Child care in ancient India from the perspectives of developmental psychology and paediatrics (Indian medical science series)

• Book Title: Child Care in Ancient Indian Texts

• Authors: Malavika Kapur, Hemalata Mukundan

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2002

• ISBN: 9788170307235

• Pages: 226

• Cover: Paperback

• Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 14 cm

• Weight: 270 gm

Book Description

About the Authors
Prof. Malavika Kapur is a renowned clinical psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Science, Bangalore. With over three decades of experience in clinical work, teaching, and research, she has worked with the National Health Services, Scotland, and as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Edinburgh. She has been involved in various projects for international organizations, including the World Health Organization. Professor Kapur is the author of several books and numerous articles, with special interest in developmental psychopathology and school mental health.

Hemalata Mukundan holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Bangalore University. Her research focuses on neuropsychological correlates of schizophrenia. She is currently the Director of Labyrinth Mind Solutions, Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore.

Foreword

The foreword acknowledges the exhaustive and almost complete work done by the authors. They have thoroughly studied Ayurvedic classical texts like Kashyapa Samhita and other ancient texts on child care. Their study is an exceptional attempt to understand and interpret ancient child-rearing practices from the perspectives of developmental psychology and pediatrics. The foreword also highlights the significant value of these practices in the context of modern behavioral disturbances in children.

Preface

Professor Malavika Kapur describes the journey of researching ancient Indian child-rearing practices in Ayurveda. The initial exploration was challenging due to the unclear and repetitive translated texts. This book represents a starting point for further research and aims to highlight sources for those interested in ancient Indian child care. The authors delve into Ayurvedic literature, focusing particularly on the Kashyapa Samhita, the only complete text dedicated to child care in Ayurveda. The aim is to share the knowledge and explore its relevance in the contemporary context.

The book focuses on Ayurvedic descriptions of child care, starting from conception and covering the care of newborns, infants, and children. Key rituals, disorders, treatments, and their relevance to modern pediatric practices are explored.

Chapters Overview

• Chapter 1: Introduces contemporary perspectives in developmental psychology and traditional Indian child-rearing practices.

• Chapters 2 & 3: Detail the care of newborns and children, drawing from Ayurvedic texts, including the significance of Samskaras (rituals before and after birth).

• Chapter 4: Describes the general examination of children and the ancient observational techniques.

• Chapter 5: Discusses disorders of the newborn and the ideal conditions for childbirth.

• Chapter 6: Focuses on common childhood disorders, emphasizing the clinical acumen of ancient scholars.

• Chapter 7: Addresses serious childhood disorders such as epilepsy and meningitis, which were attributed to supernatural forces in ancient texts.

• Chapter 8: Explores Ayurvedic treatments for childhood disorders, including herbs, remedies, and preventive care.

• Chapter 9: The concluding chapter includes the authors' commentaries on the psychological, sociological, and pediatric perspectives, highlighting practices that need further empirical examination and promotion.

This book bridges ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern developmental psychology, offering insights that could enhance contemporary child care practices