Brihat Samhita

by N. Chidambaram Iyer | 1884 | 135,584 words | ISBN-13: 9788171104215

This page describes glossary of indian botanical terms which is the fourth Appendix of the English translation of the Brihat-samhita. This work, written by Varahamihira in the 6th century, is classified as jyotisha literature, also known as Indian astronomy. It contains however, also content regarding astrology, palmistry, agriculture, gardening, perfumes, medicines and various other encyclopedic topics.

Appendix 4 - Glossary of Indian botanical terms

Note: This appendix is extracted from chapter 29 of the Bṛhat-saṃhita.

Arjuna, The tree Terminalia arjuna.
Arka, the plant Calotropis gigantea.
Asana, Pterocarpus bilobus.
Aśoka, Jonesia Aśoka. It is three of moderate size belonging to the leguminous class with magnificent red flowers.
Aśvakarṇa, Vatica robusta.
Aśvattha, The holy fig tree; Ficus religiosa.
Atasi, Common flax.
Atimuktaka, Mountain ebony.
Badarī, Jajube tree.
Bandhujīva, Pentapetes, Phaenicea.
Bhallāta, Marking-nut plant, Cashewnut plant.
Campaka, Michelia campaka.
Ciribilva, A tree, Dalbergia arborea.
Dūrvā, Bent grass, Panic grass, Panicum dactylon.
Hastikarṇa, Castor oil tree.
Iṅguda, Name of a medicinal tree—Terminalia catappa.
Jambū, The rose apple tree, Eugenia jambolana.
Kalama, White rice growing in deep waters; it is sown in May and June and ripens in December or January.
Kaṅgu, A kind of panic seed; Panicum italicum.
Kapittha, Feronia elephantum.
Kapāsa, Cotton.
Khadira, the tree Acacia catechu, having hard wood.
Kodrava, A species of grain eaten by the poor, Paspalum scrobiculatum.
Kovidāra, A tree, Baubinia veriegata.
Kaṣīrika, The fig tree.
Kulutha, A kind of pulse, Docichos enitlorus.
Kumkuma, The plant and the pollen of the flower—Crocus sativus.
Kunda, Cassia.
Kuravaka, Crimson species of Amaranth.
Kuśa, Poa cynosuroides.
Kusumbha, Safflower, Carthamus tinctorius.
Kuṭaja, A variety of Jasmine.
Madhūka, Bassia lattifolia.
Mudga, A sort of kidney-bean, Phaceolus radiatus or Phaceolus mungo.
Nāga, The small tree with fragrant blossom, Mesua roxburgha.
Nandikavarta, A species of plant, Nerium coronarium.
Nicula, The tree Barringtonia acutangula commonly called hijjal.
Nyagrodha, The Indian fig tree.
Palāśa, Butea frondosa.
Pāṇḍuka, A species of rice.
Pārijāta, A shrub, Nictanthes tristis.
Pāṭala, The trumpet flower tree.
Pīlu, A tree; Dillenia speciosa.
Picumanda, The nimb tree.
Punnāga, Rottleria tinctoria, from the blossoms of which a yellowish dye is prepared.
Śāla, The Śāla tree, probably the Diospyros ebenaster furnishing timber.
Śamī, Acacia suma possessing a tough hard wood supposed to contain fire.
Śaṇa, hemp; Cannabis sativa.
Saptaparṇa, The tree Alstonia or Echites scholaris.
Sarṣapa, Mustard seed.
Ṣaṣṭika, A kind of rice of quick growth ripening in about 60 days.
Sundhuvara (Sindhuvāra), The tree Vitex Negundo.
Śirīṣa, Acacia sirisa.
Saugandhika, The blue lotus.
Sukara, A species of rice.
Suvarṇapuṣpa, the globe Amaranth.
Śyāmalatā, A medicinal plant, Periploca indica.
Tilaka, A species of tree with beautiful flowers.
Tinduka, The tree Diospyros, Embryopteres.
Vetasa, The Ratan; Calamus rotang.
Yava, Barley.

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: