A History of Agriculture in India v2.c75.2

v2.c75.2

Rice was the main crop in Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Oudh, Allahabad, Agra, Delhi, Lahore, Khandesh, Berar and Kashmir. In Bengal, sometimes three crops of rice were grown in a year. Out of rice varieties grown in Bengal, *kar*, *sukhdas* and *shali* were superior. *Sukhdas* rice from the Awadh was regarded as the best. The author of *Mukhtasiru-t Twarikh* states, ‘Its qualities and flavour are beyond all praise. It is equally palatable to kings and the common people. It is incomparable in tenderness and sweetness, and has a very agreeable smell and taste. The rich and great men, and those who are fond of good living, think that no other food is so excellent.’¹ Next to Bengal, Bihar produced quality rice in large quantities. Awadh produced large quantities of *sukhdas*, *madhkar* and *jhanwar* ‘rice which for whiteness, delicacy, fragrance and wholesomeness are scarcely to be matched.’ Abu-’l-Fazl remarks that the Bihar rice for its quality and quantity is rarely to be equalled.’ Fine-quality rice was produced in Khandesh and Kashmir.