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Krshi Karma (Samskrit: कृषिकर्म) refers to agricultural and farming practices of man. Agriculture, farming and domestication of animals is one of the most ancient occupations of man. Agriculture came to be practiced when man gave up his nomadic habits and settled down in a place which had favorable climate and topography. Initially depending on wild roots, fruits, and seeds for his sustenance, man eventually adopted the practice of tilling the land to grow crops. Although the time when the ancient man starting farming practices is not completely ascertainable, evidence of agricultural practices in ancient Bharat are available from the worlds oldest texts, the Vedas. Agriculture is the foundation of human civilization.

Sasyaveda (Samskrit: सस्यवेदः) refers to agricultural and farming practices of man. Agriculture, farming and domestication of animals is one of the most ancient occupations of man. Agriculture came to be practiced when man gave up his nomadic habits and settled down in a place which had favorable climate and topography. Initially depending on wild roots, fruits, and seeds for his sustenance, man eventually adopted the practice of tilling the land to grow crops. Although the time when the ancient man starting farming practices is not completely ascertainable, evidence of agricultural practices in ancient Bharat are available from the worlds oldest texts, the Vedas. Agriculture is the foundation of human civilization.

It has been documented that early inhabitants of Bharatakhanda took to farming as their chief occupation supported by the archaeological evidence found in Indus Valley excavations. Discovery of charred rice grains, presence of wheat in the excavations present oldest records of developed agricultural practices.<ref>Ray, P and Sen, S. N. (First Edition 1937) ''The Cultural Heritage of India, Volume 6.'' Calcutta: The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture. (Page 176)</ref>

It has been documented that early inhabitants of Bharatakhanda took to farming as their chief occupation supported by the archaeological evidence found in Indus Valley excavations. Discovery of charred rice grains, presence of wheat in the excavations present oldest records of developed agricultural practices.<ref>Ray, P and Sen, S. N. (First Edition 1937) ''The Cultural Heritage of India, Volume 6.'' Calcutta: The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture. (Page 176)</ref>  

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

== परिचयः ॥ Introduction ==

In the Rigveda, the deities Dyava-Prthvi, are extolled for regaining control over the fertile lands from the Dasyus. Mantras praising [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] as the deity for granting copious rains are well-known. So also [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]] is praised as the deity having bonds in the three lokas; his bond in water i.e., habitable world, explained by Sayanacharya, are tillage, rain and seed. His rays called Asva are powerful and he is known to "drink the waters in the oceans" to form clouds. Thus [[Jala Vijnana (जलविज्ञानम्)|hydrology]] or science of water is intimately connected with the deity Surya and with [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] who is the deity for clouds and rains.

In the Rigveda, the deities Dyava-Prthvi, are extolled for regaining control over the fertile lands from the Dasyus. Mantras praising [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] as the deity for granting copious rains are well-known. So also [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]] is praised as the deity having bonds in the three lokas; his bond in water i.e., habitable world, explained by Sayanacharya, are tillage, rain and seed. His rays called Asva are powerful and he is known to "drink the waters in the oceans" to form clouds. Thus [[Jala Vijnana (जलविज्ञानम्)|hydrology]] or science of water is intimately connected with the deity Surya and with [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] who is the deity for clouds and rains.

In Yajurveda, [[Rudra (रुद्रः)|Rudra]] is extolled and praised (Namaka and Chamakam of Rudraprashna) to obtain all the things associated with agriculture and its products such as grains. Traditionally mountains, the rivers arising in the vast mountainous ranges such as Himalayas and rains have been revered in bharatiya sampradayas as they are believed to be the source of Anna or food grains. Shiva is worshipped as Kedaranath (Kedara means crop fields) who is worshipped in the form of a mountain. Similarly Nara and Narayana mountains in Badarinath are believed to be the forms of Mahavishnu. Thus Shiva and Vishnu devatas are both associated with mountainous forms of earth and the food grains; both are revered as deities of agriculture. In the Bhagavata Purana, the legend of Shrikrishna's lifting the Govardhana mountain for protecting the cattle and gopalas from the incessant rains poured by Indra depict the importance of mountains and their role in agriculture as they produce the fertile alluvial soils for crop production.

 

In Yajurveda, [[Rudra (रुद्रः)|Rudra]] is extolled and praised (Namaka and Chamakam of Rudraprashna) to obtain all the things associated with agriculture and its products such as grains. Yajurveda praises Shiva as the adhipati of the (farm) land - क्षेत्राणां पतये नमो नमः। (Yaju. Veda. 16.18)<ref>Shukla Yajurveda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC Adhyaya 16])</ref><ref name=":2" />. Shiva is worshiped as Kedaranath (ruler over Kedara which means crop fields) in the form of a mountain. Nara and Narayana mountains in Badarinath are believed to be the forms of Mahavishnu. Thus Shiva and Vishnu devatas are both associated with mountainous forms of earth and the food grains; both are revered as deities of agriculture. In the Bhagavata Purana, the legend of Shrikrishna's lifting the Govardhana mountain for protecting the cattle and gopalas from the incessant rains poured by Indra depict the importance of mountains and their role in agriculture as they produce the fertile alluvial soils for crop production.

Many festivals in India are associated with agriculture such as Sankranti and Gomata puja are well known.  

Many festivals in India are associated with agriculture such as Sankranti and Gomata puja are well known.  

== Importance of Agriculture ==

== Importance of Agriculture ==

Kashyapiya-krishi-paddhati is a classical text which discusses the importance of agriculture since ancient times.  

 

Kashyapiya-krishi-paddhati and Krshiparasara are two other classical texts which discuss the importance of agriculture since ancient times.  

===कश्यपीयकृषिपद्धतिः ॥ Kashyapiya-krishi-paddhati===

===कश्यपीयकृषिपद्धतिः ॥ Kashyapiya-krishi-paddhati===

Kashyapiyakrishi paddhati 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-<ref name=":2" /><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>

Kashyapiyakrishi paddhati 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-<ref name=":2" /><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>

 

== References ==

== References ==

[[Category:Shastras]]

[[Category:Shastras]]