Abstract

                                (Vetiveria Zizanioides, Nash) formerly called Andropogon squarrosus Hack is perhaps one of the most important among the Indian essential-oil bearing plants. Its medicinal and perfumery values have been known in India from time immemorial as evidenced by various references in the ancient Ayurvedic treatises. Its economic importance was realised at least as early as the 12th century A. D as seen from the copper plate inscriptions dated 1103 and 1174 A. D. found near. Etawah, wherein vetivert is mentioned as one of the articles on which the King of Kanauj levied import duty.

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