Trees and plants play an important part in the myths and customs of India. Many are considered holy, often for reasons that are lost in the mists of antiquity—they are associated and identified with Gods, planets, months, etc. certain plants are used as protection against witchcraft and the evil eye some plants bring luck and are offered in the temples and others play an important part in other religious rites. These traditions and myths form an important aspect of the Indian's metnal background and Dr. Gupta, has performed a most useful service in bringing together all those are known on these subjects from the older Indian literature to modern research. The author discusses the forty-five most important trees and plants and describes the myths and customs connected with each. Specimens of Indian sculpture illustrating-the various myths are reproduced on numerous plates.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shakti M Gupta
Shakti M. Gupta is an established author having written on varied subjects. A Botanist by profession, she taught Botany at Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi and retired in 1992 as a Reader. Dr. Gupta did her Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Delhi in 1958, subject of specialization; Physiological and Biochemical Studies in the Pre-sowing Hardening Treatment of Crop Seeds. In 1972, Dr. Gupta did another Ph.D. from the Faculty of Oriental Archaeology, Martin Luther University, Wittenberg-Halle, Germany. The subject of specialization: Plant Myths and Traditions in India. This qualified her as an Ethnobotanist. Her other books are: From Daityas to Devatas in Hindu Mythology: An Illustrated Dictionary; Vishnu and His Incarnations; Legends around Shiva; Surya, the Sun god; Karttikeya, the Son of Shiva; A Short Biography of the Renowned Palaeobotanist, Professor Birbal Sahni; A Comprehensive Volume on Festivals, Fairs and Fasts of India. Her most recent book, Plants in Indian Temple Art, is based on a survey of plants sculpted on Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina temples, including the myths, legends and folklore associated withu these plants. The Association of Plant Taxonomy awarded her the Jnan Chandra Memorial Medal for the year 2000 for the book Plants in Indian Temple Art.
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