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Line 27: − + − + + + − + − − The Atharvaveda also highlights the importance of agriculture. Agricultural work used to be practiced by skilled persons. Poets and scholars took this occupation and did farming for happiness. Agriculture was a delighted occupation in which Gods like Indra and Puṣā were also engaged. Success in agriculture leads to success in life.9 The person possessing abundant food grains is respected as a great man in the society.10 Through agriculture one can acquire vigour, energy and power.11 In the Yajurveda and Taittirīya Saṃhitā agriculture is regarded as the means of human welfare. It is the source of prosperity and sustenance. It gives grain, strength and lustre.12 In Taittirīya Saṃhitā agriculture has been described as Chandas (metre).13 In other words, it is the music that fills human life with delight. Chandas also means covering. As agriculture keeps human beings with happiness, it is known as Chandas. Bṛhatpārāśara says that there is no other religion than agriculture and no profitable business other than agriculture-‘कृषेरन्यत्र नो धमो न ल भः कृषषतोऽन्यतः’14 It further − − adds that there is no other means than agriculture for obtaining happiness, food, clothing, respect etc.15 − − Kāśyapīyakṛṣisūkti mentions that production of grains and other vegetation are the sole purpose of highest fulfilment of the earth. The rich earth full of vegetation is the cause of growth of living beings- − − सस्य षदरेव मेषदन्य ः परोधमथः परिं यशः। सस्यपूर् थ वसुमती प्र षर्न िं प्र र्वषधथनी।।16 − − It further adds that it is the giver of all auspicious things, leading to the satisfaction of Gods especially with its perpetual power to produce grain and fountains of sweet water- − − सवथमङ्गलद त्री च देव न िं तुषष्टद षयनी। षनत्यसस्य च मधुरजलस्र व षवशेषतः।।17 − − Sages with divine insight eulogize agricultural business as the basis of sacrifice and as life giver of living beings- − − यज्ञ न मषप च ध रः प्र षर्न िं जीवद यकम्। कृषषकमथ प्रशिंसषि मुनयो षदव्यचक्षुसः।।18 − − Men should exert and devote themselves to farming whether they get farmlands from a king or purchase one for themselves- − − नृप त् प्र प्तिं स्वतःक्रीत सस्यक्षेत्रिं तु म नव ः। सिंप्र प्य यत्नविश्च कृषषक यथकृत दर ः।।19 − − They are said to please gods and sages. Of all wealth, agriculture is the highest wealth- − − देव न िं च मुनीन िं च मे मत ः प्रीषतद षयनः। घन न मषप सवेष िं कृषषरेव परिं धनम्।।20 − − As this wealth cannot be taken away by others, it is commended by everyone. Yielding profuse returns, it provides pure grains and other things which please Gods- − − परैरग्र ह्यम षदष्टिं सवथश्ल घ्यिं मह फलम्। देव न िं प्रीषतजनक शुद्धद्रव्यप्रद षय तत्।।21 − − Keeping away dependence on others, always yielding wealth, it provides for the guests, deities, and one’s own family- − − प रतन्त्र्यहरिं चैव षनत्यम लक्ष्मीषवल सकृतम्। तर् षतर्ीन िं देव न िं स्वकुटुम्बस्य जीवदम्।।22 − − Giving delight in several ways, the profession of farming is indeed praiseworthy. Any other livelihood involves dependence- − − न न षवध नन्दकरिं कृषषकमथ प्रशस्यते। अतस्तदन्य वृषत्तस्तु प रतन्त्र्येर् गुषित ।।23 − − The natural inclination of people towards agriculture pleases Gods and be nurtured with special effort as it sustains life of all living beings- − − कृषषप्रवृषत्तिं सवेष िं देव न िं प्रीषतद षयनीम्। यत्नतो रक्षयेयुस्त िं जीव न िं जीवनप्रद म्।।