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Intelligence quotient and concept of
DehaMnasa Prakti in Ayurveda
Vijaykumar Nandvadekar, Sandeep V. Binorkar1
Department of Kriya Sharir, Gomantak Ayurveda College and Research Centre, Shiroda, Goa, 1Department of Agadatantra, Government
Ayurveda College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India
ABSTRACT
Background: Ayurveda has classified humans according
to DehaMnasa prakti. It has given equal emphasis to
both physical and psychological status of the individual.
Constitution or configuration is an individuals peculiar
set up of body and mind. It is also of importance in
etiopathogenesis, prognosis and treatment procedures of
various ailments. It is said that nature has its relative roles in
causing individual and group differences in their respective
cognitive abilities.
Aim: The present study was designed to validate and assess
the Intelligence Quotient of individuals of different Praktis.
Materials and Methods: Astudy was conducted in healthy
individuals of age 2030 years, divided into three groups
depending on their DehaMnasa Praktis and thereafter
assessed for their individual IQ.
Conclusion: This article highlights the comparative outcome
and relation between Dehamnasa prakti and intelligence
of an individual. It is observed that IQ is more in kapha
prakti, moderate in pitta prakti and least in vta prakti
individuals.
KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, DehaMnasa Prakti,
intelligence quotient
INTRODUCTION
C lassifying human individuals according to
DehaMnasa Praktis(DMPs) is one of the unique
features of Ayurveda.[1] Almost all Ayurvedic classics have
elaborated on the different DMPs and their importance in
the various aspects of etiopathogenesis, prognosis and
treatment procedures.[24] No equivalent theories have
been discussed in detail in any other medical system. Basic
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DOI:
10.4103/0257-7941.188184
2016 Ancient Science of Life | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow
Original Article
concepts have given equal emphasis to both physical and
psychological status of the individual.
Constitution or configuration is an individuals peculiar
set up of body and mind. It is described in Ayurveda under
the name of Prakti and is given considerable importance
with respect to maintenance of health and incidence,
progress and cure of disease. Modern medical literature
as well as Unani[5] and Tibba[6] have also recognized the
importance of study of constitution.
An Intelligence Quotient(IQ) is a score acquired from one
of several standardized tests designed to assess intelligence
of humans.[7] All through the history of psychology, no
question has been so continual or defiant to resolution as
that of the relative roles of nature in causing individual
and group differences in their respective cognitive ability.
It is inevitable for each and every science to adapt certain
changes according to the changing world and so does
Ayurveda. The present study Validation and Assessment
of Intelligence Quotient in Different Praktis is an attempt
made with such a perspective.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in KadanapallyKadampuzha
Panchayat in Kannur district, Kerala. Institutional Ethics
committee permission was sought from the Government
Ayurveda College, Kannur, Kerala. The study was
conducted only on healthy individuals in age group of
2030years after obtaining written informed consent from
the participants. 150 individuals fulfilling the inclusion
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How to cite this article: Nandvadekar V, Binorkar SV. Intelligence
quotient and concept of Deha-Ma-nasa Prakr.ti in Ayurveda. Ancient
Sci Life 2016;35:201-6.
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Nandvadekar and Binorkar: Intelligence quotient and Deha-Mnasa Prakti

criteria were randomly selected and thereafter divided into composed of females whereas rjasika group was mainly
3 groups considering their DMP. composed of males.

