History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s3.t1.6

v1.c24.s3.t1.6

Caraka (Kalpa, 6,7) describes jāṅgala as the region which is full of unobstructed open spaces, where a steady and dry wind blows, which is pervaded with expansive mirages, where rivers and rivulets are scarce, which abounds in wells (on account of scarcity of water) and is full of dry and rough sands and big sandy granules. According to Suśruta (Sūtra, 35.35), it presents a flat surface, with its dull monotony enlivened by scanty growth of thorny shrubs and tops of a few isolated hills and knolls, and in which water in springs and wells accumulated during rains becomes nearly drained and strong gales of warm wind blow. Plants characteristic of jāṅgala region mentioned by Caraka are Khadira, Asana, Aśvakarṇa, Dhava, Tinisa, Sallaki, Sāla, Somavalka, Vadari, Tinduka, Aśvattha, Vaṭa and Āmalakī and Sami, Arjuna and Siṃsapa.