24 − − Sages are of the opinion that farming activity should be planned and undertaken in every community, in every country, in every rural part, and in every tableland- − − वने जनपदे देशे क्षेत्रे ग्र म्ये भृगोस्तटे। कृषषप्रवृषत्तिं सिंकल्प् िं मन्यते षह मुनीश्वर ः।।25 − − Sages of ancient times have pursued agricultural activities even on open yards of cottages with a view to benefit all beings- − − पुर तनैस्तु मुषनषभरुटज ङ्गर्भूषमषु। कृषषकमथकृतिं लोके सवथप्र षर्षहत षर्थषभः।।26 − − Undertaking in agriculture is to be pursued by all great men of sharp intelligence to get permanent joy- − − अतः कृष्य द नमेतत् सवेः पुरुषपुङ्गवैः। सूक्ष्मधीषभषरह सेव्यिं श श्वत नन्दहेतवे।।27 − − Kṛṣiparāśara has discussed the importance of agriculture. It says that even a learned Brahmin who is proficient in all the four Vedas, who recites Śāstras and is intelligent, when is overpowered by Alakṣmī, is reduced to humiliation caused be begging for food with folded hands. And only through farming, one however ceases to be a suitor. By practicing agriculture alone one is bound to be bhūpati (master of the earth). People even having surplus of gold, silver, jewels and garments have to solicit farmers as earnestly as a devotee would pray God. People in spite of having gold ornaments in their necks, ears and hands have to suffer from hunger in absence of food. Food is life, food is also the strength, food is everything. The divines, the demons, and all human beings depend on food for surviving. Food, verily, comes from grains and grains cannot be available without agriculture. Therefore, leaving everything else one should strive for farming. Blessed is agriculture, holy is agriculture, and agriculture is life of all living creatures- − − चतुवेद िगो षवप्रः श स्त्रव दी षवचक्षर्ः। अलक्ष्म्य गृह्यते सोऽषप प्र र्थन ल घव षितः।। − − एकध च पुनः कृष्य प्र र्थको नैव ज यते। कृष्य षितो षह लोकेऽषिन् भूय देकश्च भूपषतः।। − सुवर्थरौप्यम षर्क्यवसनैरषप पूषरत ः। तर् षप प्र र्थयन्त्येव कृषक न् भक्ततृष्णय ।।+ + − कण्ठे कर्े च हस्ते च सुवर्ं षवद्यते यषद। उपव सस्तर् ऽषप स्य दन्न भ वेन देषहन म्।।+ − अन्निं प्र र् बलिं च न्नमन्निं सव थर्थस धनम्। देव सुरमनुष्यश्च सवे च न्नोपजीषवनः।।+ − अन्निं षह ध न्यसञ्ज तिं ध न्यिं कृष्य षवन न च। ति त्सवं पषरत्यज्य कृषषिं यत्नेन क रयेत्।।+ − कृषषधथन्य कृषषमेध्य जिून िं जीवनिं कृषषः।28+ + − Various sūktas of Ṛgveda such as Kṣetrapati29, Parjanya30, Pṛthvī31, Go32, Āpaḥ33, Akṣa34, Viśvedevā35 and Araṇyanī36 have well described in the importance of agriculture. Similarly various sūktas of Atharvaveda including Kṛṣi37, Anna38, Anna samṛddhi39 have talked about the significance of agriculture.+ +
Krshi Vijnana (कृषिविज्ञानम्) (view source)
Revision as of 00:50, 8 April 2020
, 00:50, 8 April 2020editing and adding references
== Origin of Agriculture ==
== Origin of Agriculture ==
According to the Markandeya Purana, Brahma was regarded as the first inventor of Agriculture. According to this Purana, in the beginning of the creation of the earth, the soil yielded almost all type of corns, vegetables and fruits etc. However, as the time passed, the soil became unproductive. Thereafter, Brahma churned the soil, and obtained various kinds of seeds. These seeds on their own accord started giving yields of corns, fruits etc., which at a later stage became unproductive. Then He brought the agriculture into practice. Seeing the ability of different classes of the people in the society he initiated one class of the people to do this profession of agriculture. Since then the agriculture depended on human toil.
