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<li>Likeness, analogy, a popular maxim, or apposite illustration (Monier Williams, 1951). </li></ol>
 
<li>Likeness, analogy, a popular maxim, or apposite illustration (Monier Williams, 1951). </li></ol>
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== Definition of the term Nyaya with its different interpretations ==
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<p style="text-align:justify;">Mimamsa Nyaya Prakasanam interpreted nyaya as the tattva (truth) with logic (Vettinad Sreedharan Nair, 1989).
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<br/>An important rule of interpretation in Hindu law from the Yajnavalkyasmriti (Y.S.) deals with resolving a situation in which two authoritative rules contradict one another. There, it is mentioned that when there is a conflict between two Smriti texts, Nyaya (maxim) is more vital than Vyavahara (practice) (Donald R. Davis, Jr., 2007).
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<br/>In the commentary, Voeramitrodaya at Dharmakosha Varnashrama dharma Kanda stated that Nyaya means reasoning that establishes the scope of each respective rule (Donald R. Davis, Jr., 2007).
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<br/>Other commentaries such as Mitaksara, and Apararka at Dharmakosha Varnashrama dharma kanda, 1.82 and 1.84, respectively, connect Nyaya with specific maxims of the grammatical and Mimamsa traditions that are used to resolve conflicts between rules. (Donald R. Davis, Jr., 2007)
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<br/>Nyaya (maxim) is "an expression of well-known truth or principle" (Raja Radha Kanta Deva, 1967). In Sanskrit, the maxim is recognized under the term of Nyaya. 'Maxim' cannot be taken exactly as the equivalent of Nyaya, but adopted because many great scholars had already done so (Colonel G.A. Jacob, 1911). Nyaya has a range of meanings from maxim to reason and logic, even to justice and common sense. In this case, ambiguity is preserved by the commentators as to whether nyaya means reasoning or a maxim. </p>
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== A brief history of nyayas ==
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<p style="text-align:justify;">Nyayas (maxims) are specifically used when characterizing a situation. Explanation of Nyaya is found from the Vedic period to Purana, Upanishad, Kavya, Darshana, etc. Ayurveda, being the upaveda of Atharvaveda, also explains various maxims to enlighten their treatise and for the easy understanding of the topics. As these maxims are commonly used by the people, Ayurveda Acharyas found it an easy tool for clarification of the views that they want to put forth in their quotations (sutras). Later the commentators of these sutras integrated several nyayas to explore the exact meaning of the actual verses. <br/>In a compilation of nyayas, it is explained that the nyayas can be dealt with under three distinct heads, and are either illustrations (drishtanta), rules, or principles (as in the case of paribhashas), topics (adhikaras) (as in the case of the kapinjala nyaya) (Colonel G.A. Jacob, 1911).<ref name="ref9">Manjusha AT, Irshad H, Ramadas PV, Mund JS. Nyaya and its relevance in Ayurveda. Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous Medicine. 2015 Dec 1;4(12):247.</ref></p>
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Few nyayas along with their practical utility as per Ayurvedic point of view.