The assessment of DMPs has been done using standard Maximum subjects in sttvika group had pravara sattva;
proforma along with questionnaire. The assessment of avara sattva was found more in rjasika group. When
IQ has been done using Bhatias Battery of Performance temperament was considered, maximum numbers of
Test of Intelligence.[8,9] sttvika subjects were normal, whereas rjasika group was
composed of more number of aggressive subjects, while
Inclusion criteria tmasika group also had more number of normal subjects.
Healthy individuals of age group2030years
Observations related to IQ
Individuals of either gender.
The IQ of 150 subjects registered for the study was
distributed normally with a range of 42.00. The lowest
Exclusion criteria IQ found was 88 and highest was 130. The mean IQ was
Persons with congenital defects, hormonal imbalances, 109.73 with standard deviation8.86 and median 109.
those having acute and chronic systemic diseases and
psychological disorders are excluded. This suggests that the average IQ of the study sample is
109.73. Maximum number of subjects (39.33%) had IQ
Study design between 100110, which includes the mean value of the
whole sample. The next large sector of the sample(33.33%)
The standard proforma with questionnaire has been made
had IQ between 111120 which is also near the mean
to assess both DMPs. Three different DMPs have been taken
value[Table2].
into account. The individuals with vta dominating prakti
along with pitta and kapha characters were consider
Relation of IQ and Deha Prakti
under vtaprakti i.e., ekadoaja as well as dvandvaja
The study comprised of equal number of subjects in 3
praktis were taken together. Similarly pitta dominating
Deha Prakti(DP) groups [Table 3]. More vta prakti
prakti along with vta and kapha were considered under
subjects were seen in IQ groups101-110 and 88-100.
pitta prakti and individuals with kapha dominating
Pitta prakti subjects were clustered in IQ groups111-
prakti along with vta and pitta were considered under
kapha prakti. The same procedure was followed for the
determination of mnasaprakti. Table 1: Distribution according to Mnasa prakti
Mnasa prakti Number of individuals Percentage
Assessment criteria Sttvika 48 32.00
Rjasika 52 34.66
The only assessment criterion in this study is IQ.
Tmasika 50 33.33
Performance in each component of IQ test is considered
Total 150 100.00
as assessment criteria. The performances are quoted in the
tables as the scores given by the assessment scale.
Table 2: Distribution according to intelligence quotient
Following are the components of IQ tests in this study: IQ Number of individuals Percentage
a. Pass along Test[Figure1a and b] 88-100 21 14.00
b. Kohs block design Test[Figure2a and b] 101-110 59 39.33
111-120 50 33.33
c. Pattern drawing Test[Figure3]
121-130 20 13.33
d. Immediate memory Test
Total 150 100.00
e. Picture construction Test[Figure4].
IQ: Intelligence quotient

Observations Table 3: Distribution according to Deha prakti

Observations related to MnasaPrakti Deha prakti Number of individuals Percentage
Among the 150 subjects registered in the study, 48 subjects Vta 50 33.33
belonged to sttvika prakti, 52 subjects belonged to Pitta 50 33.33
rjasika prakti and 50 subjects belonged to tmasika Kapha 50 33.33
prakti[Table 1]. Sex wise, sttvika group was mainly Total 150 100.00

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Nandvadekar and Binorkar: Intelligence quotient and Deha-Mnasa Prakti

a b
Figure1:(a and b) Sample pictures for pass along test

Table 4: Distribution of intelligence quotient in relation to

Deha Prakti
IQ Vta prakti Pitta Prakti Kapha Prakti
n Percentage n Percentage n Percentage
88-100 16 10.66 02 01.33 03 02.00
101-110 24 16.00 22 14.66 13 08.66
111-120 05 03.33 24 16.00 21 14.00
121-130 05 03.33 02 01.33 13 08.66
Total 50 33.33 50 33.33 50 33.33
IQ: Intelligence quotient

