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?

Brahat Samhita by Varahamihira. Signup and view all the answers

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

Potato. Signup and view all the answers

How were soils categorized in ancient India based on fertility?

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

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

Irrigation from wells. Signup and view all the answers

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

Finger millet (Ragi). Signup and view all the answers

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

Sugarcane, cotton, and tobacco. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To cope with the difficult food situation in the country. Signup and view all the answers

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

Pantnagar University was established in 1962. Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

How did ancient Indian literature classify wet and dry lands?

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

Describe the three types of land mentioned in Upavana Vinod.

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

What irrigation methods were mentioned in ancient Indian texts?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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.