Unveiling the Enigma of Soma: A Multidisciplinary Reconstruction of the Vedic Elixir as a Composite Pharmacotechnical Artefact

Title Unveiling the Enigma of Soma: A Multidisciplinary Reconstruction of the Vedic Elixir as a Composite Pharmacotechnical Artefact --- Description This research thesis presents the first integrated, scientifically testable, and policy-protected reconstruction of Soma—the sacred Vedic elixir celebrated in the Rigveda and preserved in the Indo-Iranian Haoma traditions. Drawing upon philology, ethnobotany, molecular biology, phytochemistry, computational pharmacology, archaeology, and heritage science, the work reframes Soma as a ritual-engineered composite pharmacotechnical formulation rather than a single plant species. Key findings demonstrate that Soma was a synergistic admixture of stimulant (Ephedra), visionary enhancers (Cannabis, Peganum harmala), and stabilizing carriers (Sarcostemma), ritualized through pressing, filtration, and mixing with milk and ghee. Experimental archaeology confirms the pharmacological efficacy and urgency of immediate consumption, while archaeochemical evidence from BMAC and Indus Valley sites corroborates the presence of relevant alkaloids. Beyond resolving a millennia-old enigma, this thesis establishes a heritage-science paradigm—integrating empirical pharmacology, cosmological symbolism, and global policy frameworks (Nagoya Protocol, UNESCO Intangible Heritage, WIPO TK protection). Its implications extend to neuroscience, intercultural epistemology, sustainable innovation, and post-human futures of consciousness studies. The research affirms Soma as not only an ancient ritual elixir but a proto-technology of consciousness—a civilizational prototype where science, philosophy, and ritual converge. This work pioneers a universal heritage-science framework, positioning Soma as a model for integrative research, intercultural dialogue, and post-human epistemologies. Author B Mazumdar Independent Research Scholar ORCID: 0009-0007-5615-3558 Email: [e-mail] --- Affiliation Independent Scholarship Initiative (Global, Non-Institutional) Advisory inputs acknowledged from scholars in: Vedic Philology Ethnobotany and Pharmacognosy Molecular Biology and Computational Modelling Archaeology and Heritage Science International Law and Policy (Note: This work is conducted as Independent Scholarship, ensuring non-institutional neutrality and recognition of universal intellectual heritage.) --- Keywords Soma · Rigveda · Haoma · Ethnobotany · Ephedra · Cannabis · Peganum harmala · Sarcostemma · Phytochemistry · DNA Barcoding · Computational Pharmacology · Archaeological Residues · Heritage Science · UNESCO Intangible Heritage · Traditional Knowledge Protection · Nagoya Protocol · AI and Epistemology · Post-Human Futures