History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s2.4

v1.c24.s2.4

The *Kṛṣi-Parāśara* attaches great importance to ploughing. It raises the act to an auspicious rite, designated as *hala- prasāraṇa* (commencement of ploughing) which is necessary for the success of cultivation (verses 152-53). The advice concerns mostly the time and method of ploughing, but the details smack of superstition and do not seem to have much practical applicability although referrring to astronomical considerations.