Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine

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Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review

Rawat G1*, Yadava Y2 and Sharma KC3

Review Article
1
MD Scholar, PG Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand Ayurved Volume 6 Issue 3
University, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, India Received Date: July 14, 2022
2
Assistant Professor, PG Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand Published Date: August 08, 2022
Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, India DOI: 10.23880/jonam-16000358
3
Professor and H.O.D., P.G Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand
Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, India

*Corresponding author: Garima Rawat, MD Scholar, P.G Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana, Uttarakhand
Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus Haridwar, India, Tel: 9634985613; Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction: Kharpara is an ore of (Yashada) Zinc. In Ayurveda, a description of Kharpara (ore) and Yashada (extracted
metal from Kharpara) is also mentioned. Kharpara is a highly-negligible Rasa Dravya (Drug) in Ayurveda these days.
Aim & Objective: To find the description and importance of Karpara in Metallurgy and Ayurveda. Also, determine the
beginning era of extraction of Yashada from Karpara in ancient India.
Data Source: classical text of Rasa Shastra & allied branches and various online and offline research journals on Ayurveda &
Metallurgy.
Review Method: Word “Karpara” and “Rasaka” are used to search all aspects, such as types of categorizations among Rasa
Dravya, classification, pharmacological property, the process of Shodhana (Purification), Marana (Incineration), Satvapattana
(Extraction) and Grahyaagrahyatva (Acceptable-non acceptable qualities) of Kharpara is mentioned in Rasa Shastra texts and
Ancient Literature.
Result and Conclusion: Discovery of Pittala (Brass) brings a revolution in the metal industry because it diminished the use of
Kansya (Bronze). Pittala is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. But it is very difficult to answer which one is the real source of Zinc in
Brass, either Kharpara or Zinc Metal. Kharpara is an indirect source of three Bhasmas i.e., Yashada, Pittala and Varta (Bronze)
Thus, in this review study, every aspect of Kharpara is summarized such as the historic review, types, pharmacodynamic
properties, pharmaceutical processing of Karpara Bhasma procedures, dose and formulations of Kharpara from different
sources. The age of the beginning of Karpara used by Indians is not traceable.

Keywords: Kharpara; Rasaka; Zinc Oxide; Bhasma

Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review Nat Ayurvedic Med

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Introduction etc. But sufficient research information about Kharpara is

