In recent times, many Baidyas have joined the Brahmo Samaj, including some of the leaders. Some well-known Baidyas have achieved distinction as political and social workers, historians, authors, music directors, film directors, film stars, actors, dancers and singers.
There have been famous Baidya ministers in the state and central cabinets, administrators, doctors, physicians and surgeons, at the head of the Bengal chamber of commerce and banking, eminent lawyers, dewans, educationists and revolutionary leaders.
Barring some exceptions, Kaviraji or Ayurveda was the main profession of the Baidyas throughout the ages. In time each kaviraj came to have a particular master or developed a system of treatment.
Dhanvantari was worshipped by all kavirajas who invoked him. Divodasa, Kasiraja and two Ashvins, twin sons of Surya (the Sun God) did this when they prescribed medicines for patients. The first three are often identified as one person.
The Baidya kavirajas were often skilled practitioners of medicine and some of their medicines anticipated modern medicines such as cobra venom (called vishban), Pacban or mixtures were prepared using from nine to ninety ingredients. The examination of the pulse was most important in their diagnosis.
