The book known as Raj Nighantu, written by Sh. Narhari Pandit of Kashmir, was originally named as Abhidhn Cudmani or Dravy abhidhan-gana-Sangraha. The book as written after studying and considering all the Nighantus (Glossaries), available at that time, and mainly follows the pattern of Dhanvantari Nighantu. Thus, the author has tried to ensure that some short-comings, which were present in the earlier Nighantus, do not find place in Rj Nighantu. Further, it has many special features like being better arranged and having notable additional chapters and material. When it was nearing completion, the writer felt that of all the Nighantus, available at that time, his work was:- best, so he changed its name to Raj Nighantu.
With a view to make this Nighantu (glossary) more popular, for better identification of drugs, to give it a scientific basis and make the knowledge more useful for the Ayurvedic professionals, the INSA (Indian National Science Academy) decided to undertake this project, English Translation of Rj Nighantu with critcal commentary, which was alloted my father, late Dr. Satish Chandra Sankhyadhar. |
