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Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine Research Article 19 min read

Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review

Rawat G*, Yadava Y and Sharma KC
* Corresponding author
ISSN: 2578-4986  10.23880/jonam-16000358  Received: July 14, 2022  Published: August 08, 2022
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Keywords
Kharpara Rasaka Zinc Oxide Bhasma
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.

Introduction

Rasa Shastra is a very peculiar branch of Ayurveda, as it has various sub-branches, such as chemistry, metallurgy, gemmology, pharmaceutical science and toxicology.

Metallic preparations have become an integral part of Ayurvedic therapeutics due to their additional advantages like smaller doses, quick action etc. Kharpara or Rasaka (Zinc ore) is one such mineral, which is being advocated in different forms in the management of various diseases. Most of the Acharyas placed it in Maharasa Verga (A group of 8 drugs that helps in the preparation of mercury-containing medicine) [1, 2, 3]. Rasaka Satva, (Zinc) is extracted from Kharpara, called Yashada or Jasad. It is placed in Puttiloha verga [4] (A category of metals that has a foul smell on melting). Yashada and Parad (mercury) are two thermo-labile substances and by various processing, it is converted into a thermo-stable form for further use in medicine and transmutation of metals or conversion of metallic nature. A detailed description of Yashada is available in the 13th-century book known as Ayurved Prakash, written by Madhav Upadhyay [5]. While much before this time utensils, weapons and artefacts of Pittala or Riti (Brass), which is an alloy of Yashada and Tamra (Copper) are found in used from the Bronze age or Chalcolithic Age. Pittala metal is Mishra Loha (alloy) made up of Yashada (Zinc) and Tamra (Copper). The beginning of the use of copper and brass tools, medical devices and surgical instruments are exclusively found in practice from the Vedic and Samhita periods. Thus, it is quite an amazing fact that brass has a much longer history than zinc which is published in most of the modern textbooks of Rasa Shastra. In fact, brass has a much longer evident based history than zinc. Brass is produced either by smelting copper ores containing zinc or copper and zinc ore in reduced condition or by mixing copper and zinc metals.

Zinc is silvery-greyish in colour. It is a widely utilized industrial metal and an important constituent of so many alloys. Zinc is an essential microelement for zoonotic. Zinc (Zn) is generally found in veins in association with galena, chalcopyrite, iron pyrite, silver and cadmium and other sulphide ores [6]. Important minerals of Zinc are sphalerite or zinc blende, smithsonite, calamine, zincite, willemite and franklinite. Sphalerite or zinc blende is the most important zinc ore as it contains 64.06% zinc. As it boils at around 900°C, which is lower than the temperature it can be smelted at, therefore it is difficult to smelt this metal. For pure zinc production, therefore distillation technology was developed.

Materials and Methods

The description of Kharpara has been searched through different accesses source i.e., Google Scholar, Scopus, Online Ayurvedic journals and classical textbooks of Rasa Shastra, etc. But sufficient research information about Kharpara is not available on the internet. In this article description of Kharpara is collected mainly from Rasa Shastra texts.

Classical Textual Perspective

Kharpara or Rasaka, mainly deals with Lohasiddhi (Transformation of lower metals into higher metals) and Dehasiddhi (Makes the body healthy & strong). During the period of Nagarjunas, a great scholar of Rasa Shastra (8th – 9th century BC) it was used extensively for Lohasiddhi [7]. Kharpara is not mentioned separately during the Samhita period. (2th – 6th century BC) But in Charaka Samhita [Kushtha Chikitsa Adhyaya 7/108], two types of Tuttha are mentioned in the formulation of Titekshvakadi Taila, which has been explained by “Chakrapanidatta” as Mayur Tuttha and Kharpariya Tuttha [8]. In ancient texts, the description of Kharpara is found as a type of Tuttha. Kharpara Satva (Zinc metal) is obtained from the extraction of [ZnCO3], [ZnS] and [ZnO] which is an ore of Zinc i.e., Zinc. But in the 12th century, as per Rasarnava and other texts, it has been described by the name of Rasaka [3]. In Rajanighantu, two types of Tutta are given (i.e., Tuttha & Kharpari tuttha) along with Six synonyms of Kharpari Tuttha [9]. Tutta is Blue vitrol [10] and Kharpara is Zinc Calamine or Zinc carbonate [11].

