Question

Which text mentions "Uniform seeds produce excellent results. Hence, every effort should be made to produce uniform seeds."?

• A. Manusmṛti
• B. Kṛṣiparāśara
• C. Rigveda
• D. Arthaśāstra

Hint:

When a quote gives specific, practical advice about a technical subject (like agriculture, medicine, or architecture), the answer is likely to be a specialized text (shastra) on that subject rather than a general religious or legal text.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The question asks to identify the ancient Indian text that provides the specific agricultural advice that uniform seeds yield the best results. This requires knowledge of specialized ancient texts.
Step 2: Analyzing the Texts
(A) Manusmṛti: A text on law and social conduct. It is not a manual for agricultural practices.
(B) Kṛṣiparāśara: Attributed to the sage Parashara, this is a specialized and ancient text (c. 400 BCE) dedicated solely to the subject of 'Krishi' (agriculture). It provides practical guidance on all aspects of farming, including weather prediction, ploughing, seed selection, sowing, and harvesting. The emphasis on quality and uniformity of seeds is a key feature of this text.
(C) Rigveda: The oldest Vedic text, consisting of hymns to deities. While it contains references to agriculture (like barley cultivation), it is not a practical guide.
(D) Arthaśāstra: Kautilya's treatise on statecraft, economics, and military strategy. It has a section on the superintendent of agriculture (Sitadhyaksha) but is more focused on the administration and revenue aspects of agriculture rather than detailed farming techniques.
Step 3: Final Answer
The quote represents practical, technical advice on farming, which is the core subject of the Kṛṣiparāśara.