Rich and Diverse Agrarian Landscapes and Ecology in the Seventeenth Century of India

Abstract

Indian agriculture has its distinct ecosystem, which is largely controlled by soil, climate, monsoon, irrigation, and other factors. European travellers visiting India have praised the Indian agricultural system and the fertility of the soil. Everywhere, from North to South, West to East, visitors found an advanced agricultural system; they saw Indian farmers growing a variety of grains, fruits, vegetables, pulses, and cash crops in abundance. The travellers were surprised to see the high fertility of soil, dense forests, a variety of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and wild and domestic animals, all of which were directly and indirectly dependent on agriculture.