It was mentioned in Kautilya’s Arthasastra, 4th century BC text, a superintendent of mines in the Mauryan Empire was posted to control over mines. The text mentions the occurrence of silver ores with Naga (lead) and Anjan (zinc) [12].

Archaeological Perspective

Archaeological records reveal that the production of Zinc metal began in the 2nd half of the 1st BC. Though, commercial production was ramped up in the early medieval times [13]. In India, Zinc smelting is only known in Zawar in Rajasthan. The antiquity of mining of various types of ores in Rajasthan since back to the Bronze Age (4th BC). P.T. Craddock and K.T.M. Hegde 1983 carried out extensive investigations both for ancient mining and smelting of zinc sites at Zawar. They discovered evidence of mining and furnaces used for zinc smelting, and primitive smelting retorts at Zawar. The age detection technology i.e., radiocarbon dating of mining instruments articles strongly suggests that mining and metallurgical activity was performed during the early historic period and medieval times [14] Major deposits of Zinc ore are found in the Aravallis. Sphalerite ore in the form of veins in association with galena and copper-bearing deposits. Evidence suggested that both extensive open-pit mining and underground method was carried out. The entire valley of the Tiri in Zawar is spread by massive dumping of slag and earthen retorts indicating a long tradition and commercial production of zinc. Findings of radiocarbon dating conform activity belongs to a period of the 12th and 18th century.

Comparison of Findings of Study and Rasa Shastra Procedure

  • Seven distillation furnaces square-shaped having a size of 66x69 cm was discovered. Two-chambered furnaces, separated by a thick perforated plate of clay into upper and lower. The firing temperature was also recorded based on the degree of verification and it was recorded at 1200-1250 “C [15]. This high heating arrangement or device was used for Satvapatan (metallurgical) propose and it is mentioned as ‘Paatala Kosthi’ in Rasa Ratana Sammuchaya [16].
  • Brinjal-shaped earthen retorts, filled with charge, were fixed on the perforated plate in an inverted position in the upper chamber. Dimension of retorts, ranging from 20 to 35 cm in length and 8 to 12cm in diameter. About 36 retorts were arranged in each furnace for smelting and they were heated for 3-4 hours. A retort was made in two parts and luted together after filling the charge. The retort is mentioned as ‘Vrintak Musa’ in Rasa Ratana Sammuchaya [17].
  • The charge was prepared by crushing and grinding of ore and then mixed with some organic material and cow dung. The mixture was rolled into tiny balls and left under the sun for drying. These dried balls are then kept in retorts after drying. The opening of the snout was obstructed by a wooden match. A thin wooden stick was inserted in the narrow opening of retort, which perhaps prevented the escape of charge before heating when they are initially inverted in the furnace and might also facilitate the escape of zinc vapour formed after melting. In Rasa Ratana Sammuchaya the three fundamental methods of zinc extraction from ore are described and a charge is a mixture of some herbs i.e Laksha, Guda, Haritaki, Haridra etc, and borax. In the last method some modification is described which is quite similar to the aforesaid procedure explained by the team of archaeologists.
  • This procedure is called ‘distillation of Zinc’ in metallurgical science and Iatrochemistry the process is known as ‘Karphara Satvapatan’. The appearance of extract has features similar to tin [18].

The Analytical Finding of Ancient Artefact and Mining Debris

Bronzes found in Harappan only have a few small percentages of zinc. From Kalibangan, another Harappan site in north Rajasthan, a copper spearhead was found containing only 3.4% of zinc [19] The archaeological record indicates that in the 2nd BC the percentage of zinc started increasing and intentional use of brass appears on the scene. In Taxila (Now, in Rawalpindi of Pakistan), a large variety of metal objects including those copper, bronze, brass and iron [20]. Several brass objects datable from the 4th  century BC to 1st century AD have been discovered. Evidence of real brass was discovered recently at Senuwar in the Ganga Valley. Since zinc could change the colour of copper and impart it a golden glitter, it was preferred for making Hindu, Buddhist and Jain icons throughout the historical period.

This process is aimed at separating the metallic compound from the undesirable gangue and non-metallic inclusions in the ore manual separation of non-metallic inclusions from the matrix. By doing this, sphalerite [(Zn, Fe) S] components were separated which was easy to identify based on the colour. Roasting sphalerite to zinc oxide is represented in this equation: 2ZnS + 3O2 = 2ZnO + 2SO2. Roasting was done on traditional fuels such as wood and charcoal fire until the odour of Gandhaka (sulphur) disappeared. The crushed ore was mixed with fresh cow dung and other substances, and after that shaped into balls. Finally, this ball-shaped chunk, which is basically the charge, was dried under a shade. After drying, the charge was finally ready for the smelting process.

