FERTILIZERS IN ANCIENT INDIA
Dr. (Mrs.) E. R. Ramabai

   When the population is increasing by leaps and bounds especially in the developing countries, the responsibilities of scientists and technologists become greater in finding ways and means to increase farm production and reduce wastage by eradicating plant-pests and diseases as well as by devising proper storage methods.

   The Abhilasitarthacintamani mentions a few such fertilisers - 1) the soil underneath a tree struck by lightning is good for warding off trouble for trees from snowfall. 2) Fumigation of trees by burning turmeric, Vidanga, white mustard, flowers of the Arjuna tree, mixed with fish and the flesh Rohita (a kind of deer) will not only help the growth of flowers and fruits but will destroy all worms and insects as well as diseases.

   For the plants which bear flowers having no smell at all, there are fertilisers for making such plants bear sweet smelling flowers.

   The Visvavallabha of Cakrapanimisra, mentions in Chapter IX some fertilisers for bringing about marvellous effects.

   A fertilizing solution called Kunapajala is mentioned in the Vrksayurveda of Surapala as well as in the Upavanavinoda. This solution is a tonic for trees.

   The above mentioned are only a few such fertilizers. We come across many such fertilizers and manure's in our ancient works. This paper intends to highlight the use of such fertilizers by ancient farmers to increase the farm productions and the preparation of such fertilizers.

 
About the Author :-

Dr. (Mrs.) E.R. RAMABAI
Reader in Sanskrit, University of Madras.
B.Sc. (Maths), M.A. (Sanskrit)
Ph.D.1976: Thesis : Study & Critical Edition of Keralabharana of Ramachandramakhin.

Teaching since 1965 till date.

Publications :

Keralabharana - A Study & Critical Edition : Ph.D Thesis published in book form in 1985
Published about 10 research papers in AOR vols.
Under publication : 1. Saranagati Dipika of Vedanta Desika
2. Dasasloki of Sri Sankara with its commentary Siddhantabindu of Madhusudan Sarasvati.

Attended a few seminars and Conferences of All India Oriental Conferences.

  Address :-
Reader in Sanskrit, Department of Sanskrit,
Madras University, Madras 600 005.