not available on the internet. In this article description of
Rasa Shastra is a very peculiar branch of Ayurveda, as Kharpara is collected mainly from Rasa Shastra texts.
it has various sub-branches, such as chemistry, metallurgy,
gemmology, pharmaceutical science and toxicology. Classical Textual Perspective
Metallic preparations have become an integral part of Kharpara or Rasaka, mainly deals with Lohasiddhi
Ayurvedic therapeutics due to their additional advantages (Transformation of lower metals into higher metals) and
like smaller doses, quick action etc. Kharpara or Rasaka Dehasiddhi (Makes the body healthy & strong). During the
(Zinc ore) is one such mineral, which is being advocated in period of Nagarjunas, a great scholar of Rasa Shastra (8th –
different forms in the management of various diseases. Most 9th century BC) it was used extensively for Lohasiddhi [7].
of the Acharyas placed it in Maharasa Verga (A group of 8 drugs Kharpara is not mentioned separately during the Samhita
that helps in the preparation of mercury-containing medicine) period. (2th – 6th century BC) But in Charaka Samhita
[1-3]. Rasaka Satva, (Zinc) is extracted from Kharpara, called [Kushtha Chikitsa Adhyaya 7/108], two types of Tuttha are
Yashada or Jasad. It is placed in Puttiloha verga [4] (A category mentioned in the formulation of Titekshvakadi Taila, which
of metals that has a foul smell on melting). Yashada and Parad has been explained by “Chakrapanidatta” as Mayur Tuttha
(mercury) are two thermo-labile substances and by various and Kharpariya Tuttha [8]. In ancient texts, the description
processing, it is converted into a thermo-stable form for further of Kharpara is found as a type of Tuttha. Kharpara Satva
use in medicine and transmutation of metals or conversion of (Zinc metal) is obtained from the extraction of [ZnCO3],
metallic nature. A detailed description of Yashada is available [ZnS] and [ZnO] which is an ore of Zinc i.e., Zinc. But in the
in the 13th-century book known as Ayurved Prakash, written 12th century, as per Rasarnava and other texts, it has been
by Madhav Upadhyay [5]. While much before this time utensils, described by the name of Rasaka [3]. In Rajanighantu, two
weapons and artefacts of Pittala or Riti (Brass), which is an types of Tutta are given (i.e., Tuttha & Kharpari tuttha) along
alloy of Yashada and Tamra (Copper) are found in used from with Six synonyms of Kharpari Tuttha [9]. Tutta is Blue vitrol
the Bronze age or Chalcolithic Age. Pittala metal is Mishra Loha [10] and Kharpara is Zinc Calamine or Zinc carbonate [11].
(alloy) made up of Yashada (Zinc) and Tamra (Copper). The
beginning of the use of copper and brass tools, medical devices It was mentioned in Kautilya’s Arthasastra, 4th century
and surgical instruments are exclusively found in practice from BC text, a superintendent of mines in the Mauryan Empire
the Vedic and Samhita periods. Thus, it is quite an amazing was posted to control over mines. The text mentions the
fact that brass has a much longer history than zinc which is occurrence of silver ores with Naga (lead) and Anjan (zinc)
published in most of the modern textbooks of Rasa Shastra. In [12].
fact, brass has a much longer evident based history than zinc.
Brass is produced either by smelting copper ores containing Archaeological Perspective
zinc or copper and zinc ore in reduced condition or by mixing
copper and zinc metals. Archaeological records reveal that the production
of Zinc metal began in the 2nd half of the 1st BC. Though,
Zinc is silvery-greyish in colour. It is a widely utilized commercial production was ramped up in the early medieval
industrial metal and an important constituent of so many times [13]. In India, Zinc smelting is only known in Zawar in
alloys. Zinc is an essential microelement for zoonotic. Zinc Rajasthan. The antiquity of mining of various types of ores in
(Zn) is generally found in veins in association with galena, Rajasthan since back to the Bronze Age (4th BC). P.T. Craddock
chalcopyrite, iron pyrite, silver and cadmium and other and K.T.M. Hegde 1983 carried out extensive investigations
sulphide ores [6]. Important minerals of Zinc are sphalerite both for ancient mining and smelting of zinc sites at Zawar.
or zinc blende, smithsonite, calamine, zincite, willemite and They discovered evidence of mining and furnaces used for
franklinite. Sphalerite or zinc blende is the most important zinc smelting, and primitive smelting retorts at Zawar. The
zinc ore as it contains 64.06% zinc. As it boils at around age detection technology i.e., radiocarbon dating of mining
900°C, which is lower than the temperature it can be smelted instruments articles strongly suggests that mining and
at, therefore it is difficult to smelt this metal. For pure zinc metallurgical activity was performed during the early historic
production, therefore distillation technology was developed. period and medieval times [14] Major deposits of Zinc ore
are found in the Aravallis. Sphalerite ore in the form of veins
Materials and Methods in association with galena and copper-bearing deposits.
Evidence suggested that both extensive open-pit mining and
The description of Kharpara has been searched through underground method was carried out. The entire valley of
different accesses source i.e., Google Scholar, Scopus, Online the Tiri in Zawar is spread by massive dumping of slag and
Ayurvedic journals and classical textbooks of Rasa Shastra, earthen retorts indicating a long tradition and commercial