The temperature inside the retort was allowed to go up to around 1100 “C for the reaction to be ZnO + CO: Zn + CO2 [21].

Description of Kharpara in Rasa Shastra

Description of Kharpara like its categorization, type, Shodhana (Purification of drug) [22], Marana (incineration of mineral or metal) [23] Stavapatan [24], doses, indication in diseases and, formulations are mentioned in Ayurvedic text viz, Rasarnava, Rasendra Chudamani, Rasa Prakash Sudhakara, Ananda Kanda, Ayurveda Prakasha, Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, Brihad Rasa Raja Sundara, Rasa Jala Nidhi, Rasa Tarangini, etc.

It is stated in the classical book of Rasa Shastra, a well- versed person in the different procedures of Rasa Shastra is capable of making the Rasa (Mercury) and Kharpara (Ore of Zinc) thermostable that can acquire the Siddhi (magical power) to make that Dehavada & Lohavada like a slave [25].

Categorization of Kharpara: Different authors have given their opinion on the classification of Kharpara under Maharasa and Uprasa, Swarnadi Varga, Rasa Varga.

VargaClassics of Rasa Shastra
MaharasaRasarnava [3], Ras Prakash Sudhakar [2], Rasaratna sammuchaya [1], Bhaisajya Ratnavali [26], Rasa Bindu [27], Rasa Hridaya Tantram [28], RasaMitra [29]
UprasaAurveda prakasha [30], Rasendra sara sangraha [31], Rasa manjari [32], Ananda Kanda [33], Dhanvantari Nighantu [34], Bhav Prakash Nighantu [35]
SwarnadivargaRajnighantu [36]
Dhatu-updhatu vargaShaligram Nighantu [37]
UpdhatuRasataringini [38], Sharangdhara Samhita [39], Rasendra Sambhav [40]

Table 1: Categorization of Kharpara mentioned in different Rasa Grantha (classics of Rasa Shastra).

Synonyms: Gobhadra, Kharpara, kshitikita, Rasodbhava, Kharpara, Netrarogari, Reetikrita, Kharpariyak, yashadkarana, Tamraranjaka [3]; Chakshhushya, Amritotpanna, Kharpari, Darvika, Tuttha, Kharparituttha, Kharparitutthaka,Yashadopdhatu [37]; Kharpari, Tuttha kharpari, Amritsambhava [33]; Tutthaka, Rasa tutthaka [35]; Tutthakharparika [36]; Ritikrita and tamraranjaka [29].

Vernacular names [41]: Hindi- Khapariya, Kharpar, Rasaka; English- Blackjack; Sanskrit- Kharpar; Bangoli- Kharpar; Marathi- Kalkhapari, Kalkhaparo; Panjabi-Khapariya; Gujrati- Khapriyunkalu, Khapariyo. Bheda (Types) of Kharpara: Different types of classification are found in Texts. In general, the classification of Kharpara is based on the Grahya Lakshan (Acceptable features). One classification is based on external morphology and quality (i) Mritikabha, yellow in colour & soil like in consistency and considered as best in quality. (ii) Gudabha, colour and consistency are similar to Guda (jaggery) and are considered as a medium in quality. (iii) Pashanabha, consistency is similar to stone and considered as inferior in quality. Another classification is based on the appearance or sensory feeling on touch and its use. (i) Dardura is scaly in nature & it is best for Satvapatana. (ii) Kaarvellaka is without Patra (scale) & it is good for medicinal use. A summarized view of categorisation adopted in different texts is present in Table 2.

