Year: 2026 | Month: May | Volume: 13 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 623-630
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260558
Tracing Siddha Toxicology: Archaeological and Epigraphical Evidence of Nanju Maruthuvam in Tamil Nadu
Dr. Sowmini Preetha K1, Dr. Visakh K Raj2, Dr. G Chenthamarai Selvi3
1PG Scholar (III year), Department of Nanju Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College & Hospital, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India.
2PG Scholar (III year), Department of Nanju Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College & Hospital, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Nanju Maruthuvam, Government Siddha Medical College & Hospital, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sowmini Preetha K
ABSTRACT
The Siddha System of Medicine encompasses a specialized branch known as Nanju Maruthuvam, which deals with toxicology, including the identification, management, and therapeutic use of poisons. This study aims to document and analyze the archaeological evidence supporting the historical existence and practice of Nanju Maruthuvam in Tamil Nadu. A descriptive research design was adopted, utilizing data collected from inscriptions, temple records, archaeological reports, and museum archives.
Primary data were gathered through field visits to selected site museums and epigraphical sources, while secondary data were obtained from institutional libraries, including the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology and Connemara Public Library. A total of 20 inscriptions across various districts were examined, out of which 10 inscriptions from 7 districts showed direct relevance to toxicological practices. These inscriptions document land grants such as Visha Virutti, Vaidya Virutti, and Vishaharabhoga, indicating institutional recognition and patronage of poison specialists and physicians.
Key findings highlight the prevalence of toxicological practices related to snakebite management, insect envenomation, and the use of medicinal oils and ritualistic healing methods. Sites such as Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Theni, Salem, Kanchipuram, and Madurai revealed substantial evidence of Nanju Maruthuvam practices through temple inscriptions and cultural beliefs, including Garuda worship as an antidotal tradition.
The study demonstrates that Nanju Maruthuvam was a well-established and socially supported medical practice in ancient Tamil society, closely integrated with religious institutions and royal administration. The convergence of archaeological and literary evidence underscores the scientific and cultural significance of Siddha toxicology and its role in traditional healthcare systems.
Keywords: Nanju Maruthuvam, Siddha toxicology, Archaeology, Inscriptions, Tamil Nadu, Visha Virutti, Traditional medicine
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