a b Table 5: Comparison of Prakti and mean intelligence

Figure2:(a and b) Sample pictures for Kohs Block Design Test quotient
Deha Prakti Frequency (n) Mean IQ SD SE
120 and 101-110. Kapha Prakti subjects were more in Vta 50 104.640 8.636 1.250
IQ group111120. Comparatively more Kapha Prakti Pitta 50 110.300 6.211 0.878
subjects were there in IQ group121-130[Table4]. The Kapha 50 114.240 8.634 1.221
mean IQ of different DP had statistically significant F=18.268, df=2, P<0.001. SD: Standard deviation, SE: Standard error,
IQ: Intelligence quotient
difference. The mean IQ of vta prakti individuals was
104.640 the least, that for pitta prakti was 110.30
Table 6: Distribution of intelligence quotient in relation to
and that for kapha prakti was 114.24 the highest Mnasa Prakti
[Table 5]. The difference between them is statistically
IQ Sttvika Rjasika Tmasika
significant as shown by one way ANOVA [F = 18.268, Prakti Prakti Prakti
P<0.001, Table5]. Thus DP has influence on IQ. Most of n Percentage n Percentage n Percentage
the cryas have described vtaprakti people to have 88-100 03 02.00 09 06.00 09 06.00
poor memory(alpasmti), unstable mind(avyavasthita 101-110 15 10.00 19 12.66 25 16.66
mati) and short memories (ghravismaraa). The 111-120 18 12.00 17 11.33 15 10.00
individuals of pittaprakti have been described as being 121-130 12 08.00 07 04.66 01 00.66
intelligent, with a skilful mind (medhav, nipunamati) Total 48 32.00 52 34.66 50 33.33
and also as having mediocre knowledge (madhyama IQ: Intelligence quotient
jna vijna). Kaphaprakti individuals are stable
minded, have strika knowledge (vidyvanta, dha smti all together contribute the modern concept of
stramataya), have good memory (smtimn) and intelligence. The present study seems to confirm the
endowed with intelligence(buddhy yukta). Dh, dhti, Ayurvedic concepts.

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Nandvadekar and Binorkar: Intelligence quotient and Deha-Mnasa Prakti

Figure3: Sample pictures for pattern drawing test Figure4: Picture construction Test

Table 7: Comparison of Mnasa Prakti and mean rjasika prakti was 109.28 and tmasika prakti was
intelligence quotient 106.56 the least [Table 7]. The difference between
Mnasa Prakti Frequency (n) Mean IQ SD SE them is statistically significant as shown by oneway
Sttvika 48 113.500 8.495 1.226 ANOVA [F = 8.361, P< 0.001, Table 6]. Thus mnasa
Rjasika 52 109.288 9.168 1.271 prakti definitely influences IQ.
Tmasika 50 106.560 7.592 1.074
F=8.361, df=2, P<0.001. SD: Standard deviation, SE: Standard error,
IQ: Intelligence quotient
Among sttvika prakti subjects, majority had IQ
between 111120(12%), whereas 10% subjects had IQ
Among vta prakti subjects, majority had IQ between between 101110. In case of rjasika prakti subjects,
101110 (16%), whereas 10.66% subjects had IQ majority belonged to IQ 101110 (12.66%) whereas
between 88100. In case of pitta prakti subjects, 11.33% subjects had IQ between 111120. Among
majority belonged to IQ 111120(16%) whereas 14.66% tmasika prakti subjects 16% had IQ between 101110
subjects had IQ between 101110. Among kapha prakti while 10% subjects were found having IQ between
subjects 14% had IQ between 111120 while 8.66% 111120.
subjects each were found having IQ between 101110
and 121130. Comparison of IQ scores in various MnasaPraktis
Assessment by One way ANOVA.
Comparison of IQ scores in various DPsAssessment by
One way Analysis of Variance.
DISCUSSION
Relation of IQ and Mnasa Prakti The concept of Prakti is a unique one and unanimously
Comparatively sttvika prakti subjects were found more accepted by all the cryas of Ayurveda. Considering the
in IQ group121130. In IQ group88100, both rjasika significance of it in theoretical as well as clinical aspects,
and tmasika prakti subjects were more[Table6]. The it should be well understood, as it furnishes the base for
mean IQ in sttvika prakti was 113.50 the highest, existence of health or disease of a person.