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
6(3): 000358.
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production of zinc. Findings of radiocarbon dating conform in north Rajasthan, a copper spearhead was found containing
activity belongs to a period of the 12th and 18th century. only 3.4% of zinc [19] The archaeological record indicates
that in the 2nd BC the percentage of zinc started increasing
Comparison of Findings of Study and Rasa and intentional use of brass appears on the scene. In Taxila
Shastra Procedure (Now, in Rawalpindi of Pakistan), a large variety of metal
objects including those copper, bronze, brass and iron [20].
• Seven distillation furnaces square-shaped having a size Several brass objects datable from the 4th century BC to
of 66x69 cm was discovered. Two-chambered furnaces, 1st century AD have been discovered. Evidence of real brass
separated by a thick perforated plate of clay into upper was discovered recently at Senuwar in the Ganga Valley. Since
and lower. The firing temperature was also recorded zinc could change the colour of copper and impart it a golden
based on the degree of verification and it was recorded glitter, it was preferred for making Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
at 1200-1250 “C [15]. This high heating arrangement or icons throughout the historical period.
device was used for Satvapatan (metallurgical) propose
and it is mentioned as ‘Paatala Kosthi’ in Rasa Ratana This process is aimed at separating the metallic compound
Sammuchaya [16]. from the undesirable gangue and non-metallic inclusions in
• Brinjal-shaped earthen retorts, filled with charge, were the ore manual separation of non-metallic inclusions from
fixed on the perforated plate in an inverted position in the matrix. By doing this, sphalerite [(Zn, Fe) S] components
the upper chamber. Dimension of retorts, ranging from were separated which was easy to identify based on the
20 to 35 cm in length and 8 to 12cm in diameter. About colour. Roasting sphalerite to zinc oxide is represented in
36 retorts were arranged in each furnace for smelting this equation: 2ZnS + 3O2 = 2ZnO + 2SO2. Roasting was done
and they were heated for 3-4 hours. A retort was made on traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal fire until the
in two parts and luted together after filling the charge. odour of Gandhaka (sulphur) disappeared. The crushed ore
The retort is mentioned as ‘Vrintak Musa’ in Rasa Ratana was mixed with fresh cow dung and other substances, and
Sammuchaya [17]. after that shaped into balls. Finally, this ball-shaped chunk,
• The charge was prepared by crushing and grinding of which is basically the charge, was dried under a shade. After
ore and then mixed with some organic material and drying, the charge was finally ready for the smelting process.
cow dung. The mixture was rolled into tiny balls and
left under the sun for drying. These dried balls are then The temperature inside the retort was allowed to go up
kept in retorts after drying. The opening of the snout was to around 1100 “C for the reaction to be ZnO + CO: Zn + CO2
obstructed by a wooden match. A thin wooden stick was [21].
inserted in the narrow opening of retort, which perhaps
prevented the escape of charge before heating when Description of Kharpara in Rasa Shastra
they are initially inverted in the furnace and might also
facilitate the escape of zinc vapour formed after melting. Description of Kharpara like its categorization, type,
In Rasa Ratana Sammuchaya the three fundamental Shodhana (Purification of drug) [22], Marana (incineration
methods of zinc extraction from ore are described and of mineral or metal) [23] Stavapatan [24], doses, indication
a charge is a mixture of some herbs i.e Laksha, Guda, in diseases and, formulations are mentioned in Ayurvedic
Haritaki, Haridra etc, and borax. In the last method text viz, Rasarnava, Rasendra Chudamani, Rasa Prakash
some modification is described which is quite similar Sudhakara, Ananda Kanda, Ayurveda Prakasha, Rasa Ratna
to the aforesaid procedure explained by the team of Samucchaya, Brihad Rasa Raja Sundara, Rasa Jala Nidhi, Rasa
archaeologists. Tarangini, etc.
• This procedure is called ‘distillation of Zinc’ in
metallurgical science and Iatrochemistry the process It is stated in the classical book of Rasa Shastra, a well-
is known as ‘Karphara Satvapatan’. The appearance of versed person in the different procedures of Rasa Shastra is
extract has features similar to tin [18]. capable of making the Rasa (Mercury) and Kharpara (Ore
of Zinc) thermostable that can acquire the Siddhi (magical
The Analytical Finding of Ancient Artefact and power) to make that Dehavada & Lohavada like a slave [25].
Mining Debris
Categorization of Kharpara: Different authors have
Bronzes found in Harappan only have a few small given their opinion on the classification of Kharpara under
percentages of zinc. From Kalibangan, another Harappan site Maharasa and Uprasa, Swarnadi Varga, Rasa Varga.