Type of KharparaRasa Shastra Text
NumbersName
31. MritikabhaRasarnava [3],Rasendra sara sangraha [29],and Rasamritam [42]
32. GudabhaRasarnava [3],Rasendra sara sangraha [29],and Rasamritam [42]
33. PashanabhaRasarnava [3],Rasendra sara sangraha [29],and Rasamritam [42]
21. DardurAyurveda prakasha [30], Rasendra Chudamani [43],Rasa-prakasha Sudhakar [2], Rasa-ratna Samuchchaya [1],Rasa Taringini [38], Rasamritam [42],Anandakanda [33], Rasendra Sambhava [40], Rasa Mitra [29]
22. KaarvellakaAyurveda prakasha [30], Rasendra Chudamani [43],Rasa-prakasha Sudhakar [2], Rasa-ratna Samuchchaya [1],Rasa Taringini [38], Rasamritam [42],Anandakanda [33], Rasendra Sambhava [40], Rasa Mitra [29]
31. KharparaBrihat rasa raja sundar [44]
32. KalambukBrihat rasa raja sundar [44]
41. PitaBrihat rasa raja sundar [44]
42. KrishnaBrihat rasa raja sundar [44]
43. RaktaBrihat rasa raja sundar [44]

Table 2: Types of Kharpara mentioned in the various text.

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

  • Dardura is scaly & it is best for Satvapatana (Extraction)
  • (ii) Kaarvellaka is without a scale (lamilaes) & it is good for medicinal use.

Nowadays, it is quite difficult to procure Rasaka as per the specifications stated in Rasashastra texts. So, to combat this problem, the ores of zinc that are available in the present era are taken as the types of Rasaka. This nomenclature is done according to some of the properties of the three varieties of Rasaka [45].

Mrittikabh- Zinc Carbonate-Smithsonite- (ZnCO3) Gudabh- Zinc sulphide (ZnS) Pashanabh- Zinc oxide- Calamine- (ZnO).

Rasa Panchank and Ayurvedic pharmacology of Kharpara is mentioned in Table 3.

RasaGunaViryaDosha KarmaSansthanika Karma
Bhava Prakash Nighantu [35]Katu, Kashaya, KsharLaghuSheetaKapha-pitta nashak,Lekhan, Malabhedak, Chakshushya, Vamaka, Visha Ashmarighna, kushta kandughna
Rasarnava [3]RukshaVatakaraka KaphashamakaNetrya Vishadosha nashaka
Rasendrasambhava [40]RukshaTridoshaghna, Kapha-Pitta shamakaAtisaara, kshaya, jwaraghna, netra, Kamla nashaka, Deharanjaka
Rasendra Chudamani [43]Kapha-Pitta shamaka,Mehaghna, Netra, Kshaghna, Lohaparada Ranjana
Rasamritam[42]Katu, KashayaLaghu, SheetaSheetaKaphapittanutaVamaka, Lekhana, Bhedana, Chakshushya, Kustha-Kandu Nashak, kshayaghna, mehaghna, Visha Ashmari nashaka
RasaKamdhenu [46]RukshaTridoshaghnaNetraraga nashaka
Rasa Prakash Sudhakara [2]KaphapittaghnaSarvamehaghna
Bhaishajya Ratnavali [26]Kaphapittaghna,Sarvamehaghna
Lohaparada Ranjana
Ayurveda prakash [30]Katu, KsharaLaghu, SheetaSheetaKaphapittaghna,Sarvamehaghna, Netraroga kshayaghna, Lohaparada Ranjana
Brihat Rasa Raja Sundara [44]RukshaTridoshaghna, Kapha-pattaghna
Rasa ratna Samuchchaya [1]Kaphapittaghna,Sarvamehaghna, Netrya, kshayaghna, Lohaparada Ranjana
Raja Nighantu [36]Katu, TiktaChakshusya, Rasayana, Tvagaroganashaka, Ruchikar, Jatharagnidipaka, Pushtikaraka
Rasa Tarangini [38]Katu, KashayaLaghuSheetaKapha-pittaghnaLekhana, Chakshushya, Sarvamehaghna, Raktapradara nashaka, Raktapittaghna, Ashmari, shwasa, Gudamaya, Jeernajwara, Vicharchika, Tvagaroga nashaka, Rasayana, Ruchikara, Pushtikaraka, Balavirya vardhaka, Jatharagnidipaka
Yoga Ratnakara [47]Katu, Kashaya, ksharaLaghuSheetaVamaka, Lekhana, Netrya, visha-rakta Kandu Nashaka
Shaligram Nighantu [37]Kaphapittaghna, Kushtha, Visha NashakaSarvamehaghna, Netra, kshaya, Jwara

Table 3: Rasa panchak & Sansthanika Karma of _Kharpara._

Vipaka of Kharpara is not mentioned in any text of Rasa Shastra.

