Question

According to Varāhmihira, trees are vulnerable to disease when exposed to-
(A) Cold Weather
(B) Strong Winds
(C) Heavy Rainfall
(D) Hot Sun
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Questions about ancient Indian scientific texts often draw from core concepts. Varāhmihira's work on plants is analogous to Ayurveda for humans, where diseases are caused by imbalances due to external factors like weather. Thinking of this analogy can help deduce the answer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question refers to the ancient Indian text on botany and agriculture, Vrikshayurveda, as detailed by Varāhmihira in his work, the Brihat Samhita. It asks for the causes that make trees vulnerable to diseases.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
Varāhmihira, in the Vrikshayurveda section of his Brihat Samhita, discusses the ailments of plants and trees. He explains that diseases in plants can arise from imbalances, similar to the Ayurvedic concept of doshas (vata, pitta, kapha). These imbalances are caused by environmental stressors.
(A) Cold Weather: Extreme cold (related to kapha dosha) is identified as a cause of disease.
(B) Strong Winds: Strong winds (related to vata dosha) can damage trees and cause ailments.
(C) Heavy Rainfall: Excessive water or moisture (related to kapha dosha) can lead to root rot and other diseases.
(D) Hot Sun: Scorching heat from the sun (related to pitta dosha) can also cause stress and disease in plants.
All four conditions are recognized as environmental stressors that make trees vulnerable to diseases.
Step 3: Final Answer
Since Varāhmihira's writings cover diseases arising from cold, wind, sun, and excessive water (rainfall), all four options (A), (B), (C), and (D) are correct.