Abstract

The history of ‘Astavaidyans’ of Kerala dates back to time immemorial. The Sage Parasurama created the landscape of Kerala and permitted sixtyfour brahmin families to migrate into the region. Later, for their welfare Sastra, Sanyasa and Karmy Sabbamatas were constituted. With the passage of time a groups of physicians gradually developed to meet the medical needs of the people. These physicians mastered all the eight disciplines of Ayurveda hence were called Asta Vaidyanas. A bird’s eye view about the origin ad history of Asta Vaidyanas and their families is recorded.

Key words: ASTAVAIDYANS, KERALA, HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE