Asian Agri-History Foundation
Asian Agri-History

Asian Agri-History Foundation (Volume 14)

No. 1, January-March 2010
Sources for a History of Plant Sciences in India - The Rg-vedic (Rigvedic) Soma Plant - BGL Swamy
Probable Agricultural Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India: IV. The Brahmaputra Valley Region- Anurudh K Singh
Introduction of Commercially Important Willow Species During Early 20th Century - A Boon to Kashmir Artisans- B L Puttoo
Use of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants in Textiles for Sustainable Livelihood Management for Rural People - Bhawana Goel and Alka Goel
Vaildity of Rain Conception and Rain Delivery (RCRD) Model in Long Range Rainfall Prediction Based on Ancient Literature - MC Varshneya,Vyas Pandey, VB Vaidya, Nanaji Kale, Mrugendra Vinod, Manoj Deshpande, and KS Damle
No. 2, April-June 2010
Probable Agricultural Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India: V. The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills Region - Anurudh K Singh

Abstract

The article deals with the scientific history of Rauvolfia serpentina and the other important species R.canescens (syn. R. tetraphylla) found in India. The botany, distribution, and origin of the plant are also mentioned. The folklore uses of the plant for snakebite and for treating maniacs along with its use by Mahatma Gandhi are elaborated. The entry of Rauvolfia into the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine and also in the modern system of medicine is discussed. The etymology and philology of the commonly used Sanskrit names are discussed.The main chemical constituents, cultivation of the plant,its total demand within the country, and the conservation efforts along with its present status in India are also discussed.

Rauvolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha): The Forgotten Medicinal Plant of India - N C Shah

Abstract

This lecture to agricultural educators and officials uses dual meanings of a key words as a mechanism to explain the deepest teachings of Buddhism in terms related to agriculture. It begins by interpreting the essential truth of and indeed the etymological origins of Dhamma as a duty and the performance of one's duty. It uses the Thai word for nature to introduce the linkage between the Dhamma and responsibilities of everyday life as a duty because life may be considered as borrowed from nature. In this context looking out for oneself selfishly is seen as the opposite of moral or natural behavior, yet it is recognized as the basis of current society and agriculture. Development of society, economy, and one's spirituality are explained in terms of correct or unskilful development, with the conclusion that the primary duty of humans in their personal spiritual development to understand the true nature of all existence. An analogy of life and rice cultivation includes introductory, historical and contextual comment before relating spiritually-aware behavior to traditional rice cultivation conducted communally to everyone's best ability to provide a harvest of ultimate peace and calm.

The Duty of Professional Agriculturists - Lindsay Falvey
Deo-rahati: An Ancient Concept of Biodiversity Conservation - DS Nipunage and DK Kulkarni

Abstract

Maharashtra state in western India is surrounded by biodiversity hot spots such as Western Ghats, Satpura ranges and Vindhya ranges. Many tribes lives in these areas and use local flora-based preparations for controlling several diseases. This information is orally transmission from generation to generation and has never been documented for future use. Therefore, an attempt was made to explore the local practices that that use medicinal plants for human health.

Medicinal Plants Used by Pawara and Bhil Tribes of Satpura Ranges in Maharashtra - Sudam Patil,Shashikant Choudhary, and Adhir Aher
A Mosquito Repellent Karanj Kunapa from Pongamia Pinnata - Aboli Lale and DK Kulkarni
No. 3, October-December 2010
Probable Agricultural Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India: VI. The Northeastern Hills of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura- Anurudh K Singh

Abstract

Grain Storage is important and essential for the welfare of societies at user,producer,trader,miller, exporter, and government level. Storage of rice is of utmost importance, the grain being the staple diet of two-thirds of the Indian population. Stored rice is subject to damage by various agents and losses caused by these vary from 2 to 29% under various storage methods.Quantitative losses are usually accompanied by qualitative losses. This paper describes various storage levels, structures, and traditional protectants. It is interesting to record that in India farmers and consumers still use traditional structures and storage methods but at government or millers' level only modern systems for large-scale storage are followed. Traditional methods at farmer and user level too are being replaced by modern systems in developed states of India. The clay bins and mora have proved to be the most economical and safe storage structures but need to develop hybrid storage structures similar to those developed in Thailand. Introduction of modern airtight rice containers with dispensers for household storage may be tried under tropical conditions and in metro cities. Similarly plant parts such as leaves and fruits and ash show promise in protection against stored insects and pests. A fine tuning in refinement and development of plant products is required with regard to their handling in user friendly and easy to handle sachets,tablets,etc.

Traditional Paddy Storage - Uma Ahuja, S C Ahuja, and Rashmi Thakrar

Abstract

The Himalayas have a great diversity of plants and other natural resources. Himalayan people have close relationship with nature for their basic needs such as food,fuel,fodder, and medicine.For health care, they use their own medicine system, which is based on the ancient cultural traditions.The Himalayan people believe that displeasure of local gods is the cause of diseases.They use "magico-religious" practices and natural therapies to treat diseases. The Himalayan Medicine System is interesting and is intimately connected with Ayurveda. This article discusses the relationship of Himalayan Medicine System and Ayurveda and also describes the concept of Himalayan therapies for incurable diseases.

Himalayan Medicine System and its Ayurvedic Perspective - Lalit Tiwari and PC Pande
Sarameyavinoda in Manasollasa: Dogs for Recreation and Hunting - Nalini Sadhale and Y L Nene
Ghutti- A Nourishing Drop - Shoba Nagnur, Sandhya Joshi, and Vijaya Hosamani
Chronology of Ancient Indian History - Nalini Sadhale
Origin of Vikram Samvant - Arabinda Ghose
No. 4, October-December 2010

Abstract

The origin of the rose dates back to pre-historic times. The center of origin of the rose is in Central Asia. Ancient Persians are regarded as the first manufacturers of rose water and discoverers of rose flower based decorative and cosmetic powders and fragrant oils or beauty creams. Cultivation and growing of sweet smelling plants and flowers and obtaining perfumes and "gúlab" (rose water) from them was widespread in the Pars province of Persia. Preparation of perfumed oils and creams and manufacture of various kinds of "ghalieh" (perfume composed of musk and ambergris) and perfumery materials was popular all over Southwest Asia. However, early work on rose breeding was done by the Dutch and also in France, the latter supported by Empress Josephine. The rose was introduced to India either from China or from Persia since, as some scholars claim, it has no name in Sanskrit. Patronage of the Mughal rulers also contributed to the popularity of the rose on the Indian subcontinent. The Mughal rulers, who originally came from Central Asia, established various gardens including the "Chasme Shahi" garden, one of the four in Srinagar, Kashmir that is renowned for its roses. The therapeutic, "perfumeric", and medicinal properties of the rose and its plant parts are also discussed. The rose is truly the Queen of Flowers.

The Mystical History of the Rose The Queen of Flowers- A B Damania
Bhudharakrida (Royal Enjoyment on a Pleasuremound) in Manasollasa - Nalini Sadhale and Y L Nene
Probable Agricultural Biodiversity Heritage Sites in India: VII. The Arid Western Region - Anurudh K Singh
Performance and Evaluation of Saumic Suvrushti Project in India - MC Varshneya, VB Vaidya, Nanaji Kale, and Ketan Kale
ASIAN Agri-History
Foundation(AAHF)

The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Asian Agri-History Foundation (AAHF). The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this journal do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of AAHF concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area...

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College of Agriculture
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