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
6(3): 000358.
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Varga Classics of Rasa Shastra

Rasarnava [3], Ras Prakash Sudhakar [2], Rasaratna sammuchaya [1],
Maharasa Bhaisajya Ratnavali [26], Rasa Bindu [27], Rasa Hridaya Tantram [28],
RasaMitra [29]
Aurveda prakasha [30], Rasendra sara sangraha [31], Rasa manjari [32], Ananda
Uprasa
Kanda [33], Dhanvantari Nighantu [34], Bhav Prakash Nighantu [35]
Swarnadivarga Rajnighantu [36]
Dhatu-updhatu varga Shaligram Nighantu [37]
Rasataringini [38], Sharangdhara Samhita [39],
Updhatu
Rasendra Sambhav [40]
Table 1: Categorization of Kharpara mentioned in different Rasa Grantha (classics of Rasa Shastra).

Synonyms: Gobhadra, Kharpara, kshitikita, Rasodbhava, are found in Texts. In general, the classification of Kharpara
Kharpara, Netrarogari, Reetikrita, Kharpariyak, is based on the Grahya Lakshan (Acceptable features). One
yashadkarana, Tamraranjaka [3]; Chakshhushya, classification is based on external morphology and quality
Amritotpanna, Kharpari, Darvika, Tuttha, Kharparituttha, (i) Mritikabha, yellow in colour & soil like in consistency
Kharparitutthaka,Yashadopdhatu [37]; Kharpari, Tuttha and considered as best in quality. (ii) Gudabha, colour and
kharpari, Amritsambhava [33]; Tutthaka, Rasa tutthaka [35]; consistency are similar to Guda (jaggery) and are considered
Tutthakharparika [36]; Ritikrita and tamraranjaka [29]. as a medium in quality. (iii) Pashanabha, consistency is
similar to stone and considered as inferior in quality.
Vernacular names [41]: Hindi- Khapariya, Kharpar, Rasaka; Another classification is based on the appearance or sensory
English- Blackjack; Sanskrit- Kharpar; Bangoli- Kharpar; feeling on touch and its use. (i) Dardura is scaly in nature &
Marathi- Kalkhapari, Kalkhaparo; Panjabi-Khapariya; it is best for Satvapatana. (ii) Kaarvellaka is without Patra
Gujrati- Khapriyunkalu, Khapariyo. (scale) & it is good for medicinal use. A summarized view of
categorisation adopted in different texts is present in Table 2.
Bheda (Types) of Kharpara: Different types of classification

Type of Kharpara
Rasa Shastra Text
Numbers Name
1. Mritikabha Rasarnava [3],
3 2. Gudabha Rasendra sara sangraha [29],
3. Pashanabha and Rasamritam [42]
Ayurveda prakasha [30], Rasendra Chudamani [43],
1. Dardur Rasa-prakasha Sudhakar [2], Rasa-ratna Samuchchaya [1],
2
Rasa Taringini [38], Rasamritam [42],
2. Kaarvellaka Anandakanda [33], Rasendra Sambhava [40], Rasa Mitra [29]
1. Kharpara
3 Brihat rasa raja sundar [44]
2. Kalambuk
1. Pita
4 2. Krishna Brihat rasa raja sundar [44]
3. Rakta
Table 2: Types of Kharpara mentioned in the various text.

In the above table classification of Rasaka is based on as best in quality. (ii) Gudabha, colour and consistency are
the Grahya Lakshan (Acceptable features). One classification similar to Guda (jaggery) and are considered as a medium in
is based on external morphology and quality (i) Mritikabha, quality. (iii) Pashanabha, consistency is similar to stone and
yellow in colour & soil like in consistency and considered considered inferior in quality. Another classification is based

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
6(3): 000358.
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on the appearance or sensory feeling of touch and its use. is done according to some of the properties of the three
• Dardura is scaly & it is best for Satvapatana (Extraction) varieties of Rasaka [45].
• (ii) Kaarvellaka is without a scale (lamilaes) & it is good
for medicinal use. Mrittikabh- Zinc Carbonate-Smithsonite- (ZnCO3)
Gudabh- Zinc sulphide (ZnS)
Nowadays, it is quite difficult to procure Rasaka as per Pashanabh- Zinc oxide- Calamine- (ZnO).
the specifications stated in Rasashastra texts. So, to combat
this problem, the ores of zinc that are available in the present Rasa Panchank and Ayurvedic pharmacology of Kharpara is
era are taken as the types of Rasaka. This nomenclature mentioned in Table 3.

