Brhat Trayi

The Bṛhat-Trayī, literally translated as "The Great Triad (Of Compositions)", refers to three early Sanskrit encyclopaedias of medicine, which are the core texts of the indigenous Indian medical system of Ayurveda. These are contrasted with the Laghu-Trayī or the "lesser triad", a secondary set of later authoritative compositions.[1]

This classification cannot be found in works earlier than about 1900. It was first devised probably at some time in the early twentieth century, although its earliest use has not yet (2024) been identified. The classification is not known to Sanskrit authors. It is part of the modern creation of a formal canon for ayurvedic literature.

There are older, authoritative medical encyclopaedias that are not included in the Bṛhat-Trayī, for example the Bheḷa-saṃhitā.[2]

  1. ^ Jan Meulenbeld, Gerrit (1999). History of Indian Medical Literature. ISBN 9069801248.
  2. ^ Meulenbeld, Gerrit Jan (1999–2002). A history of Indian medical literature. Vol. IIA. Groningen: Forsten. pp. 13–24. ISBN 9069801248. OCLC 1046031476.