Home > Indian History > History of India > Meteorology In India
Meteorology In India
Meteorology is basically a branch of atmospheric sciences that dates back to millennia. And meteorology in India has been practised since decades and has departments set up like the Indian Meteorological Department for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology.

Share this Article:

The term meteorology signifies the study of the science of atmosphere, which in a broader sense includes the natural phenomena such as wind and rain. The origin of meteorology as a science in India is relatively young; however as a branch of knowledge, meteorology has a rich past with its root deeply seated in the antiquities of the ancient era, dating back almost to the ancient age of human civilisation.

The history of meteorology points towards three major periods in Indian meteorology. The first one points out to 600 B.C. to 1600 A.D which was indeed the period of speculation. The second period is 1600 A.D. to 1800 A.D marked as the dawn of scientific meteorology, and the most important is the third major period which began 1800 A.D and was marked by the expansion and enhancement of modern theory. In India, Meteorology has its trace in Vedic age. In Rig Veda meteorological descriptions were subtly demonstrated; however, the mythology was then the predominant attribute and was certainly the main essence of knowledge. The five principal elements of meteorology like the Earth, Water, Radiation, Wind and Sky were described in the Vedas as the Panchatattwas and were named as Prithvi ,Aap, Tej, Vaju, Aakash. Indian philosophy also mentions these elements as the five deities. These five principal elements of meteorology since ages in India were thus treated as deities under the names of Varuna, Marut, Parjanya and Indra. Signs of moderate, excess and scanty rainfall based on observations of clouds in different periods of time are explained in the Rig Veda. Indian culture shows that the meteorology was developed in ancient India by sages like Garga, Parasara, Kasyapa, Risiputra and Siddhasana. These sages had explained formation, properties and prediction of rainfall, in detail.

The two great epics Ramayana and the Mahabharata mentions about the meterology weapons for example Varunastra` the weapon of rain to quench ` Agnyasträ , the weapon of fire. This indeed points out that although not in a structured form or not as a scientific study material, meteorology as field of study was gaining importance. The ancient Indian literature also unveils the fact that meteorology as a branch of study was there in those long gone days. The Manu -smriti, an ancient Sanskrit work written in the 2nd century A.D., contains a number of meteorology references. Kautilya`s Arthashastra, compiled in the 3rd century BC also has reference of the socioeconomics and duties of superintendent of Agriculture. In detail these chapters describe the work on agriculture and the measurements of rainfall. These descriptions and references indicates that to a great extent the ancient Indians were using detailed observations of clouds for rainfall prediction which later gave birth to the science , meteorology. The great Indian litterateur Kalidasa in the 7th century, in his epic, Meghdoot, mentioned the date of onset of the monsoon over central India and in his remarkable literal style traced the path of the monsoon clouds.

Indian culture shows the fact that a number of methods for measuring rainfall were also common in ancient India. Bhaskara and Aryabhatta, the notable mathematician-astronomers developed simple instruments like astrolabe for measuring altitude. A number of developments in the field of meteorology took place in the 14th century. However, as a science meteorology in India made its presence felt with the establishment of astronomical and meteorological observatories at Madras in 1792-93. The journey of meteorology is long, yet rich. It unveils the rich past of the ancient India.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.