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Jala vijnana (Samskrit: जलविज्ञानम्) is the science of water, referred to as Hydrology in modern parlance. Ancient samskrit literature contains the most valuable and highly advanced scientific discourses on hydroscience, sadly unexplored to a great extent.  

Jala vijnana (Samskrit: जलविज्ञानम्) is the science of water, referred to as Hydrology in modern parlance. Ancient samskrit literature contains the most valuable and highly advanced scientific discourses on hydroscience, sadly unexplored to a great extent.  

In vedas one can find references to the concept of loosely bound water molecules; Puranas mention that water is not created or destroyed and it undergoes a change of state through the various phases of water cycle. Earliest references to the process of raindrop formation, rainfall patterns, astronomical factors that affect rains, the chemical aspects such as evaporation, condensation, cloud formation, precipitation are all found interspersed in ancient texts, showcasing the technological advancement of Bharatavarsha.

In vedas one can find references to the concept of loosely bound water molecules; Puranas mention that water is not created or destroyed and it undergoes a change of state through the various phases of water cycle. Earliest references to the process of raindrop formation, rainfall patterns, astronomical factors that affect rains, the chemical aspects such as evaporation, condensation, cloud formation, precipitation are all found interspersed in ancient texts, showcasing the technological advancement of Bharatavarsha.<ref name=":1" />

Effects of Yajnas (in causing rains), forests, reservoirs, classification of clouds, their color, rainfall capacity etc, forecasting of rainfall on the basis of natural phenomena like color of the sky, clouds; wind direction, lightening, and the activities of animals was well developed in ancient days. Varshamapana yantra (rain guage) a contrivance to measure rainfall was referred in Arthashastra of Kautilya and Ashtadhyayi of Panini. The modern hydrology evaluations are based on the ancient technology used in such yantras differing in the weight measure (of Drona and Pala) instead of the modern linear measurement of rainfall. The quantity of rainfall in various parts of Bharat was also predicted by Kautilya.<ref>''[https://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/hydrology_in_ancient_india_nih_1990.pdf Hydrology in Ancient India]'' by National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, India (1990)</ref>

Effects of Yajnas (in causing rains), forests, reservoirs, classification of clouds, their color, rainfall capacity etc, forecasting of rainfall on the basis of natural phenomena like color of the sky, clouds; wind direction, lightening, and the activities of animals was well developed in ancient days. Varshamapana yantra (rain guage) a contrivance to measure rainfall was referred in Arthashastra of Kautilya and Ashtadhyayi of Panini. The modern hydrology evaluations are based on the ancient technology used in such yantras differing in the weight measure (of Drona and Pala) instead of the modern linear measurement of rainfall. The quantity of rainfall in various parts of Bharat was also predicted by Kautilya.<ref name=":1">''[https://www.indiawaterportal.org/sites/indiawaterportal.org/files/hydrology_in_ancient_india_nih_1990.pdf Hydrology in Ancient India]'' by National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, India (1990)</ref>

Brhat samhita discusses the ground water development and water quality methods. Driven by sound concepts, people of ancient Bharat could locate groundwater, analyze its distribution and had knowledge of reaching these water-tables to irrigate fields.

Brhat samhita discusses the ground water development and water quality methods. Driven by sound concepts, people of ancient Bharat could locate groundwater, analyze its distribution and had knowledge of reaching these water-tables to irrigate fields.

==== Clouds and Rainfall ====

==== Clouds and Rainfall ====

Varahamihira's Brhad Samhita extensively discusses about hydrometrology comprising of Pregnancy of clouds (Adhyaya 21), Pregnancy of air (Adhyaya 22) and quantity of rainfall (Adhyaya 23).   

As food is the elixir of life to living beings, and as food is dependent on the monsoon, it should be investigated carefully. He explains the exceptional ability of predicting exact time of rainfall with the help of astrological sciences. A good astrologer who observes the skies and cloud formation, with the knowledge of planetary positions and [[Nakshatras (नक्षत्राणि)|nakshatras]] can accurately predict the rainfall according to Varahamihira.  <blockquote>मार्गशिरःसितपक्षप्रतिपत्प्रभृति क्षपाकरेऽषाढाम् । पूर्वां वा समुपगते गर्भाणां लक्षणं ज्ञेयम् ।। २१.०६ ।। (Brhd. Samh. 21.6)<ref name=":0">Brhat Samhita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 21])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Know that the characteristics of pregnancy of clouds (in the sense of formation of rain-bearing clouds) are to be observed when moon transits Purvashada nakshatra commencing from Margasira Shukla paksha. 

