History of Scientific Agriculture in India
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Questions and Answers

What significant agricultural development occurred around 8700 B.C.?

Domestication of sheep.

Which two crop cultivation milestones were achieved in 7500 B.C. and 4400 B.C.?

Cultivation of wheat and barley in 7500 B.C. and maize in 4400 B.C.

What technology was invented around 2900 B.C. that significantly impacted farming?

The plough was invented.

Which ancient literature from 500 A.D. discusses agriculture?

<p>Brahat Samhita by Varahamihira.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crop was introduced to India by the Portuguese in the 16th century?

<p>Potato.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How were soils categorized in ancient India based on fertility?

<p>Soils were categorized as Urvara (fertile) and Anurvara (sterile).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a crucial agricultural practice developed around 1500 B.C.?

<p>Irrigation from wells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable crop cultivated in 1800 B.C.?

<p>Finger millet (Ragi).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What agricultural products marked the beginning of scientific agriculture in India?

<p>Sugarcane, cotton, and tobacco.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant infrastructure developments were initiated during Lord Dalhousie's period to improve agriculture?

<p>The construction of the Upper Bari Doab Canal, roads, and establishment of the Public Works Department.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which period is referred to as the golden period in agriculture in India, and why?

<p>Lord Curzon's period (1898-1905) is referred to as the golden period due to the establishment of various agricultural initiatives and institutions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) established, and what was its main purpose?

<p>ICAR was established in 1929 to conduct agricultural research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event in 1965-67 is associated with the Green Revolution in India?

<p>The introduction of High Yielding Varieties (HYV) in wheat and rice along with increased use of fertilizers and pesticides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the establishment of the Department of Food in 1942?

<p>To cope with the difficult food situation in the country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which university was established as the first Land Grant College in India, and when?

<p>Pantnagar University was established in 1962.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role did the Royal Commission on Agriculture, set up in 1926, play in India's agricultural development?

<p>It provided recommendations for essential infrastructure like canals and roads to enhance agricultural productivity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crops were identified as suitable for clayey soils in ancient India?

<p>Jute and potato were identified as suitable crops for clayey soils.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did ancient Indian literature classify wet and dry lands?

<p>Wet lands were classified as shuli bhumi, Jala Bhumi, or Sasya Bhumi, while dry lands were called Adhaka Bhumi.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the three types of land mentioned in Upavana Vinod.

<p>The three types of land are arid, wet, and moderate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What irrigation methods were mentioned in ancient Indian texts?

<p>Irrigation methods include using a wheel to raise water and swinging a canoe between two men.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Megasthenes report about the agricultural practices in ancient India?

<p>Megasthenes reported that the greater part of the soil was under irrigation, enabling two crops to grow in a year.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which crops or trees were suitable for moderate land according to ancient agricultural texts?

<p>Citron, Punnaga, Champaka, Amra, and pomegranate were suitable for moderate land.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evidence of irrigation importance was found in the Gupta dynasty?

<p>Lake Sudarsana was excavated during the Gupta dynasty, showing the importance of irrigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did observations about soil color and taste impact agriculture in ancient India?

<p>The observations helped determine which crops would thrive in different soil types based on their characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is scientific agriculture?

Scientific agriculture refers to farming practices that use scientific knowledge and technologies to improve crop yields and efficiency.

When did scientific agriculture gain momentum in India?

Scientific agriculture gained momentum in India during the 19th century, especially after the recurring famines that occurred between 1878 and 1900.

What was the significance of the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)?

The IARI, established in 1903 at Pusa, Bihar, was a landmark in Indian agriculture. It played a key role in research and development of agricultural practices.

What was the outcome of the Royal Commission on Agriculture in 1926?

The Royal Commission's recommendations led to the formation of the ICAR (Imperial Council of Agricultural Research) in 1929, which focused on agricultural research.

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What was the impact of the Land Grant College at Pantnagar?

The Land Grant College, started in 1962, was a significant step towards modern agricultural education and research in India.

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What were the key components of the Green Revolution in India?

The Green Revolution, which occurred in the mid-1960s, was marked by the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, increased use of fertilizers, construction of dams for irrigation, and use of pesticides.

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What was the purpose of creating the Department of Food in 1942?

The Department of Food was established during World War II to address the critical food shortage faced by India.

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How has the Indian Meteorological Department aided agriculture?

The Indian Meteorological Department, established in 1945, provides crucial weather information and forecasts to farmers, aiding in agricultural planning and decision-making.

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Domestication of Sheep

The process of taming sheep for use as a source of food, wool, and labor. This event took place around 8700 BC, marking a significant shift from hunting and gathering to agriculture.

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Cultivation of Crops (Wheat and Barley)

Around 7500 BC, the process of planting, growing, and harvesting wheat and barley began, marking the start of organized agriculture.

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Domestication of Cattle and Pigs

Around 6000 BC, cattle and pigs were domesticated for both food production and livestock management.

