History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s6.21

v1.c24.s6.21

On the basis of the *Dakārgala* of Manu, Varāhamihira says that where trees, shrubs and creepers have glossy and thick foliage and have milky juice, there an underneath water artery exists. He names certain objects, grasses and trees as indications of water underneath. Water is also found at the bottom of a hill which is placed on another hill (verses 100-2). Varāhamihira mentions the nature of the soil, its formation and colour as indicating that the water will be sweet or salty (verses 103-4). Water is far from the surface where certain trees grow and where trees, shrubs and creepers have sparse leaves and are dry (verse 105). A soil of the colour of sun, fire, ash, camel and ass is devoid of water. If the Karīra trees have red sprouts and have milky juice, water will be available under the rock (verse 106).