 

Thus an astrologer starts observing the skies (for the formation of clouds) from that day of the bright half of Margasira month when moon transits Purvashada nakshatra. The cloud fetus so formed during the moon's stay in a particular asterism (nakshatra) will be delivered (in the sense of rainfall) 195 days (savana day) after the fetus formation, when the moon transits the same nakshatra (this usually falls in the months of Jyesta and Ashadha, the rainy seasons) as given  in the shloka below. <blockquote>यन्नक्षत्रं उपगते गर्भश्चन्द्रे भवेत्स चन्द्रवशात् । पञ्चनवते दिनशते तत्रएव प्रसवं आयाति ।। २१.०७ ।। (Brhd. Samh. 21.7)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

As food is the elixir of life to living beings, and as food is dependent on the monsoon, it should be investigated carefully. He explains the exceptional ability of predicting exact time of rainfall with the help of astrological sciences. A good astrologer who observes the skies and cloud formation, with the knowledge of planetary positions and [[Nakshatras (नक्षत्राणि)|nakshatras]] can accurately predict the rainfall according to Varahamihira. <blockquote>मार्गशिरःसितपक्षप्रतिपत्प्रभृति क्षपाकरेऽषाढाम् । पूर्वां वा समुपगते गर्भाणां लक्षणं ज्ञेयम् ।। २१.०६ ।। (Brhd. Samh. 21.6)<ref name=":0">Brhat Samhita ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A7 Adhyaya 21])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: Know that the characteristics of pregnancy of clouds (in the sense of formation of rain-bearing clouds) are to be observed when moon transits Purvashada nakshatra commencing from Margasira Shukla paksha.

==== Evaporation, Condensation and Precipitation ====

In Matsya Purana (1.54.29-34) and Vayu Purana, we come across the description about evaporation, rising of water vapor, condensation and precipitation.<blockquote>सर्वभूतशरीरेषु आपो ह्यनुगताश्च याः । तेषु सन्दह्यमानेषु जङ्गमस्थावरेषु च। धूमभूतास्तु ता आपो निष्क्रामन्तीह सर्वशः ।। ५१.२२ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>तेन चाभ्राणि जायन्ते स्थानमत्राम्भसां स्मृतम् । आर्कन्तेजो हि भूतेभ्यो ह्यादत्ते रश्मिभिर्जलम् ।। ५१.२३ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>समुद्राद्वायुसंयोगाद्वहन्त्यापो गभस्तयः। यतस्त्वृतुवशात् काले परिवर्त्तो दिवाकारः। यच्छत्यपो हि मेघेब्यः शुक्लाः शुक्लगभस्तिभिः ।। ५१.२४ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>अभ्रस्था प्रपतन्त्यापो वायुना समुदीरिताः। सर्वभूतहितार्थाय वायुभिश्च समन्ततः ।। ५१.२५ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>ततो वर्षति षण्मासान् सर्वभूतविवृद्धये। वायव्यं स्तनितञ्चैव वैद्युतञ्चाग्निसंभवम् ।। ५१.२६ ।। (Vayu. Pura. 51.23-26)<ref>Vayu Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5 Purvardha, Adhyaya 51])</ref></blockquote>Summary: Water is present in the bodies of all living beings. When the bodies of the mobile and immobile beings (plants and trees) burn, the water becomes vapour and rises from all sides. The clouds arise thereby (by the collection of this vapor) as they are the receptacles of water. The brilliance of the sun takes up the water from the living beings through the rays. Water is also taken up from the oceans by the winds and sun-rays. The changing movements of the sun, during appropriate times with seasons, water is imparted to the clouds by means of his white rays. When blown by the wind, the water drips from the clouds. The clouds shower for six months in order to nourish and develop all living beings. They produce the rumbling sound of thunder arising from the wind and brilliant lightning arising from fire.<ref>Tagare, G. V., (1987) ''The Vayu Purana, Part 1.'' Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass (Page 349)</ref>