Text Name Rasa Guna Virya Dosha Karma Sansthanika Karma

Katu, Lekhan, Malabhedak, Chakshushya,
Bhava Prakash Nighantu [35] Kashaya, Laghu Sheeta Kapha-pitta nashak, Vamaka, Visha Ashmarighna, kushta
Kshar kandughna
Vatakaraka
Rasarnava [3] Ruksha Netrya Vishadosha nashaka
Kaphashamaka
Tridoshaghna, Kapha- Atisaara, kshaya, jwaraghna, netra, Kamla
Rasendrasambhava [40] Ruksha
Pitta shamaka nashaka, Deharanjaka
Mehaghna, Netra, Kshaghna, Lohaparada
Rasendra Chudamani [43] Kapha-Pitta shamaka,
Ranjana
Vamaka, Lekhana, Bhedana, Chakshushya,
Katu, Laghu,
Rasamritam[42] Sheeta Kaphapittanuta Kustha-Kandu Nashak, kshayaghna,
Kashaya Sheeta
mehaghna, Visha Ashmari nashaka
RasaKamdhenu [46] Ruksha Tridoshaghna Netraraga nashaka
Rasa Prakash Sudhakara [2] Kaphapittaghna Sarvamehaghna
Bhaishajya Ratnavali [26] Kaphapittaghna, Sarvamehaghna
Lohaparada Ranjana
Katu, Laghu, Sarvamehaghna, Netraroga kshayaghna,
Ayurveda prakash [30] Sheeta Kaphapittaghna,
Kshara Sheeta Lohaparada Ranjana
Brihat Rasa Raja Sundara Tridoshaghna, Kapha-
Ruksha
[44] pattaghna
Sarvamehaghna, Netrya, kshayaghna,
Rasa ratna Samuchchaya [1] Kaphapittaghna,
Lohaparada Ranjana
Chakshusya, Rasayana,
Raja Nighantu [36] Katu, Tikta Tvagaroganashaka, Ruchikar,
Jatharagnidipaka, Pushtikaraka
Lekhana, Chakshushya, Sarvamehaghna,
Raktapradara nashaka, Raktapittaghna,
Katu, Ashmari, shwasa, Gudamaya, Jeernajwara,
Rasa Tarangini [38] Laghu Sheeta Kapha-pittaghna
Kashaya Vicharchika, Tvagaroga nashaka,
Rasayana, Ruchikara, Pushtikaraka,
Balavirya vardhaka, Jatharagnidipaka
Katu,
Vamaka, Lekhana, Netrya, visha-rakta
Yoga Ratnakara [47] Kashaya, Laghu Sheeta
Kandu Nashaka
kshara
Kaphapittaghna,
Shaligram Nighantu [37] Sarvamehaghna, Netra, kshaya, Jwara
Kushtha, Visha Nashaka
Table 3: Rasa panchak & Sansthanika Karma of Kharpara.

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
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Vipaka of Kharpara is not mentioned in any text of Rasa mostly Rasa Dravya (Mineral, metal and herbal poisonous
Shastra. ingredient drugs of the formulation) need Shodhana. This
• Necessity of Purification: Administration of impure process removes the poisonous and deleterious effects
Kharpara leads to Vamana (nausea and vomiting) and present in them. In Rasa Shastra Different methods have
Bhranti (vertigo) [44]. been adopted for Shodhan of Kharpara by Acharyas and
• Shodhana of Kharpara (Method of purification): In summarized in Table 4.
general practice of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical science