According to the Markandeya Purana, Brahma was regarded as the first inventor of Agriculture. According to this Purana, in the beginning of the creation of the earth and its inhabitants, the soil yielded almost all type of corns, vegetables and fruits etc. In the Adhyaya 49, one can trace the lifestyle of people when they lived contentedly under the shades of trees. <blockquote>गृहाकारा यथा पूर्वं तेषामासन्नहीरुहाः । तथा संस्मृत्य तत्सर्वं चक्रुर्वेश्मानि ताः प्रजाः॥४९.५२॥</blockquote><blockquote>वृक्षस्यैवङ्गताः शाखास्तथैवञ्चापरी गताः । नताश्चैवोन्नताश्चैव तद्वच्छाखाः प्रचक्रिरे॥४९.५३॥ (Mark. Pura. 49.52-53)<ref name=":1">Markandeya Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5 Adhyaya 49])</ref></blockquote>As man's desires and greed (रागलोभौ), and other emotions increased along with hunger, thirst etc. They started plundering the environment and medicinal plants for their selfish needs, thus the earth became depleted of its abundance, in their distress approached Brahma. Brahma seeing the state of people brought about the system of Varnas and Ashramas according to the people's natures and abilities. Thereafter, Brahma milked the Meru (earth) like a cow, caused rains and obtained various kinds of seeds for giving rise to food grains, seasonal fruits and medicinal plants, thus the system of farming, agriculture and trading came to be established by him.<ref>Dr. Satyavrata Singh. (1985) ''Sri Markandeya Mahapuranam Part Two (Chapters 46-93).'' Sitapur: Institute for Puranic and Vedic Studies and Research. (Pages 44 - 48)</ref><blockquote>स चापि तत्त्वतो ज्ञात्वा तदा ग्रस्तां वसुन्धराम् । वत्सं कृत्वा सुमेरुन्तु दुदोह भगवान् विभुः॥४९.६५॥</blockquote><blockquote>दुग्धेयं गौस्तदा तेन शस्यानि पृथिवीतले । जज्ञिरे तानि बीजानि ग्राम्यारण्यास्तु ताः पुनः॥४९.६६॥</blockquote><blockquote>ओषध्यः फलपाकान्ता गणाः सप्तदशा स्मृताः । व्रीहयश्च यवाश्चैव गोधूमा अणवस्तिलाः॥४९.६७॥ (Mark. Pura. 49.65-67)<ref name=":1" /> </blockquote><blockquote>यदा प्रसृष्टा ओषध्यो न प्ररोहन्ति ताः पुनः । ततः स तासां वृद्ध्यर्थं वार्तोपायञ्चकार ह॥४९.७३॥</blockquote><blockquote>ब्रह्मा स्वयम्भूर्भगवान् हस्तसिद्धिञ्च कर्मजाम् । ततः प्रभृत्यथौषध्यः कृष्टपच्यास्तु जज्ञिरे॥४९.७४॥ (Mark. Pura. 49.73-74)</blockquote>Seeing the ability of different classes of the people in the society Brahma initiated people into the agricultural profession. Since then agriculture based on human toil brought back the crops in fields.
However, according to the Atharvaveda2, Viṣṇu Purāṇa3, and Śrimad Bhāgvad Mahāpurāṇa4, a king named Pṛthu, the son of a king Vena was regarded as the inventor of agriculture. Pṛthu may be considered as a king who effectively brought the agriculture into practice. In the Atharvaveda, King Pṛthī Vainya has been said to be inventor of agriculture. It is he who for the first time did farming and grew grains.<ref>Dwivedi, Dhananjay Vasudeo. ''[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322745690_Development_of_Agriculture_in_Ancient_India Development of Agriculture in Ancient India]'' in Sanskruti Darpan, Issue 54, Jan. 2018</ref>
However, according to the Atharvaveda, Viṣṇu Purāṇa, and Śrimad Bhāgvad Mahāpurāṇa, Pṛthu Maharaja, the son of a Vena was regarded as the one who initiated agriculture as seen from the following shlokas of Vishnu Purana.<blockquote>न शस्यानि न गोरक्षं न कृषिर्न वणिक्पथः । वैणेयात्प्रभृति मैत्रेय सर्वस्यैतस्य सम्भवः ।। ८३ ।।</blockquote><blockquote>स कल्पयित्वा वत्सं तु मनुं स्वायम्भुवं प्रभुः । स्वे पाणौ पृथिवीनाथो दुदोह पृथिवीं पृथुः ।। ८६ ।। (Vish. Pura. 1.13.83 and 86)<ref>Vishnu Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%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%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5 Amsha 1 Adhyaya 13])</ref></blockquote>Meaning: At that time there were no crops, nor were the cows protected, nor was there agriculture (कृषि) or ways for business (वणिक्पथः). Starting with Vaineya (Prthu) all these activities became possible. Prthu, that raja, milked the earth using his hand (as a vessal) by arranging Svayambhuva Manu as the calf.
