Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 297

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SŪTRA • [Ch. V and gives an idea of the method of agricultural operations, etc. as revealed in its scattered evidences. Agricultural Implements . The text mentions the following implements, viz. a newly sharpened and tempered sickle (navapajjanaenam asiyaenan) and a sharp axe (tikkheņa paras uņā).' Besides these, the plough and spade, the two main agricultural tools were also used in cultivation, as it is suggested by the denotation of the word 'Phoạikamma'' i. e. ploughing and spading. The plough was drawn by the bullocks as distinguished from the others employed in the service of drawing the carts."
The ripe crops were harvested with the sickle, while the trees were felled by the axe. Methods of Agricultural Operation
The agricultural operation consisted of ploughing the fields, sowing the seeds, transplanting the seedlings, reaping the ripe crops and storing the grains of corns in a well-built store-house." Ploughing
The act of ploughing and spading (cultivation) is denoted by the word 'Phoạikamma as used in the BhS in connection with the holy teachings of Lord Mabāvīra on the fifteen occupations disapproved by the Nirgrantha religion (karmādānas).
Besides these, there is a direct evidence of ploughing the land by the cultivators, as revealed in reference to the effects of Kriyās (actions) arising out of the accidental killing of some beings by a man, while digging the earth.? Sowing of Seeds
Some incidental references in this text to the storing of grains show that a great care was taken by the farmers for the
1 Bhs, 17, 7, 525. 3 16, 8, 5, 330.
16, 7, 6, 246. ? 1b, 7, 1, 263.
2 Ib, 16, 4, 573. 4 16, 9, 33, 380. 6 16,, 8, 5, 330. $ 11, 6, 7, 246.