[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v1.c3.555 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.555 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.555 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c3.555](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.555) Araṇya.—This term denotes the uncultivated land—not necessarily forest land—beyond the village. It is contrasted with home (amā),¹ and with the plough land (kṛṣi),² being spoken of as apart (tiras) from men.³ It is also contrasted with the Grāma,⁴ and it is the place where thieves live.⁵ The character of the forest is described in a hymn of the Rigveda⁶ to the forest spirit (Araṇyānī). The dead are carried there for burial,⁷ and hermits live there.⁸ Forest fires were common.⁹ - [Previous: v1.c3.554](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.554) - [Next: v1.c3.556](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.556) - [Up: v1.c3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.555](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.555) · Pramāṇa