Duration
Principle followed Drugs used /Process Reference
repetition
Sharangdhar Samhita.[39] Brihat
Gomutra (Cow’s Urine) / Naramutra (Men’s Urine) 7 Days Rasa Raja Sundar [44] Yogratnakar
[47]
Nara mutra/ Gomutra/ Saindhava lavana yukta amla
3/7 Days Ayurveda prakash [30]
jala
Swedan in Dola
Yantra Nara mutra/ Khara mutra 7 Days Rasa manjari [32]
Gomutra 3 hr Rasa Pradeep [48]
Mutra Varga 7 Days Arka Prakash [49]
Rasa Tantra & Sara Sidhaprayog
Gomutra 7Days
Sangrah [50]

Karvellaka rasa (Momordica charantia)/Kanji (Sour

7 times Rasa Prakash Sudhakar [2]
gruel)/Takra (Buttermilk)/Nara mutra/ Mesha mutra
Nishechan
Beejpur Rasa (Citrus limon), Nara mutra, Mesha mutra
7 Times Rasendra chudamani [43]
(Sheep urine), Takra, Kanji
Nimbu Swaras (Citrus limon) or takra/ kanji 7 Times Rasa Tarangini [38], RasaMitra [29]
Beejpur Rasa, Naramutra, Haya mutra (Horse urine),
7 Times Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya [1]
Takra, Kanji
Nimajjana
Ayurveda prakash [30], Brihat Rasa
Nara Mutra/ Ashva Mutra/ Takra/ Kanji 3/7 Days
Raja Sundar [44]
Nimajjana Nimbubeeja Rasa - Rasa sara Samagrah [1]
Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya [1]
Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
Katukalabu Niryasa -
Paka Rasarnava [3]
Rasendra Sambhava [40]
Nara mutra/ Go mutra/ Saindhava yukta amla jala 3/7 Days Rasendra Chintamani [51]
Bhavana Rajaswala raja/mutra 1 Day Anandakanda [33]
Bhavana +Paka Katukalabu niryas - Ayurveda prakash [30]
Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
Bhaisajya Ratnavali [26]
Nimajjan Beejpur Rasa 7 Times Rasamritam [42]
Rasendra Sambhav [40]
Rasa Jala Nidhi [52]
Grind the Kharpara with Rakta-peet pushpa then
levigated with Nara mutra (Men’s Urine), Go mutra
Bhavana 3/7 Days Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya[1]
(Cow’s Urine), Saindhava lavan (Pink salt), Yava
(Barley) Kanji (Sour gruel)

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
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Bhavana
Respectively Kshar varg, Tail Varg & Amla Varga Rasa Hridaya Tantra [28]
(Levigation)
Dipping Gomutra 7 times Siddha Yoga Sangrah [53]
Dipping Gomutra/Naramutra 7 Days Rasa Pradeep [48]
Table 4: Different summarized textual methods of Kharpara Shodhana.

• Special function of Kharpara: Rasendra Chudamani Parada, Shudha Tamra, Shudha Rajata into golden yellow
has mentioned in his book, that when Kharpara is kept [43].
in Nara Mutra (Men’s Urine) for one month it acquires • Kharpara Marana (Incineration of Kharpara):
a special property that converts the colour of Shudha Methods of Kharpara Marana is categorized in Table 5.

Principle method Accessory Drugs Lavigation Textual reference

Ayurveda prakash [30] Rasendra sara
Shudha Kharpara + Shudha Parada (Pure
Baluka yantra Samgrah[31] Bhaishajya Ratnavali [26] Brihat
Mercury) → Baluka yantra
Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
Ayurveda prakash[30] Rasendra Sambhava
Lavana yantra Kharpara Patra Churna → Lavana yantra
[40], Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
Shudha Kharpara + Hartala (Orpiment) + Rasa Tarangini [38] Rasendra Sambhava [40]
Gaja puta Water
water → Sadharana puta (3 puta) RasaMitra [29]
Gaja puta 2 pala Kharpara + 2 pala parada Churna Rasa Tarangini [38]
Karpara + Hanspadi (Adiantum philip-
pense), Bandaal,Bad dugdha,Aaka dug-
Gajaputa Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
dha (Calotropis procera), Thuhar dugdha
(Euphorbia nerifolia),
Baluka Yantra (9 Equal amount Shudha Rasaka + Shudha Nimbu
Bhaisajya Ratnavali [26]
hr) Parada swaras
Table 5: Different summarized textual methods of Kharpara Marana.

