ebook name- ‘DhatriSikhsha Sangraha’
Collected by– Sri Haranath Roy, L.M.S.
Book genre- A lot of Bengali Medical ebooks
File format- PDF
Pages- 393
File size- 24 Mb
Quality- Best, without any watermark,
Introduction
Dhatri Sikhsha Sangraha is a traditional medical book written in Bengali. The book primarily deals with midwifery, women’s health, and childcare. The term “Dhatri” stands for midwife or caretaker, “Sikhsha” is education, and “Sangraha” is compilation. The book is essentially a compilation of knowledge that aims to educate midwives and caregivers on matters related to childbirth and women’s health.
The book dates back to a time when there were very few doctors in rural India, and the process of childbirth was largely taken care of in homes by trained or experienced midwives. In such a scenario, this book acted as a guide and a textbook.
About the Author
Sri Haranath Roy, L.M.S., was a medical practitioner with knowledge of Western medical science and traditional Indian medical systems, including Ayurveda. His L.M.S. degree enabled him to combine classical Ayurvedic knowledge with practical experience in healthcare.
His writing style is characterized by clarity, social responsibility, and a deep desire to improve the health of mothers and babies among the common man. He has deliberately written not only for scholars but also for midwives, village women, and home caregivers.
Main Themes of the Book
- Pregnancy Care
The book defines the physical and mental state of a woman during pregnancy. It talks about eating habits, daily activities, rest, and mental health. It emphasizes natural food, herbal medicines, and healthy living to promote the healthy growth of the baby.
- Preparation for Childbirth
It gives special emphasis to the symptoms of childbirth, preparation of the childbirth area, cleanliness, and the role of the midwife. The book recommends composure, patience, and keen observation during childbirth to prevent complications.
- Childbirth Practices
Dhatri Sikhsha Sangraha talks about childbirth practices, the mother’s position during delivery, and ways to reduce pain using safe and natural means. It also points out dangerous practices and the importance of cleanliness, which was a very modern concept in those days.
- Postnatal Care of the Mother
The postnatal care of the mother is one of the strongest points of the book. It describes how a mother can regain her strength after delivery through healthy eating, proper rest, oil massages, and natural medicines. Mental support and a return to normal activities are also discussed.
- Newborn Care
The book is very detailed about newborn care, including bathing, feeding, sleeping patterns, and protection from common ailments. Breastfeeding is also highly recommended, and its benefits are explained in simple terms.
- Women’s Health and Common Diseases
Not just related to childbirth, the book also contains information about common women’s health issues and gynecological problems. Home remedies and Ayurvedic solutions are provided, making it a very useful book not just for pregnant women but for women in general.
Medical and Cultural Significance
From a medical standpoint, the book is a precursor to public health education in the local language. From a cultural standpoint, it is a repository of traditional Indian midwifery knowledge that was orally transmitted from generation to generation.
Although many traditional practices have been made redundant by modern medicine, Dhatri Sikhsha Sangraha is still significant for the following reasons:
Historical study of maternal healthcare in India
Study of the integration of Ayurveda and early modern medicine in India
Medical humanities and social history studies
Relevance in the Modern Age
Today, the book is of interest largely for academic, historical, and cultural purposes. Although some practices may not be in line with modern medical science, the book’s holistic approach to health, its focus on hygiene, nutrition, and emotional well-being is still relevant today.
Conclusion
Dhatri Sikhsha Sangraha is more than a medical text—it is a testament to an age when healthcare was inextricably linked to community, tradition, and nature. Sri Haranath Roy’s contribution to the documentation and dissemination of midwifery knowledge in Bengal through this work is immense. The book is a crucial milestone in the history of Indian maternal and family healthcare.
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