History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s4.3

v1.c24.s4.3

In the Vedic literature we find prayers to Indra and Rudra for protecting crops from drought and lightning (*RV*. VI. 50.1-3; VI.142.1). For warding off harmful insects several spells and rites are prescribed. The *Atharvaveda* voices the anger against insects harming the field: "O Aśvins, slay the *tarda* (borer), the *samanka* (hook) and the mole, cut off their heads and crush their ribs, shut their mouths, that they shall not eat the barley, free the grain from danger. Ho *tarda*, locust, gabhya (snapper), *upakvasa* do get out, not eating this barley, without working injury. O husband of the *tarda* (female), husband of the *bhaga* (female), of the sharp teeth, listen to me. The *vyadvaras* (rodents) of the forest, and whatever other *vyadvara* there are, all these we do crush".