Long History of Siddha MedicineIn the medieval period, Tamil Inscriptions frequently referred words such as 'Vaidhyar (Physicisian)" and "Vaidhyasalai (hospital). The Chola monarchs established free dispensaries for the benefit of the poor in different part of their empire. Rajendra Cholan established a hospital named Vira Chola Athurasalai' at Thirumukudal in honour of his deceased father. The Inscription states that the hospital was under the control of Chief Physician. Similarly, Kundavai sister of Rajaraja Cholan -I established a hospital named "Sundara Cholo Vinnagara Athurasalai' in Thanjavur in honour of her father. Such practices were also found in Pandya period.A Thiruparankundram temple inscription states that Ganapathy, a vaidhyaar from vaidhya kula family has constructed a temple and an attached hospital. The Aanamalai inscription records that a Siddha Vaithiyar called "Marankari became the Health Minister under the Pandyas. The kings granted many lands and remission of taxes for the maintenance of hospitals. An inscription belonging to the period of Vikrama Chola records the remission of taxes granted by the assembly on the lands of Thiruvallu Nadu for the maintenance of hospital in Thirupugalur. An inscription of Rajendra Chola-II speaks about the establishment of free rest houses for the discharged patients to take rest for few days and financial aid to consume nutritious food.A inscription found in Tiruvavaduthurai temple dating back to 1120 AD state the establishment of a medical college for the study of specialized subjects of Siddha medicines. Tirumukudal inscription also tells the existence of a Siddha medical college with a hostel attached for training students and an established hospital with separate rooms for preparing medicines and rooms to store them safely. Furthermore, they also appointed nurses, attenders, watchmen to carryout their respective works. The students were given scholarships and free meals.The students at Tirubhuvani were paid daily allowances worth of 11kalam, 10 kuruni and 4 nazhi of paddy per month for their maintainence. The stone inscriptions also mention that the General Physicians were paid 90 kalam paddy and 80 paise as salary. Surgeons were paid 30 kalam paddy and 2 paise as salary. Staff nurses were paid 30 kalam paddy and 1 paise salary. Barbers were trained to do surgery and their wives were trained to assist delivery. They were paid 15 kalam paddy and 1 paise as salary. There was a stock of medicines for one year. Destitutes were paid in the form of rice. Oil was procured to light lamps in the hospital premises. All these factors will clearly establish the fact that the ancient rulers had taken various steps to protect and preserve the Siddha medicine and also the cultural values of the temples to extend their support and help to the poor and needy by providing Siddha Medicine and also encouraging establishment of Siddha educational Institutions.Dr Jeyavenkatesh

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