Thus an astrologer starts observing the skies (for the formation of clouds) from that day of the bright half of Margasira month when moon transits Purvashada nakshatra. The cloud fetus so formed during the moon's stay in a particular asterism (nakshatra) will be delivered (in the sense of rainfall) 195 days (savana day) after the fetus formation, when the moon transits the same nakshatra (this usually falls in the months of Jyesta and Ashadha, the rainy seasons) as given  in the shloka below. <blockquote>यन्नक्षत्रं उपगते गर्भश्चन्द्रे भवेत्स चन्द्रवशात् ।  पञ्चनवते दिनशते तत्रएव प्रसवं आयाति ।। २१.०७ ।। (Brhd. Samh. 21.7)<ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>

Here the puranic references of water cycle clearly explain the scientific processes  of evaporation, formation of clouds, precipitation, the thunder and lightnings. Varahamihira's Brhat Samhita extensively discusses about hydrometrology comprising of Pregnancy of clouds (Adhyaya 21), Pregnancy of air (Adhyaya 22) and quantity of rainfall (Adhyaya 23).

=== दकार्गलम् ॥ Exploration of Water Springs ===

=== दकार्गलम् ॥ Exploration of Water Springs ===

Dakargalam, mean "Water-finding" (also called Jalargalam or Udakargalam), pertains to the science of exploration of water springs or underground water resources (जलौपलब्धिज्ञानम्). Brhat Samhita the celebrated book of Varahamihira is a treasure trove of ancient Bharat's technical advancements written in the early christian era. In here we find the detailed explanation about exploration of water veins beneath the earth's surface.<blockquote>धर्म्यं यशस्यं च वदाम्यतोऽहं दकार्गलं [क्.दगार्गलं] येन जलौपलब्धिः ।  पुंसां यथाङ्गेषु शिरास्तथैव क्षितावपि प्रोन्नतनिम्नसंस्थाः ।।</blockquote><blockquote>एकेन वर्णेन रसेन चाम्भश्च्युतं नभस्तो वसुधाविशेषात् । नानारसत्वं बहुवर्णतां च गतं परीक्ष्यं क्षितितुल्यमेव ।। (Brhat. Samh. 54.1-2)</blockquote>Meaning: I shall now explain the science of water-finding which is dharmika and brings renown, for it helps men to ascertain the existence of water. Just as there are veins in the human body, even so they exist, some higher up and some lower in the earth. The water that falls from the sky with the same color and taste, assumes various colors and tastes owing to the difference in the nature of the earth.<ref>Pt. V. Subrahmanya Sastri and M. Ramakrishna Bhat (1946) Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita with an English Translation and Notes. Bangalore: Electronic Printing Works. (Pages 458 and 459)</ref>

Dakargalam, mean "Water-finding" (also called Jalargalam or Udakargalam), pertains to the science of exploration of water springs or underground water resources (जलौपलब्धिज्ञानम्). Brhat Samhita the celebrated book of Varahamihira is a treasure trove of ancient Bharat's technical advancements written in the early christian era. In here we find the detailed explanation about exploration of water veins beneath the earth's surface.<blockquote>धर्म्यं यशस्यं च वदाम्यतोऽहं दकार्गलं [क्.दगार्गलं] येन जलौपलब्धिः ।  पुंसां यथाङ्गेषु शिरास्तथैव क्षितावपि प्रोन्नतनिम्नसंस्थाः ।।</blockquote><blockquote>एकेन वर्णेन रसेन चाम्भश्च्युतं नभस्तो वसुधाविशेषात् । नानारसत्वं बहुवर्णतां च गतं परीक्ष्यं क्षितितुल्यमेव ।। (Brhat. Samh. 54.1-2)</blockquote>Meaning: I shall now explain the science of water-finding which is dharmika and brings renown, for it helps men to ascertain the existence of water. Just as there are veins in the human body, even so they exist, some higher up and some lower in the earth. The water that falls from the sky with the same color and taste, assumes various colors and tastes owing to the difference in the nature of the earth.<ref>Pt. V. Subrahmanya Sastri and M. Ramakrishna Bhat (1946) ''Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita with an English Translation and Notes.'' Bangalore: Electronic Printing Works. (Pages 458 and 459)</ref>

 

=== Upward movement of water in Plants ===

=== Water Uptake in Plants ===

== Reference ==

== Reference ==

[[Category:Shastras]]

[[Category:Shastras]]

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