Abstract
Manuscriptology is an interdisciplinary field involving the study of handwritten texts through material analysis, palaeography, textual criticism, and preservation. Despite India’s vast manuscript heritage, research on Ayurvedic manuscripts remains fragmented, with limited systematic mapping of publication patterns and research methodologies. This scoping review aimed to map extent, nature, and scope of published research on Ayurvedic manuscripts and to identify gaps in the existing literature.
Evidence was sourced from PubMed, AYUSH Research Portal, DHARA, and Google Scholar. Scholarly articles published in English that examined Ayurvedic manuscripts through deciphering, translation, critical studies, or critical editions were included, while studies related to non-Ayurvedic systems were excluded. The review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Of the 145 records screened, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused on previously unpublished manuscripts, with critical editions being the predominant research approach, followed by deciphering and critical reviews. The majority of included studies were academic dissertations, with limited project-based research.
Identified gaps included reliance on single manuscript witnesses, limited institutional collaboration, and underutilization of digitized manuscripts. Strengthening collaborations, systematic use of digitized resources, integration of advanced technologies, and balanced methodological approaches would enhance future research in Ayurvedic manuscriptology

Key words: Ayurveda; Manuscript; Scoping review; textual criticism; critical edition