IKS Series : Book-8 

Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Ecology in Ancient India

Chapter 1: Introduction to Life Sciences, Agriculture, and Ecology in Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems

This chapter provides an overview of the scope encompassing kṣatriya, mṛgayurveda, pākaśāstra, and pavitra upavana, highlighting their interconnections in ancient Indian traditions and their relevance to modern ecology and agriculture.

Chapter 2: Historical Development of Kṛṣiśāstra and Vṛkṣāyurveda

Exploring the evolution of agricultural sciences and plant medicine in ancient India, including key milestones from Vedic times to medieval periods, and their foundational principles.

Chapter 3: Prominent Personalities in Kṛṣiśāstra and Vṛkṣāyurveda

A detailed account of influential figures who contributed to agricultural and botanical knowledge, such as sages and scholars mentioned in classical texts.

Chapter 4: Textual Sources in Kṛṣiśāstra: Upavana Vinōda and Kṛṣiparāśara

Analysis of primary texts like Upavana Vinōda and Kṛṣiparāśara, focusing on their descriptions of gardening, crop cultivation, and plant care techniques.

Chapter 5: Advanced Textual Insights: Bṛhat Samhitā and Kṛṣi Gīta

Examination of Bṛhat Samhitā by Varāhamihira and Kṛṣi Gīta, covering astrological influences on agriculture, seasonal farming practices, and poetic agricultural wisdom.

Chapter 6: Recreational Gardens and Upavana in Ancient India

Discussion on the design, purpose, and maintenance of recreational gardens (upavana), including aesthetic and ecological roles in ancient Indian society.

Chapter 7: Agriculture Practices in Ancient India

Overview of traditional farming methods, crop selection, irrigation, and soil management as described in historical sources, emphasizing sustainable practices.

Chapter 8: Plant Diseases and Their Management in Vṛkṣāyurveda

Identification, symptoms, and ancient remedies for plant diseases, drawing from textual prescriptions for organic treatments and preventive measures.

Chapter 9: Pest Control and Manures in Ancient Agricultural Texts

Techniques for natural pest management and the preparation of organic manures, including composts and bio-fertilizers from plant and animal sources.

Chapter 10: Plant Grafting Techniques and Propagation Methods

Detailed exploration of grafting, layering, and other propagation methods in vṛkṣāyurveda, with examples from texts on enhancing plant varieties.

Chapter 11: Historical Development of Mṛgāyurveda

Tracing the origins and milestones of animal sciences, including veterinary practices for wildlife and domesticated animals, with key personalities.

Chapter 12: Textual Sources in Mṛgāyurveda: Pālakāpyasaṃhitā to Mṛgapakṣiśāstra

Review of core texts such as Pālakāpyasaṃhitā, Gajāyurveda, Śālihotrasaṃhitā, Aśvāyurveda, and Mṛgapakṣiśāstra, focusing on animal husbandry and ornithology.

Chapter 13: Classification and Description of Animals in Ancient Texts

Systems of animal classification based on habitat, behavior, and utility, including detailed descriptions of mammals, birds, and other species.

Chapter 14: Diagnosis and Treatment of Animal Diseases

Methods for diagnosing ailments in animals and birds, along with herbal and holistic treatments prescribed in mṛgāyurveda traditions.

Chapter 15: Historical Development and Textual Sources of Pākaśāstra

Evolution of culinary sciences, milestones, personalities, and key texts like Pākadarpaṇa, Bhojanakutūhala, Kṣemakutūhala, and Pathyāpathyaviniścaya.

Chapter 16: Concepts of Balanced Diet, Food Classification, and Healthy Practices in Pākaśāstra

Covering the principles of balanced nutrition, food sources and categorization, healthy/unhealthy combinations, recipes, cooking methods, customization by season and constitution, eight dietary factors, proper eating habits, and avoidance of unhealthy practices; integrated with sacred groves, social forestry benefits, and ayurvedic plants like tulasī, neem, mango, arjuna, and others for ecological and medicinal contexts.

Professional Note

Authors may submit chapters other than those listed above, provided the proposed chapter aligns with the overall theme and objectives of the book.