  • Necessity of Purification: Administration of impure Kharpara leads to Vamana (nausea and vomiting) and Bhranti (vertigo) [44].
  • Shodhana of Kharpara (Method of purification): In general practice of Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical science mostly Rasa Dravya (Mineral, metal and herbal poisonous ingredient drugs of the formulation) need Shodhana. This process removes the poisonous and deleterious effects present in them. In Rasa Shastra Different methods have been adopted for Shodhan of Kharpara by Acharyas and summarized in Table 4.
Drugs usedDuration /Process repetitionReference
Swedan in Dola YantraGomutra (Cow’s Urine) / Naramutra (Men’s Urine)7 DaysSharangdhar Samhita.[39] Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44] Yogratnakar [47]
Swedan in Dola YantraNara mutra/ Gomutra/ Saindhava lavana yukta amla jala3/7 DaysAyurveda prakash [30]
Swedan in Dola YantraNara mutra/ Khara mutra7 DaysRasa manjari [32]
Swedan in Dola YantraGomutra3 hrRasa Pradeep [48]
Swedan in Dola YantraMutra Varga7 DaysArka Prakash [49]
Swedan in Dola YantraGomutra7 DaysRasa Tantra & Sara Sidhaprayog Sangrah [50]
NishechanKarvellaka rasa (Momordica charantia)/Kanji (Sour gruel)/Takra (Buttermilk)/Nara mutra/Mesha mutra7 timesRasa Prakash Sudhakar [2]
NishechanBeejpur Rasa (Citrus limon), Nara mutra, Mesha mutra (Sheep urine), Takra, Kanji7 TimesRasendra chudamani [43]
NishechanNimbu Swaras (Citrus limon) or takra/kanji7 TimesRasa Tarangini [38], RasaMitra [29]
NimajjanaBeejpur Rasa, Naramutra, Haya mutra (Horse urine), Takra, Kanji7 TimesRasa Ratna Samuchchaya [1]
NimajjanaNara Mutra/ Ashva Mutra/ Takra/ Kanji3/7 DaysAyurveda prakash [30], Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
NimajjanaNimbubeeja Rasa-Rasa sara Samagrah [1]
PakaKatukalabu Niryasa-Rasa Ratna Samuchchaya [1] Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44] Rasarnava [3] Rasendra Sambhava [40]
PakaNara mutra/ Go mutra/ Saindhava yukta amla jala3/7 DaysRasendra Chintamani [51]
BhavanaRajaswala raja/mutra1 DayAnandakanda [33]
Bhavana +PakaKatukalabu niryas-Ayurveda prakash [30]
NimajjanBeejpur Rasa7 TimesBrihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44] Bhaisajya Ratnavali [26] Rasamritam [42] Rasendra Sambhav [40] Rasa Jala Nidhi [52]
BhavanaGrind the Kharpara with Rakta-peet pushpa then levigated with Nara mutra (Men’s Urine), Go mutra (Cow’s Urine), Saindhava lavan (Pink salt), Yava (Barley) Kanji (Sour gruel)3/7 DaysRasa Ratna Samuchchaya[1]
Bhavana (Levigation)Respectively Kshar varg, Tail Varg & Amla VargaRasa Hridaya Tantra [28]
DippingGomutra7 timesSiddha Yoga Sangrah [53]
DippingGomutra/Naramutra7 DaysRasa Pradeep [48]

Table 4: Different summarized textual methods of Kharpara Shodhana.

  • Special function of Kharpara: Rasendra Chudamani has mentioned in his book, that when Kharpara is kept in Nara Mutra (Men’s Urine) for one month it acquires a special property that converts the colour of Shudha Parada, Shudha Tamra, Shudha Rajata into golden yellow [43].
  • Kharpara Marana (Incineration of Kharpara): Methods of Kharpara Marana is categorized in Table 5.
Accessory DrugsLavigationTextual reference
Baluka yantraShudha Kharpara + Shudha Parada (Pure Mercury) → Baluka yantraAyurveda prakash [30] Rasendra sara Samgrah[31] Bhaishajya Ratnavali [26] Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
Lavana yantraKharpara Patra Churna → Lavana yantraAyurveda prakash[30] Rasendra Sambhava [40], Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
Gaja putaShudha Kharpara + Hartala (Orpiment) + water → Sadharana puta (3 puta)WaterRasa Tarangini [38] Rasendra Sambhava [40] RasaMitra [29]
Gaja puta2 pala Kharpara + 2 pala parada ChurnaRasa Tarangini [38]
GajaputaKarpara + Hanspadi (Adiantum philippense), Bandaal, Bad dugdha, Aaka dugdha (Calotropis procera), Thuhar dugdha (Euphorbia nerifolia),Brihat Rasa Raja Sundar [44]
Baluka Yantra (9 hr)Equal amount Shudha Rasaka + Shudha ParadaNimbu swarasBhaisajya Ratnavali [26]

Table 5: Different summarized textual methods of Kharpara Marana.