Thus, Pṛthu may be considered as a king who effectively brought the agriculture into practice. In the Atharvaveda, Prthu Vaineya has been said to be inventor of agriculture by "milking" the Virat after arranging Vaivasvata Manu as the calf and making earth as his vessal. It is he Prthu, son of Vena, who for the first time did farming and grew grains.<ref name=":2">Dwivedi, Dhananjay Vasudeo. ''[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322745690_Development_of_Agriculture_in_Ancient_India Development of Agriculture in Ancient India]'' in Sanskruti Darpan, Issue 54, Jan. 2018</ref><blockquote>तस्या मनुर्वैवस्वतो वत्स आसीत्पृथिवी पात्रम् । तां पृथो वैन्योऽधोक्तां कृषिं च सस्यं चाधोक्। </blockquote><blockquote>ते स्वधां कृषिं च सस्यं च मनुष्या उपजीवन्ति कृष्टराधिरुपजीवनीयो भवति य एवं वेद ॥२४॥ (Atha. Veda. 8.13.24)<ref>Atharva Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%AE Kanda 8])</ref></blockquote>Men earn their living by agriculture and growing crops. The one who knows the secrets and becomes an expert of farming will become the support for livelihoods of other beings.<ref>Atharva Veda Hindi Translation (Kanda 8 Page 36)</ref>
== Importance of Agriculture ==
== Importance of Agriculture ==
It goes without saying that agriculture was given due importance in ancient India. Vedic seers knew that agriculture was the only option for food security. Food, as everybody knows, is basic necessity of human being. Agriculture is helpful is attaining all the four goals (पुरुषा र्थ चतुष्टय) of life. Human life is dependent on Anna and production of Anna is dependent of agriculture. Hence, agriculture is basic necessity of human life. Yajurveda says that one should make effort for producing abundant grains through agriculture.5 Men depend for their lives on agriculture-ते कृषषिं च सस्यिं च मनुष्य उपजीवषि।6 Speaking about the importance of agriculture, Vedic seer says-O gambler, stop gambling, and engage yourself in agriculture, which is regarded as most valuable wealth, so that you will earn wealth, happiness, cattle and happy married life. You respect this wealth and be content with this wealth-<blockquote>अक्षैम थ दीव्यः कृषषषमत् कृषस्व षवत्ते रमस्व बहुमन्यम नः।</blockquote><blockquote>तत्र ग वः षकतव तत्र ज य तनमे षव चष्टे सषवत यमयथः।।7</blockquote>The Ṛgveda further adds that the cultivator is bound to get plentiful crops and immense wealth.8
It goes without saying that agriculture was given due importance in ancient India. Vedic seers knew that agriculture was the only option for food security. Food, as everybody knows, is basic necessity of human being. Agriculture is helpful is attaining all the four goals (पुरुषा र्थ चतुष्टय) of life. Human life is dependent on Anna and production of Anna is dependent on agriculture. Hence, agriculture is basic necessity of human life.
=== वेदेषु कृषिविषयाः ॥ Agriculture in Vedas ===
Yajurveda says that one should make effort for producing abundant grains through agriculture.<ref name=":2" />
Speaking about the importance of agriculture, Rig Vedic seer says-O gambler, stop gambling, and engage yourself in agriculture, which is regarded as most valuable wealth, so that you will earn wealth, happiness, cattle and happy married life. You respect this wealth and be content with this wealth.<blockquote>अक्षैर्मा दीव्यः कृषिमित्कृषस्व वित्ते रमस्व बहु मन्यमानः । तत्र गाव: कितव तत्र जाया तन्मे वि चष्टे सवितायमर्यः ॥१३॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.34.13)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-034/ Mandala 10 Sukta 34])</ref></blockquote>The Ṛgveda further adds that the cultivator is bound to get plentiful crops and immense wealth (Rig. Veda. 7.39.2).
The Atharvaveda also highlights the importance of agriculture. Agricultural work used to be practiced by skilled persons. Poets and scholars took this occupation and did farming for happiness. Agriculture was a delightful occupation in which Indra and Pusha were also engaged. Success in agriculture leads to success in life. The person possessing abundant food grains is respected as a great man in the society (Aitareya Brahmana 2.5). Through agriculture one can acquire vigour, energy and power. In the Yajurveda and Taittirīya Saṃhitā agriculture is regarded as the means of human welfare. It is the source of prosperity and sustenance. It gives grain, strength and lustre.
Various sūktas of Ṛgveda such as Kṣetrapati29, Parjanya30, Pṛthvī31, Go32, Āpaḥ33, Akṣa34, Viśvedevā35 and Araṇyanī36 have well described in the importance of agriculture. Similarly various sūktas of Atharvaveda including Kṛṣi37, Anna38, Anna samṛddhi39 have talked about the significance of agriculture.
