365bet娱乐

Significance of Drought

The concept of drought is explored through various frameworks, highlighting its severe impact on water availability and its broader consequences. In South Asia, drought is characterized by prolonged dryness affecting wildlife and agriculture, resulting in water shortages. Historical texts like Arthashastra and Purana discuss drought as a catalyst for spiritual intervention and governance challenges. Additionally, scientific perspectives emphasize the adverse effects of drought on agriculture, economic activities, and overall ecological balance. Overall, drought represents a critical and devastating climatic phenomenon affecting life and resources.1
gallery thumb

Synonyms: Scarcity of water, Water shortage, Dehydration

In Dutch: Droogte; In Finnish: Kuivuus; In Spanish: 厂别辩耻铆补; In German: Trockenheit; In Malay: Kemarau; In Swedish: Torka; In French: 厂茅肠丑别谤别蝉蝉别

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Drought'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, drought symbolizes a significant environmental challenge, prompting sacrifices from kings within Bodhisattva narratives, and highlights historical instances like during Konagamana Buddha's time, representing both physical scarcity and a spiritual call for intervention.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water shortages.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A condition that also prompted similar sacrifices from other kings in different versions of the Bodhisattva narratives.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Drought'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, drought symbolizes a prolonged absence of rain, resulting in chaos and sorrow. It demands divine worship for intervention, exemplified by figures like Mandhata and King Subahu, highlighting the spiritual and existential crises associated with such desolation.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) An extended period of insufficient rainfall, requiring worship of deities and implementation of preventive measures.[3]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A prolonged dry spell that Mandhata successfully intervened in, demonstrating his power over nature.[4]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Drought in local and regional sources

History Books

Drought is characterized by a significant water shortage, impacting wildlife like the Cobra and tusk elephants, reducing plant growth and food supply, and challenging the nourishment of seeds, ultimately affecting various life forms.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) A period of time when there is a shortage of water available for any being, making it challenging for creatures like the Cobra to find water.[5] (2) A period of dry weather that caused the plants, including the Mi flowers and stored food, to shrink.[6] (3) A period of dryness affecting the availability of water, during which the tusk elephant is seeking water.[7]

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A period of extreme dryness that impacts the ability to nourish the planted seed, representing challenges in life.[8]

The concept of Drought in scientific sources

Science Books

Drought significantly affects agriculture in Malaysia by disrupting the cultivation of key crops such as rubber, palm oil, and cocoa, leading to economic challenges and highlighting the importance of water management in agricultural practices.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) Drought conditions may impact the cultivation of rubber, palm oil and cocoa, highlighting the adverse impact on agriculture and economic activities in Malaysia.[9]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.