A History of Agriculture in India v1.c32.7

v1.c32.7

For the first time in Indian history we hear of a monarch who encouraged arboriculture and adopted it as a State policy. Asoka encouraged the planting of trees in gardens and along roads in the form of avenues. Rest-houses were made; many watering-stations also were made for the comfort of cattle and men. One of the Asoka pillars bears the following inscription: 'On the roads I have had banyan trees planted, which will give shade to beasts and men. I have had mango groves planted and have had wells dug and rest houses built every nine miles.... And I have had many watering places made everywhere for the use of beasts and men. But this benefit is important, and indeed the world has enjoyed attention in many ways from former kings as well from me. But I have done these things in order that my people might conform to Dhamma.”²