Kharpara Satvapatana (Metallurgy): Methods of Kharpara Satvapatana is categorized in Table 6.

TextMethodology & Drug used
Rasarnava [3]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
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.
Ayurveda prakash
[30]		Steps- 1. Laksha, Guda, Rayi, Harad, Haridra, Raal, & Tankana triturated with an equal amount of
Kharpara
2. boil with cow’s milk & made into a ball
3. Confined in Brintaka musha
• Resemblance of Satva- Vanga Sadrusha
Rasa Tarangini [38]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
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.
Rasa Ratna
Smuchchaya [1]		I Steps- 1. Kharpara & ¼ part of Haridra, Triphala, Rala, Grihadhuma, Tankana,
Bhallataka(Semecarpus Anacardium) triturated with Amla rasa & made into a paste
2. Coating the paste in the inner surface of Brintaka Musha.
Rasajala nidhi [52]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.
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
Rasa Chinta mani
[54]		Steps- 1. Kharpara Swedana in kulatha kwatha for 3 hours.
2. Mardana with-
i. ¼ part Paan patra kalka & Vata praroh swarasa
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.
Rasa Prakash
Sudhakar [2]		Steps- 1. Kharpara & ¼ part Shudha Manhshila, Haridra churna, Triphala churna, Grihadhuma,
Saindhava, Bhallataka, Tankana, all Kshara, & Amla.
2. made a ball & put it in Brintaka Musha
3. This musha is kept on another musha, & subjected to heat
4. Casting a musha on a stone.
• Resemblance of satva- Seesopamam.
Anandakanda [33]Steps- 1. Take 1part Kharpara & ¼ part Jayanti (Sesbania sesban) Patra churna, Triphala churna,
Haridra churna, Guda, Tankana.
2. Take 2 musha.
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
Sambhava [40]		Steps- 1. Mix Haritaki, Laksha, Bhunaga, Haridra, Grihadhuma, Tankana & Kharpara altogether.
2. Put the above mixture in Muka Musha & subjected to heat.
Rasendra Mangal
[55]		Steps- 1- Kharpara triturated with Kshara, Sneha & Amla dravya
2. Mix it with wool, Laksha, Haritaki, Grhadhuma & Tankana
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 in equal amounts in the pan, keep it on the fire & keep stirring it with laohadanda. In this way, Kharpara satva Bhasma is formed [1, 2]. Took 1 pala (48gm) Kharpara satva in the pan & subjected to heat. When the Sattva melts, stirring it with a ladle, while add a little amount of fine powder of Hartala in it & stir with a ladle [38].

• Kharpara amayika prayoga: Amayika prayoga means dose and indication of drug. The Dose, adjuvant, and indication of Kharpara Bhasma is illustrated in Table 7.

DrugAnupanaDisease
Sama bhaga Kharpara
bhasma + Kantalauhbhasma		Triphala kwatha & Tila tailaMadhumeha,Pitta roga, kshya, Pandu,
Gulma, Raktaj gulma, Pradara,
Somroga, Yoniroga, Vishama Jwara,
Rajah shula, Shwas, Hikka, Svayathu.
Kharpara bhasmaGokharu kwathaMutrakriccha
Kharpara bhasmaVanshlochanaKaas, shwas,kshayaj kaas
Kharpara bhasma+Prawala
bhasma+black
paper+Rasasindur		Nimbu swarasDhatugata jwara, Agnimandhya, Jirna
jwara
Kharpara bhasma +
Rasasindur		Jeerna jwara

Table 7: Indication of Kharpara in disease and their Anupana [38].

