Animals and Birds in Sanskrit Literature

This book is an outcome of a National Seminar organized by the Sanskrit Department of Mumbai University in September 2014 on mrgapaksisastra: a scientific and literary study. In addition to the papers presented in the seminar few more were invited from scholars. An attempt has been made to bring together information pertaining to important animals and birds mentioned in the Sanskrit scientific as well as classical literature. Various names, characteristics as well as habits of animals and birds are dealt with in this volume. Wherever possible, myths, and beliefs regarding animals and birds are taken into consideration.

This is a vast topic having tremendous potential and with the mass awakening of society regarding environmental principles and ecological balance, such study would prove very beneficial. This also throws light on the rich intellectual tradition of ancient Indian thinkers, who, with naked eyes observed minute details of different species of animals and birds. There are translations of some scientific texts on this topic, but critical books are very few and this, surely is one such book motivating many to undertaken research in this field. (jacket)