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Plants of ramayana
K M Balapure1, J K Maheshwari, R K Tandon
1National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow - 226 001, India .
Ancient Science of Life
|May 5, 2012
Summary
This study identifies plants from the Ramayana epic, providing their likely botanical names. This research aids botanists, ethonobotanists, and environmentalists in understanding ancient flora.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Classical Literature Studies
- Paleobotany
Background:
- The Ramayana, a foundational epic, contains numerous references to the natural world.
- Understanding the specific flora mentioned can illuminate historical ecological and cultural contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compile a comprehensive list of plant species cited in the Ramayana.
- To ascertain the probable modern botanical equivalents for these ancient plant names.
Main Methods:
- Textual analysis of the Ramayana to identify plant mentions.
- Cross-referencing with botanical and historical literature for identification.
- Phylogenetic and morphological comparisons to confirm species equivalence.
Main Results:
- A curated list of plants mentioned in the Ramayana has been established.
- Probable botanical classifications have been assigned to each identified plant.
Conclusions:
- This work provides a critical resource for researchers in botany, paleobotany, and ethnobotany.
- The study enhances the understanding of plant biodiversity and its representation in ancient Indian literature.
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