[“Horses no longer have wings”. The chapter on the anatomy of a horse from a hippology manuscript by Nakula].

This research paper discusses the evolution of veterinary medicine in India, specifically focusing on the study of horses and horse diseases (hippiatry and hippology). It also offers a translated analysis of an ancient manuscript on horse anatomy by Nakula.

Historical Overview of Veterinary Medicine in India

• The research initiates with a brief historical review of veterinary medicine in India, covering the period from the Vedic times to more recent practices. This historical perspective provides an idea of how veterinary medicine, particularly those related to horses, evolved over time in India.
• It emphasizes the importance of hippiatry (the study of horse diseases) in ancient India, mainly due to the role of horses in warfare. This indicates a society that valued horses not just as transport and labor, but also as a significant element in combat, indirectly leading to advancements in horse-related veterinary medicine.

Review of Indian Hippiatry and Hippology

• The paper proceeds by reviewing various authors and their publications on Indian hippiatry and hippology. This review can offer a comprehensive perspective on the bulk of knowledge gathered about horses and their diseases in India. It may also highlight the progress made and gaps present in the study of horse health in the region.
• The discussion then moves on to the traditions of hippiatry and hippology in Europe, providing a comparative view between the practices in India and Europe. This part of the paper may add a global context to the research, showing how different cultures coincided or differed in their approaches towards horse healthcare.

Anatomy of the Horse According To Nakula

• The second part of the article delves into references and research on the “Aśvaśăstra of Nakula”, an ancient work about horses. This section provides an insight into how ancient Indian scholars perceived and understood horse anatomy and health.
• The paper includes a translation of chapter 4 of the mentioned manuscript, which describes the anatomy of the horse. By analyzing this chapter in detail, the study could shed light on traditional beliefs and knowledge about horse anatomy, contributing to the understanding of how such traditional knowledge might still influence present veterinary practices or beliefs.