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Nandvadekar and Binorkar: Intelligence quotient and Deha-Mnasa Prakti
The references regarding the concept of buddhi and
smti in Ayurveda are highly blended with the thoughts
of ancient Indian philosophies i.e.,darana. As described
in our sahits, the three pramas namely pratyaka,
anumna and ptopadea were followed. Pratyaka in
the form of darana and sparana was applied for the
assessment of characteristics. ptopadea was taken
as the basis for classification of prakti in different
types. The proforma and questionnaire covers physical,
physiological, psychic and intellectual spheres.
Ayurveda holds the view that every individual is a
conglomeration of pancamahbhta. Modern physiology
postulates that all humans are made up of same organic
and inorganic compounds and the bodily phenomena are
governed by the same rules and regulations. The single
cell structure undergoes division to form innumerable
cells in the body; but still shows some dissimilarity in
contour, immunity, intelligence etc., quantitatively as well
as qualitatively. The cause and effect of all these events
are dealt in detail under genetics whereas we have to lean
on to the concept of prakti to explain the same. In sum,
the constitution is the sum of the physique, physiological
and psychological attributes of an individual.(Therefore,
constitutional assessment requires a simultaneous and
comprehensive consideration of all these aspects.) Though
the contributions of them may vary, the influence of
psychological attributes over the rest is great. For we know
that we are what we think.
The aim of describing mnasaprakti is to get familiarized
with the psychological characteristics/attributes of an
individual, thereby utilizing them to the maximum extent
to leap forward in all the activities of the life. In Ayurveda,
the concept of intelligence can be found spread under
different headings buddhi, jna, prajn, medh, dh,
dhti, and smti. From this we can infer that an entity called
intelligence cannot be included satisfactorily under any
single topic or terminology, but the primary definition of
buddhi remains as the decisive capacity or capacity of
discernment. We can also safely conclude that dh, dhti,
and smti are the three dimensions of a picture called
buddhi.
As was noted earlier, intelligence, the ability to vary the
behaviour, as per knowledge stored from past experience,
to suit the varying situation and requirements in the given
environment, will vary from individual to individual(from
one to another). It can be measured by using reliable,
validated, specially designed tests like Bhatias Battery
of Performance Test of Intelligence. It is administered by
using verbal and performance tests. The measured value
Ancient Science of Life / Apr-Jun 2016 / Vol 35 / Issue 4
is expressed in ratios as a percentage of persons mental
age to his chronological age.
The classics describe that sattva is a mano gua and is
responsible for good memory, intelligence etc., The same is
implied in the study. The rajas and tamas are considered as
mano doas and in our study also, rjasika and tmasika
praktis have shown less IQ, especially tmasika prakti. The
distribution of deha prakti observed in the study was normal.
In the present study, vta prakti has shown less IQ, pitta
has shown moderate IQ and kapha has shown highest IQ.
But the study has also shown that the tmasika prakti
is having low IQ and sttvika prakti having high IQ.
The results can be explained with the help of relation of
doas with triguas. When we explore the relation of these
doas with the triguas, Vta is dominant in rajo gua;
pitta is dominant in rajas and sattva guas and kapha
is dominant in sattva and tamoguas. Tmasika prakti
is seen having less IQ, but kapha prakti is seen having
highest IQthough there is a relation between kapha and
tamo gua. It is because, the tamas present in kapha is
not dominant during normal condition and sattva will be
dominant in normal condition. Tamas will be more when
the kapha is in aggravated state. The same happens in case
of pitta prakti also, which has shown moderate IQ. The
case of vta prakti showing least IQ can be explained by
the predominance of rajo gua and this gua without the
dominance of sattva gua might have led to the less IQ
scores in the vta prakti individuals.
CONCLUSION
The concept of prakti in Ayurveda deals with the whole
individual, his body, bodys structure and functions and
mental set up. Intelligence is the general mental ability to
adapt to the different situations in the life and Intelligence
Quotient is the parameter to calculate the intelligence
in general. IQ is more in kapha prakti, moderate in
pitta prakti and least in vta prakti individuals. IQ is
more in sttvika prakti, moderate in rjasika prakti
and least in tmasika prakti. The other factors which
influence IQ levels in the individuals are socioeconomic
status (IQ is less in lower classes when compared to
others), education (higher the education, higher the
IQ), diet (vegetarian diet influences IQ positively) and
temperament (normal individuals have more IQ in
comparison to calm and aggressive individuals).
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
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Nandvadekar and Binorkar: Intelligence quotient and Deha-Mnasa Prakti

Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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Address for correspondence:
Dr.Sandeep V. Binorkar,
Department of Agadatantra, Government Ayurveda College, Vazirabad,
Nanded431601, Maharashtra, India.
Email: dr.sandeepb@gmail.com

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