Abstract

On the Muhammadan period we have a number of historical works, based on the records left by Muhammadan and Hindu writers at different times, and on the large number of inscriptions discovered. But we gather from them no more than a general idea of the condition of Agriculture, except perhaps from the portions based on the Aini-Akbari. The numerous Prabandhas, Kavyas and other literary works of the age are equally poor in details regarding the agriculture of the age. Nor have we any scientific works of the age except the manuscript of fragments of two treatises on Agriculture, the Balaramakrishisastram and the Krishisastram of Basava secured through a local pundit. Neither the date of composition nor the authorship of these works is known but from the occurrance of the names of crops, such as chillies and tobacco which are introductions during this period, these works in their present form appear to be composition of the 16th or the 17h century, though they might have had for their basis some older works. The original author of the former according to the work itself was Balarama (brother of Srikrishna) who had also the title of Haladhwaja (one who had the plough on his banner). The other work is said to have been written by Basava, probably the author of the famous medical work Basava Rajiyam or some one else, initiated by the moon.

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