Kharpara Satvapatana (Metallurgy): Methods of Kharpara

Satvapatana is categorized in Table 6.

Text Methodology & Drug used

Steps- 1 Kharpara yukta potali (muslin cloth containing Kharpara)
2. Nimajjan (Dipping) in Stree Mutra for 7 days
3. Bhavana-
i. Raktvarga pushpa rasa
ii. Kshar Varga
Rasarnava [3]
iii. Sneha Varga
iv. Amla Varga
4. Mix Bhavita Kharpara with Haridra (Curcuma longa), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Laksha
(Laccifer Lacca), Grhadhuma & Tankana (Borex) then keep it in crucible & subjected to heat
• Resemblance of Satva- Heerak Sadrisha.

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
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Steps- 1. Laksha, Guda, Rayi, Harad, Haridra, Raal, & Tankana triturated with an equal amount of
Kharpara
Ayurveda prakash 2. boil with cow’s milk & made into a ball
[30]
3. Confined in Brintaka musha
• Resemblance of Satva- Vanga Sadrusha
I Steps- 1. An equal amount of Kharpara, Laksha, Guda (Jaggery), Haritaki, Haridra, Alsi (Linum
usitatissium), Rala & Tankana grind together.
2. Put it in Andha musha & subjected to heat.
• Resemblance of Satva- Yashada Sadrisha
Rasa Tarangini [38] II Steps- 1. Take Laksha, Haritaki, Haridra, Alsi, Guda (Jaggery), Rala & Tankana & mix it properly with
Kharpara.
2. Heated it with cow’s milk & Ghee & made it into a ball
3. Put it in Brintaka musha & subjected to heat
4. Resemblance of satva- Yashad sadrisha.
I Steps- 1. Kharpara & ¼ part of Haridra, Triphala, Rala, Grihadhuma, Tankana,
Rasa Ratna Bhallataka(Semecarpus Anacardium) triturated with Amla rasa & made into a paste
Smuchchaya [1]
2. Coating the paste in the inner surface of Brintaka Musha.
3. When dried, the Musha is to be covered & placed on the mouth of another Musha, subjected to heat
until Kharpara gets smelted.
• Resemblance of Satva- Vanga sadrisha.

II Steps- 1. Kharpara discharges its essence if mixed with Haritaki, Laksha, Earthworm, Haridra,
Grihadhuma, Tankana & heated by means of Muka Musha or Andh Musha.
Rasajala nidhi [52]
III Steps- 1. Laksha, Guda, Rayi (Mustered), Harad, Haridra, Rala & Tankana are powdered by mixing
them with Kharpara,
2. Boil it with cow’s milk & ghee & make a ball.
3. then put that ball in Brintaka Musha & subjected to heat.
4. Strike the Musha on a stone.
• Resemblance of satva- Vang sadrisha
Steps- 1. Kharpara Swedana in kulatha kwatha for 3 hours.
2. Mardana with-
Rasa Chinta mani i. ¼ part Paan patra kalka & Vata praroh swarasa
[54] ii. ¼ part Guda & Tankana+ Triphala kwatha
1 Make a ball & put it in the Musha for subjected to heat.
• Resemblance of Satva- Naga sadirsha.
Steps- 1. Kharpara & ¼ part Shudha Manhshila, Haridra churna, Triphala churna, Grihadhuma,
Saindhava, Bhallataka, Tankana, all Kshara, & Amla.
Rasa Prakash 2. made a ball & put it in Brintaka Musha
Sudhakar [2] 3. This musha is kept on another musha, & subjected to heat
4. Casting a musha on a stone.
• Resemblance of satva- Seesopamam.