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Cultivation of Maize

The cultivation of maize (corn) began around 4400 BC, expanding the range of available food sources.

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Wheel Invention

The wheel, invented around 3400 BC, revolutionized transportation and agriculture, enabling easier movement of goods and people.

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Plough Invention

Around 2900 BC, the plough revolutionized agriculture by enabling deeper soil preparation and increased crop yields.

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Urvara vs. Anurvara Soil

Ancient Indian farmers classified soil based on fertility. Urvara soil was fertile and suitable for crops, while Anurvara soil was infertile and not suitable for cultivation.

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Soil Classification Based on Crop Suitability

Ancient Indian farmers further subdivided Urvara soil into different categories, each suited for specific crops, reflecting their understanding of soil science and crop needs.

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Clayey Soil

A type of soil suitable for growing crops like jute and potatoes. It thrives well near bamboo groves.

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Riverbank Soil

Soil found along riverbanks, ideal for growing pumpkins and gourds due to its rich nutrients and moisture.

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Shuli Bhumi

Wetlands specifically for paddy fields, also known as Jala Bhumi or Sasya Bhumi.

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Adhaka Bhumi

Dry lands, in contrast to wetlands, suitable for different types of crops.

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Soil Color & Taste

Ancient Indians classified soil based on color (black, pale, red, white, yellow) and taste (sweet, sour, salt, pungent, bitter, astringent) to determine suitable crops.

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Moderate Land

Land suitable for various fruit trees like citron, punnaga, champaka, amra and pomegranate, as it's neither too wet nor too dry.

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Ancient Irrigation Techniques

Techniques like using a wheel, strap and water pails, a long pole with a weight, or a canoe tied by ropes to lift water from wells for irrigation.

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Importance of Irrigation

Irrigation was crucial in ancient India, exemplified by the Sudarsana Lake, canals of Ashoka, and numerous reservoirs, showcasing the emphasis on agricultural development.

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Study Notes

Development of Scientific Agriculture in India

  • Scientific agriculture in India began with crops like sugarcane, cotton, and tobacco grown for export
  • 19th-century saw increased momentum in agricultural development, including railway, telegraph, and postal department establishment under Lord Dalhousie (1848-1856)
  • Lord Curzon's period (1898-1905) is considered a golden age in agriculture due to significant canal system developments, particularly in Western Punjab, and establishment of the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at Pusa, Bihar in 1903
  • IARI was later relocated to New Delhi in 1936
  • Imperial Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was established in 1929
  • ICAR transitioned to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) after India's independence in 1947
  • State Agriculture Universities were established after the 1960s
  • ICAR established its own research institutes across India focusing on diverse crops
  • A Land Grant College was established at Pantnagar (UP) in 1962. It became the first university with 16,000 acres of land
  • Food Department established in 1942 due to food shortages.
  • Meteorological Department was constituted in 1945 for agricultural weather services.

Important Events in Agricultural History

  • 10,000 BCE: Hunting and gathering
  • 8700 BCE: Domestication of sheep
  • 7700 BCE: Domestication of goats
  • 7500 BCE: Cultivation of crops (wheat and barley)
  • 6000 BCE: Domestication of cattle and pigs
  • 4400 BCE: Cultivation of maize
  • 3500 BCE: Cultivation of potato
  • 3400 BCE: Invention of the wheel
  • 3000 BCE: Bronze used for tools
  • 2900 BCE: Invention of the plow, start of irrigated farming
  • 2700 BCE: Silk moth domestication (China)
  • 2300 BCE: Cultivation of chickpeas, pear, sarson and cotton; domestication of fowl, buffalo, elephants; rice cultivation
  • 1800 BCE: Cultivation of finger millet (ragi)
  • 1725 BCE: Cultivation of sorghum
  • 1700 BCE: Taming of horses
  • 1500 BCE: Cultivation of sugarcane, irrigation from wells
  • 1400 BCE: Use of iron
  • 15th Century AD: Cultivation of sweet oranges, sour oranges, wild brinjals, pomegranates
  • 16th Century AD: Introduction of several crops by the Portuguese (e.g., potato, sweet potato, cassava, tomato, chilies, pumpkins, papaya etc.)

Ancient Indian Agricultural Knowledge

  • Ancient Indian agriculturalists were aware of soil types (fertile vs. infertile) and their suitability for various crops.
  • Knowledge of soil types was passed down through maxims and proverbs across generations.
  • Ancient texts like Krishi Sukti (by Kasyapa) and Upavana Vinod categorized land based on factors like water availability.
  • Information regarding irrigation, water management, and construction of reservoirs to maintain water supplies as required for farming was readily available.

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Development of Scientific Agriculture in India PDF

Description

Explore the milestones in the development of scientific agriculture in India. From the early cultivation of cash crops to the establishment of key institutions like the ICAR, this quiz covers the significant contributions and advancements made throughout history. Understand how these developments shaped modern agriculture practices in India.

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