A History of Agriculture in India v2.c81.s8: Char-Chenars
A History of Agriculture in India v2.c81.s8
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Char-Chenars
v2.c81.s8.1
Apart from planting gardens, Jahangir with his scientific mind also popularized the device of *char-chenars* or planting four *chenars* at the corners of a square, so that there may always be shade at the centre. Such green rooms are found on the caravan routes in Kashmir Valley, and provided shade and shelter to travellers and merchants.
v2.c81.s8.2
Jahangir was fond of cherries, grapes and musk-melons which were brought to him from far-off Kabul. Like a true gardener he felt special pleasure in tasting home-grown fruits. 'There was a young plant in the little garden of *Ishrat-afza* (joy-enhancing),' he remarks 'and this I called *Nau-bar* (new fruit). Every day I plucked with my own hand sufficient to give a flavour to my cups. Although they sent them by runners from Kabul as well, yet to pick them oneself from one's home garden gave additional sweetness.