GLIMPSES OF KRSIPARASHAR: A SANSKRIT WORK
DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE DIFFERENT
AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS.
Dr. Ravindra Ramdas

   Innumerable references to agriculture in the Rigveda attest that agriculture has been playing a vital role in the economy of Bharat. One would expect specialised works on this subject. However, it is the only Sanskrit work of its kind.

   The introducing verse tells us that Sage Parasara is relating Krisi-Karma Vivechanam. We are not able to tell with certainty whether the author Parasara is the same who wrote Parasara Smrti. Varahamihira, the renowned astronomer also refers to Parasara as an authority on astronomy as well as cattle science in his Brihatsamhita.

   The work opens with an eulogy of the author and of agriculture. Rice is then eloquently extolled as the principal source of strength and domestic happiness. The influences of planets on agriculture and rainfall is dealt upon in some detail. The clouds have been divided into four types viz., Avarta, Savarta, Puskara and Drona and the effect of each is described. Next we find detailed and interesting methods of ascertaining the annual rainfall. These are followed by an enumeration of the indications of immediate rainfall, such as the rising of ants from their holes with eggs, sudden croaking of frogs etc., as well as a statement of particular positions of the Sun, the Moon and the Planets affecting the rainfall.

   The work undoubtedly contains very valuable instructions regarding the important business of agriculture. The work has been edited and translated by G.M. Majumdar and S.C. Banerji and published by the Asiatic Society of Calcutta in 1960.

 
About the Author :-

Dr. RAVINDRA RAMDAS
M.A. in History. Ph.D. In History. Publications :
(English)
Indians in East Africa
Indians in Fiji
Indians in Sri Lanka
Indian in Guyana
Mahatma Gandhi on Indians Overseas

(Marathi)
Shri Sivarajyabhiseka Rayagadarsana
Maharastrache Jaladurg
Marathyanche Sagari Pradesavaril Simollanghana
Sahaji Raje Bhosale
Sagari Satteche Samsthapak Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Patrarupa Vyaktidarsana

Presently Director, Sir Purushottamdas Research Centre, Shri Brihad Bhartiya Samaj, Bombay.
Has visited various archives and  universities in U.S.A. to collect source material for "Indians' Freedom Struggle Abroad". Visited France, Italy, Holland, Portugal and England for collection of source material regarding Chatrapati. Shivaji preserved in various archives and  institutions for a research sponsored by  Govt. of Maharashtra.
Attended many Seminars and Conferences and read papers.

                                                                                                                                      Address :-
13, Bharati Bhavan,73. R.A. Kidwai Road,
  Matunga,Bombay 400 029.
Tel :- 47 66 01