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Glimpses of Hydrology in Jainism
Conclusion
It is seen from the above literary evidences that Hydrology has received considerable attention by the ancient Jaina as early as 2500 BC.
The scientific aspects of forecasting heavy and less rainfall, draught conditions, sources of finding the water, quality improvement by Botanical means etc., are discussed in detail. The modern equipments can investigate this. But this veritable mine of information unfortunately have not been used by the modern scientists or engineers.
The natural observations like symptoms of excess of urination by human beings, sudden infringement of clouds in the sky, to know the forecasting of a good rainfall or draught with the help of a rainbow are of much useful information without any expenditure.
It is observed that due to the scarcity of water, qualified people are also implementing methods suggestions of paanivaalas that do not bear any scientific background and undergo heavy losses. In this context, the points discussed here may be of some help.
It is assessed statistically that out of five persons three of them will undergo with either scarcity of water especially in the third world countries by 2025.
The methods described here are indigenous, simple and economical. Some of the plants are still easily and abundantly available in India.
Thus, the paper calls the attention of Hydrologists for such insights available in subjects such as Meteorology, Geology, Botany, Soil Mechanics, Literature, Epigraphy etc., for the effective application of interdisciplinary approach to combat the glaring water problem. Courtesy: Dr. B. M. Shyamala Ratnakumari, Bangalore.
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REFERENCES
1. Edited by Pandit L. Aswatha Narayana; Ayurvedda Mahalaya Nirvaha samiti, Mysore, p. 519. 2. Bhava praekasha: Katakasya phalam neetrya jala nirmala tarakam/vata sleeshma haram sheetam madhuram tuvaram kuru. Neetrotha roogam vidhwamsi vidhinaanjana yogataha. Vaari prasaadanam krudhhra sarka ramasmareeri jayeet.
3. Page No. 855 Kasturikosha, 1957 (Kannada); Ramashraya Book Depo., Dharwar.
4. Epigraphia Karnatika, Vol. 2, S'Belugola, introduction.
5. Ibid, No. 4.
6. Rock insc. No. 443, near Jiganekatte behind Dobba Betta.
7. Ibid, No. 162.
8. Ibid, No. 88.
9. H. Shesha lyangar; Government of Oriental Manuscript Library, Madras, 1950.
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