Abstract

THE SCIENCE OF PLANT LIFE (VRIKSHA AYURVEDA) IN ARCHAIC LITERATURE: AN INSIGHT ON BOTANICAL, AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL ASPECTS OF ANCIENT INDIA

N. Srikanth, Devesh Tewari* and A. K. Mangal

ABSTRACT

The science of farming and harvesting is not the bequest of modern science at least in India. Ancient educational system or ashrama traditions carving out of wild and natural forests with preservation of trees and herbs of diverse values indicates the rearing of plant sciences. Survival of living beings depends on the harmonious functioning of bio-ecological factors where in the role of „producers‟ is pivotal being the sustainable source of supply of nutrients (ahara) and medicines (oushadhi). Plants form the major source of medicines meeting most of health needs of humanity since ages. Ancient India recognized the importance of conservation, developed cultivation, collection methods of plant bio-resources and their rational use for health promotion and of therapeutic purpose. Furthermore the primeval classics of India laid emphasis on comprehension of plant taxonomy, classification of soil, relevant practices of cultivation viz. selection of soil, plant propagation techniques (through seeds, roots, cuttings, apical portions etc.), plant nourishment, plant diseases and their management. Owing to generation of greater interest and increased demand towards the „natural and traditional holistic systems of healing‟ in recent times, it is the juncture to develop appropriate methodology of cultivation and harvesting of medicinal plants by integrating the knowledge of traditional and contemporary sciences which consecutively aid in sustainable deliverance of quality assured plant drugs, moreover their conservation.

Keywords: Agriculture, Vrikshayurveda, Aboriginal Science.