sarka, New Delhi: Oriental Books Reprint Corporation
- Asiatic Society (Calcutta, and Bengal) (1848), Bibliotheca Indica, Volume 270, Calcutta, India: Asiatic Society, retrieved 2009-10-05
- Roger Calverley (2007), Crystal Yoga I: The Crystal Mesa (v. 1), Lotus Press, ISBN 0-940985-92-6, retrieved 2009-10-05
