RESEARCH ARTICLE: Ayurveda and the medical knowledge in ancient India: Shadows and realities.

Ayurveda is the Indian system of professional medicine that has come down to us from ancient times. In this paper, I look at the system from a researcher's point of view, critically examining the given or perceived view on Ayurveda in recent times. In this sense, it might look like a contrarian view or counter position to the narrative that one sees around with regard to its origin, place of origin, date, non/religious background, etc. The paper deals with Ayurveda as an independent tradition of medicine sans ascription to any religion, the possible influences of other systems on Ayurveda, and the three great luminaries of the system, namely, Caraka, Susruta, and Vagbhata.