Matra of Kharpara Bhasma [38]: 1/2- 2 Ratti Kharpara Viakara Shanti Upaya [44] - Gomutra for 7 days. Kharpara Yoga [56] (Formulation of Kharpara Bhasma)- Mahajwarankusha rasa Basant Malti Rasa LaghuBasant Malti Rasa Lakshmi Vilasha Rasas

Discussion

Yashada or Zinc is obtained by the Satvapattan of Kharpara (extract). Satava of Kharpara has Vangakriti (appearance of Tin). Satva merely indicates the color and appearance of Zinc. Pittala or Brass, an alloy of Zinc is used since the 2nd century while the description of Kharpara is obtained from the 10th century, and its extract of it is called “Karpara Satva”. In Rasa Ratana Sammucaya, a 13th- century book, the word Ritikrita (constituents of Brass), Tamraranjaka (impart colour to copper), both words self- explored that Karpara is used in the preparation of Brass [57]. The word Yashada is first time found in the 15th-century book, Madanpal nighantu. But the Elemental analysis of material shows that Brass made by Indian metallurgists has 18 to 34 percent of zinc. Such a high quantity of Zinc is only infused when pure zinc is used instead of Zinc ore. Therefore, it is a quite surprising fact that Satava or extract of Kharpara ie. Yashada is known in the community of iatrochemistry but Kharpara is not.

Zinc is used in Brass for the purpose of value addition in copper. Brass is superior in metallic property and appearance. Zinc improves the colour, tensile strength, ductility, malleability and glitters and reduces the corrosion of ferrous metals. Additionally, it is easy to cast, recast and mold [58]. Thus, this might be the possible reason that earlier metallurgists replace the Tin by Zinc in making a much better alloy of copper. The Classification of Pittala in Rasa Shastra is based on colour-changing property of Pittala after quenching in Kanjika (Sour gruel).

Among all Dravyas of Maharasa, Uprasa & Sadharana Rasa, Bhasma of Kharpara [Incinerated formulation, Calyx] is only made by Kupipakwa (Baking of drug in a glass bottle by indirect heat) and Puta (Baking of drug in an earthen pot) method. In one of the Kupipakwa methods, Kharpara is mixed with Parada (Mercury). Parada Bhasma & other preparation of Parada are made by Kupipakwa method by using Kajjali [Black Sulphide of Mercury], a mixture of Parada and Gandhaka (Sulfur).

Kharpara comes under the group of Maharas Varga which is described by most of the texts of Rasashastra while Some Acharyas had described it under Uparasa, Dhatu-Updhatu. Swarnadi Varga etc. It has a wide range of therapeutic applications including in diseases like Prameh, Stree Roga, Pandu, Netra Roga, Yoniroga, Kasa, Shwasa, Jwara etc [5].

Nirvapa is the commonest amongst the many Samanya Shodhana procedures of Kharpara. In this process hardness of the metal gets reduced and it becomes more brittle due to repeated heating and quenching.

Conclusion

Karpara is known to Indian metallurgists since Bronze Age, but it is impossible to find the date of its conversion into Zinc due to the absence of rigid poof. In the medieval age, the production of zinc in India is stated in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan State. Here so many remnants of retorts, furnaces, Mining and smelting equipment are present on the bank Tiri River. Indian Metallurgist begins the high percentage of Pittala (Brass) production before the 13th century. Thus, it is very mysterious to know the exact time of Karparasatvapattan. In Rasa Shartra it is an equally important drug as mercury. Various pharmaceutical procedures are mentioned in many classical books. Kharpara is kept in so many classes e.g., Maharasa, Uprasa, Dhattu and Updhattu etc. Its Rasa (Taste) is Kattu- Kasahya; Guna is Laghu, Sheeta & Ruksha; Sheeta in Virya and Kapha-pitta samaka in nature. Its Bhasma is made by Both Kuppipakwa (heating in an open pot) and putta (heating in a closed pot) Methods. The practice of Kharpara Bhasma preparation has been declined due to many reasons but it is mentioned in various diseases in Classical texts.

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@article{rawat2022,
  title   = {Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review},
  author  = {Rawat G, Yadava Y and Sharma KC},
  journal = {Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine},
  year    = {2022},
  volume  = {6},
  number  = {3},
  doi     = {10.23880/jonam-16000358}
}
Rawat G, Yadava Y and Sharma KC (2022). Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review. Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.23880/jonam-16000358
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review
AU  - Rawat G, Yadava Y and Sharma KC
JO  - Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine
PY  - 2022
VL  - 6
IS  - 3
DO  - 10.23880/jonam-16000358
ER  -