Biodiversity Perspective

K L Mehra¹
Vrikshayurveda, written by Surapala in Sanskrit, is not
readily available in Indian libraries. It is, therefore,
appreciable that Dr Y L Nene, Chairman, Asian Agri-
History Foundation, not only procured a copy of the
text from the Bodleian Library, Oxford, UK, but also
arranged to get the text translated into English. Dr Nalini
Sadhale has done a commendable job of translating the
Sanskrit text. A copy of the translation was provided to
this commentator for comments on the plant
biodiversity and ethno-botanical aspects of the text. The
commentator assisted Dr Sadhale by providing
botanical names of the plant species mentioned in
Vrikshayurveda.
Vrikshayurveda, which means "The Science of Plant
Life", mainly deals with various species of trees and
their healthy growth and productivity. The text
mentions about 170 species of plants, including herbs,
shrubs, and trees. There are 325 systematically arranged
verses, beginning with a salutation to Lord Ganesha,
followed by glorification of trees, and composition on
tree-planting and production. Various chapters deal
with the raising of orchards, agri-horticulture, and tree-
planting near houses. Special references are made on
procuring, preserving, and treatment of seeds and
planting materials; preparation of pits for planting;
selection of land (soil); methods of irrigation and ways
to locate groundwater; nourishment and fertilizers;
diseases of plants and plant protection; laying out of
gardens and orchards; creation of agricultural /
horticultural wonders; use of plant species as indicators
of crop and animal production; and description of
sacred plants. This commentary deals with
biodiversity conservation and utilization aspects of the
text.

Biodiversity conservation

It seems that the text was written to help conserve plant
biodiversity of selected tree species. Surapala admitted
frankly that he compiled, out of interest, the works of
sages and that he had not stated anything of his own
(verses 3, 325). He elaborated on the importance and
glory of trees and took advantage of common peoples'
beliefs, religious attitudes, superstitions, and folk
knowledge to persuade people to plant trees (verses
4–34). He also elaborated on the benefits that a person
was likely to derive by planting trees, both in this life
and after life (in heaven) or after re-birth. The cultural
history of India is associated with religious beliefs and
any emphasis on or arguments dealing with plant-man-
God relationship appeals to people even today. This
attitude still prevails in India and many sacred groves
and places of worship have continued to preserve in-
situ biodiversity of specific species of plants. Surapala
took special pains to classify plants and planting
materials (verses 45–51) and provided methods to
procure planting materials and extraction of seeds (verse
52). He provided instructions on the treatment of seeds

1. Director (Retd.), National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New
   Delhi 110 067, India. Present address: 38 Munirka Enclave,
   New Delhi 110 067, India.
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