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
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Steps- 1. Take 1part Kharpara & ¼ part Jayanti (Sesbania sesban) Patra churna, Triphala churna,
Haridra churna, Guda, Tankana.
2. Take 2 musha.
Anandakanda [33]
3. Do the Rsakadipishti lepa in 1 musha & keep the 2nd musha empty, with holes
4. Do the Sandhi Bandhan & Paka by Patalyantra methods
5. Satva of Kharpara is collected in the musha placed below
Rasendra Steps- 1. Mix Haritaki, Laksha, Bhunaga, Haridra, Grihadhuma, Tankana & Kharpara altogether.
Sambhava [40] 2. Put the above mixture in Muka Musha & subjected to heat.
Steps- 1- Kharpara triturated with Kshara, Sneha & Amla dravya
Rasendra Mangal 2. Mix it with wool, Laksha, Haritaki, Grhadhuma & Tankana
[55] 3. put the mixture in muka musha & subjected to heat.
4. Resemblance of Satva- Kutila Sadrisha
Table 6: Different summarized textual methods of Kharpara Satvapatana (Metallurgy).

• Kharpara Satva Marana: Put the Kharpara & Hartala add a little amount of fine powder of Hartala in it & stir with
in equal amounts in the pan, keep it on the fire & keep a ladle [38].
stirring it with laohadanda. In this way, Kharpara satva
Bhasma is formed [1,2]. • Kharpara amayika prayoga: Amayika prayoga means
Took 1 pala (48gm) Kharpara satva in the pan & subjected dose and indication of drug. The Dose, adjuvant, and
to heat. When the Sattva melts, stirring it with a ladle, while indication of Kharpara Bhasma is illustrated in Table 7.

Drug Anupana Disease

Madhumeha,Pitta roga, kshya, Pandu,
Sama bhaga Kharpara Gulma, Raktaj gulma, Pradara,
Triphala kwatha & Tila taila
bhasma + Kantalauhbhasma Somroga, Yoniroga, Vishama Jwara,
Rajah shula, Shwas, Hikka, Svayathu.
Kharpara bhasma Gokharu kwatha Mutrakriccha
Kharpara bhasma Vanshlochana Kaas, shwas,kshayaj kaas
Kharpara bhasma+Prawala
Dhatugata jwara, Agnimandhya, Jirna
bhasma+black Nimbu swaras
jwara
paper+Rasasindur
Kharpara bhasma +
Jeerna jwara
Rasasindur
Table 7: Indication of Kharpara in disease and their Anupana [38].

Matra of Kharpara Bhasma [38]: 1/2- 2 Ratti (appearance of Tin). Satva merely indicates the color and
Kharpara Viakara Shanti Upaya [44] - Gomutra for 7 days. appearance of Zinc. Pittala or Brass, an alloy of Zinc is used
Kharpara Yoga [56] (Formulation of Kharpara Bhasma)- since the 2nd century while the description of Kharpara
is obtained from the 10th century, and its extract of it is
Mahajwarankusha rasa called “Karpara Satva”. In Rasa Ratana Sammucaya, a 13th-
Basant Malti Rasa century book, the word Ritikrita (constituents of Brass),
LaghuBasant Malti Rasa Tamraranjaka (impart colour to copper), both words self-
Lakshmi Vilasha Rasas explored that Karpara is used in the preparation of Brass
[57]. The word Yashada is first time found in the 15th-century
Discussion book, Madanpal nighantu. But the Elemental analysis of
material shows that Brass made by Indian metallurgists has
Yashada or Zinc is obtained by the Satvapattan of 18 to 34 percent of zinc. Such a high quantity of Zinc is only
Kharpara (extract). Satava of Kharpara has Vangakriti

Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
6(3): 000358.
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infused when pure zinc is used instead of Zinc ore. Therefore, Kasahya; Guna is Laghu, Sheeta & Ruksha; Sheeta in Virya and
it is a quite surprising fact that Satava or extract of Kharpara Kapha-pitta samaka in nature. Its Bhasma is made by Both
ie. Yashada is known in the community of iatrochemistry but Kuppipakwa (heating in an open pot) and putta (heating
Kharpara is not. in a closed pot) Methods. The practice of Kharpara Bhasma
preparation has been declined due to many reasons but it is
Zinc is used in Brass for the purpose of value addition mentioned in various diseases in Classical texts.
in copper. Brass is superior in metallic property and
appearance. Zinc improves the colour, tensile strength, References
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Rawat G, et al. Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Nat Ayurvedic Med 2022, Copyright© Rawat G, et al.
6(3): 000358.