ANCIENT INDIAN CADAVER PRESERVATION SCIENCE: EVALUATING THE JALNIMAJJAN TECHNIQUE OF SUSHRUTA

Abstract

One should study anatomy theoretically as well as practically to acquire complete knowledge of body. Practical study of anatomy includes dissection of a human cadaver. Modern medical science has given many methods of dead body preservation. Likewise, in Ayurveda, 1000-1500 before B.C. Sushrutacharya has given a particular technique for dead body preservation which can be grossly called as “Jalnimajjan padhhati” of dead Mritsharir sanrakshan (hydro biological method of body preservation). In ayurvedic texts, there is a reference “Sharire Sushruta shreshtha” means Acharya Sushruta is the best in describing anatomical structures of human body as he has given the detailed information about each and every body part. Acharya Sushruta has revealed seven layers of skin with their thickness and seven types of Kalas (membranes) with their sequence. This was possible for him only because of detailed dissection. Well preserved human cadaver is needed for detailed dissection. Hence, he has mentioned this particular method in this article, effort is made to give the scientific interpretation of dead body preservation method  given  by Sushrutacharya.