BIODIVERSITY OF INDIA THROUGH AGES: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

The present paper deals with the studies on ?Biodiversity of India? made in the past, efforts undertaken at present and indications towards future perspectives. The past studies referes about the biodiversity documented in the ancient Vedic Literature (2500 to 500 BC) comprising of Veda, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upnishadas and Kalpasutradi Vedangas. It also includes the post Vedic Literature (500 BC to 1000 AD) having the prominent writings of Panini and Jeewak and those of Kautilya Arthashastra, Vatsyanas Kamasutra, Bruhat-samhita including Vrikshayurved, Dravid and others before the 10th century. The plant biodiversity mentioned in these literature refers about cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruits, fibers, oils and medicines.