=== कश्यपीयकृषिसूक्तिः ॥ Kashyapiya-krishi-sukti ===
Kashyapiyakrishisukti mentions that production of grains and other vegetation are the sole purpose of highest fulfilment of the earth. The rich earth full of vegetation is the cause of growth of living beings-<blockquote>सस्यादिरेव मेदिन्याः परोधर्मः परं यशः। सस्यपूर्णा वसुमती प्राणिनां प्राणवर्धिनी।। (1.18)</blockquote>It further adds that it is the giver of all auspicious things, leading to the satisfaction of devatas especially with its perpetual power to produce grain and fountains of sweet water-<blockquote>सर्वमङ्गलदात्री च देवानां तुष्टिदायिनी। नित्यसस्या च मधुरजलस्रावा विशेषतः।। (1.19)</blockquote>Seers with divine insight eulogize agricultural business as the basis of sacrifice and as life giver of living beings-<blockquote>यज्ञानामपि चाधारः प्राणिनां जीवदायकम्। कृषिकर्म प्रशंसन्ति मुनयो दिव्यचक्षुसः।। (1.235)</blockquote>Men should exert and devote themselves to farming whether they get farmlands from a king or purchase one for themselves-<blockquote>नृपत् प्राप्तं स्वतःक्रीत सस्यक्षेत्रं तु मानवाः। संप्राप्य यत्नवन्तश्च कृषिकार्यकृतादराः ।। (1.236)</blockquote>They are said to please devatas and rshis. Of all wealth, agriculture is the highest wealth-<blockquote>देवानां च मुनीनां च मे मताः प्रीतिदायिनः। घनानामपि सर्वेषां कृषिरेव परं धनम्।। (1.237)</blockquote>As this wealth cannot be taken away by others, it is commended by everyone. Yielding profuse returns, it provides pure grains and other things which please devatas-<blockquote>परैरग्राह्यमादिष्टं सर्वंश्श्लाघ्यं महाफलम्। देवानां प्रीतिजनक शुद्धद्रव्यप्रदायि तत्।।(1.238)</blockquote>Keeping away dependence on others, always yielding wealth, it provides for the guests, deities, and one’s own family-<blockquote>परातन्त्र्यहरं चैव नित्यम लक्ष्मीविलासकृतम्। तथातिथीनां देवानां स्वकुटुम्बस्य जीवदम्।। (1.239)</blockquote>Giving delight in several ways, the profession of farming is indeed praiseworthy. Any other livelihood involves dependence-<blockquote>नानाविधानन्दकरं कृषिकर्म प्रशस्यते। अतस्तदन्या वृत्तिस्तु पारतन्त्र्येण गुम्भिता ।।(1.240)</blockquote>The natural inclination of people towards agriculture pleases devatas and be nurtured with special effort as it sustains life of all living beings-<blockquote>कृषिप्रवृत्तिं सर्वेषां देवानां प्रीतिदायिनीम्। यत्नतो रक्षयेयुस्तां जीवानां जीवनप्रदाम्।। (1.244)</blockquote>Seers are of the opinion that farming activity should be planned and undertaken in every community, in every country, in every rural part, and in every tableland-<blockquote>वने जनपदे देशे क्षेत्रे ग्राम्ये भृगोस्तटे। कृषिप्रवृषत्तिं संकल्प्यां मन्यते हि मुनीश्वराः ।। (1.245)</blockquote>Sages of ancient times have pursued agricultural activities even on open yards of cottages with a view to benefit all beings-<blockquote>पुरातनैस्तु मुनिभिरुटजाङ्गणभूमिषु । कृषिकर्मकृतं लोके सर्वप्राणिहितार्थिभिः।। (1.246)</blockquote>Undertaking in agriculture is to be pursued by all great men of sharp intelligence to get permanent joy-<blockquote>अतः कृष्यादानमेतत् सर्वेः पुरुषपुङ्गवैः। सूक्ष्मधीभिरिहासेव्यं शाश्वतानन्दहेतवे।। (1.248)</blockquote>
=== कृषिपराशरः ॥ Krshi Parashara ===
Krshiparashara has discussed the importance of agriculture. It says that even a learned Brahmin who is proficient in all the four Vedas, who recites Shastras and is intelligent, when is overpowered by Alakṣmī, is reduced to humiliation caused be begging for food with folded hands. And only through farming, one however ceases to be a suitor. By practicing agriculture alone one is bound to be bhupati (master of the earth). People even having surplus of gold, silver, jewels and garments have to solicit farmers as earnestly as a devotee would pray. People in spite of having gold ornaments in their necks, ears and hands have to suffer from hunger in absence of food. Food is life, food is also the strength, food is everything. The divinities, the demons, and all human beings depend on food for surviving. Food, verily, comes from grains and grains cannot be available without agriculture. Therefore, leaving everything else one should strive for farming. Blessed is agriculture, holy is agriculture, and agriculture is life of all living creatures-.
Here one sūkta namely Kṛṣi sūkta from Atharvaveda is quoted in totality-
Here one sūkta namely Kṛṣi sūkta from Atharvaveda is quoted in totality-