Functional and Neurophysiological Correlation of Indriya with Sensory Systems: An Integrative Review.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52482/ayurline.v10i04.1073Abstract
Background:
The concept of Indriya in Ayurveda represents a comprehensive framework encompassing sensory and motor faculties responsible for perception and interaction with the external environment. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe ten Indriyas, including five Gyanendriyas (sensory faculties) and five Karmendriyas (motor faculties), each associated with specific objects of perception and action. In contrast, modern biomedical science explains sensory perception through specialized receptors, neural pathways, and cortical processing mechanisms.
Aim:
To analyze and establish a functional and neurophysiological correlation between the Ayurvedic concept of Indriya and the modern understanding of sensory systems.
Materials & Methods:
A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scientific literature. Ayurvedic references included Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya, while modern concepts were derived from standard physiology textbooks and research articles. A qualitative analysis was performed to identify similarities and differences in structure, function, and integration.
Results:
The Gyanendriyas were found to correlate with sensory receptor systems and afferent neural pathways, whereas the Karmendriyas correspond to motor systems involving efferent pathways and cortical control. The analysis indicates that Indriya represent integrated functional units encompassing receptors, neural transmission, and central processing rather than mere anatomical structures.
Conclusion:
Indriya can be interpreted as integrated neuro-functional systems when correlated with modern neurophysiology. This integrative approach bridges traditional Ayurvedic concepts with contemporary neuroscience, offering a broader understanding of sensory and motor physiology and providing potential insights for interdisciplinary research and holistic management of sensory disorders.
Keywords:
Gyanendriya, Karmendriya, Sensory system, Neurophysiology, Sensory perception
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
I Â declare (on behalf of me and my co-authors) that the submitted manuscript titled has not previously been published and is not currently being considered elsewhere for publication in another journal and that I am (we are) the sole owner(s) of the manuscript thereof and of all rights, title, and interest therein. All agreed to the terms and conditions, Privacy Policy, which is declared on Journal Website http://www.ayurline.in and online filled (uploaded) form.
Please read following declaration cum Agreement Carefully.:
I declare (on behalf of me and my co-authors) that the submitted manuscript titled has not previously been published and is not currently being considered elsewhere for publication in another journal and that I am (we are) the sole owner(s) of the manuscript thereof and of all rights, title, and interest therein.
I (We) agree (on behalf of me and my co-authors) to the following:
1- I (we) hereby assign to the publisher of the journal. Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) the right to (Electronically and print) publish on website www.ayurline.in and distribute the said manuscript and to create a derivative print work from the said manuscript. The assignment shall be effective so long as the manuscript is available on online networks.
2- I (we) shall remain the owner of the copyright in said manuscript. I (we) may publish the manuscript in any other journal or medium but such publication must include the notice that the manuscript was first published by Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) Journals including reference to the corresponding issue.
3- I (we) agree to hold the publisher of the Journal, Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) harmless for any unauthorized use of the paper by the journal subscribers.
4- I (we) confirm that I (we) have obtained all the necessary all permissions to include in the paper items such as quotations, figures, and the results of government-sponsored research/private or individual publishers/owners.
5- I (we) enclose where necessary written permission of authors and publishers to use any copyright material (previously published figures and tables).
6- I (we) confirm that after the publication of my (our) manuscript in Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM), the publisher has the sole authority of the paper/Research Article. The publisher has the authority to use the content of the whole paper or part of it, in an edited book, or other mediums or withdraw (unpublish) the article without the permission of authors.
8- If I / We found victims of plagiarism, (e.g. text, images, videos etc.) I/ We sole responsible for such legal matters. I/We also declared that the Chief Editor/Publisher, Editorial Board of this Ayurline: International Journal of Research in Indian Medicine (IJ-RIM) Journal does not have any responsibility for plagiarism. Publisher shall not become any party in any legal matter and if any case is filed in court against plagiarisms or any copyright-related issues all expenses/Penalties should be paid/borne by me/we (Authors). I shall be obliged to pay all the costs of the court case if any happened in future.
7 -I voluntarily agreed to pay the necessary non-refundable evaluation fees of the my article, which are not the publication Charges.
8 - All disputes subject to Kurla, Mumbai court jurisdiction. This Copyright Licensing Agreement comes into force the day of sending this completed electronic form.
