Amavata is described in detail as a distinct clinical entity by Acharya Madhavakara in Madhavanidana. It is a disease of Madhyama roga marga affecting Asthisandhi in which the pain is similar to that of scorpion bite. Since many years, most of scholars have correlated Amavata to rheumatoid arthritis as described in modern science. But clinically, Amavata can be correlated to many other types of arthritis like reactive arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus). Thus, through this study of those various disorders, the authors want to highlight the fact that Amavata is not only limited to the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can be understood in a much broader manner.

Key words: Amavata; Rheumatoid arthritis; Ankylosing spondylitis; SLE .