The ancient Indian text Brihat Samhita, compiled by Sage Varahamihir in 412 AD, describes indicators that can be used to predict the presence of underground water sources. These natural signs include specific trees, plants, herbs, grasses, hibernating animals, and anthills. The 54th chapter contains 124 verses detailing various plants and their association with water at certain depths and distances, such as the presence of a Rotang tree indicating water 7.5 cubits deep, 3 cubits west of the tree. A number of trees and plants that can serve as indicators are illustrated.

1. Edited & Compiled by Dr.A.S.Nene
Nagpur 20 July 2010

2. Sage Varahamihir (412 AD) compiled a text
“Brihat Samhita.
The title of chapter 54 is Dakargala. (Daka is
short form of
Udaka or water and Argal means obstruction).
b&hts<ihta –vrahimihr
A 54

3. This text describes how the presence of some surface
indicators can be used to predict presence of
underground water both in quality and quantity. The
indicators are
ØSpecific trees, plants, herbs and grasses
ØHibernating animals (Enjoying winter sleep- frogs,
Ølizards, snakes, alligators and tortoises)
ØAnthills (Terrariums)

4. The chapter 54 contains 124 verses.
For example , few verses are quoted below
If a Rotang tree is seen flourishing in a
waterless tract, there will be water at a
depth of 7.5 cubits at a distance of 3
cubits to the west of the tree.
Verse- 006

5. If a fish or blue soil is met at a depth of 2.5
cubits, there will be abundant water source.
Verse -009

6. If there is a Nirgundi plant excessively grown
near an anthill, then there will be sweet water at
a depth of 11.25 cubits.
Verse- 015

7. Among a group of termite mounds, a water
vein is
sure to be found below the taller of the
mounds.
Verse-085

8. Various trees, plants, herbs and grasses
are shown in the next slides.

9. V006-Calamas rotang
Rattan (Cane)
V008-Java Plum-
Syzygium Cumini

10. V011-Country Fig tree
Ficus glomirata
V012-Arjun tree
Terminalia arjuna

11. V014-Nirgudi- Vitex Negundo
V016-Jujube tree- Zizyphus jujuba.

12. V018-Holy fruit tree-
Aegle marmelos
of the forest
V017-Flame
-Butea frondosa.

13. V019-Fir wood tree-
Ficus oppositifolia
V021- Kamala tree-
Mallotus philippensis

14. V023-Shonak-
Tetu
V024- Behda Tree-
Teminalia Billerica.

15. V027-Bauhinia tree-
Bauhinia variegata
V029-Alstonia tree-
Alstonia scholaris

16. V033-Poonga Oil Tree-
Pongamia pinnata
V035-Butter tree-
Madhuka longifoli

17. V038-Kadamb tree –
Anthocephalus cadumba

18. V040-palmy palm
Borasus flavilifer
V040-Coconut tree
Cocus nucifera

19. V041 Wood apple tree
Limonia acidissima
V043-arboria-
Gmelina arboria

20. V045-Hedu tree-
Nauclea cordifolia
V047-Grass
Cynodon dactylon

21. V047-Kuskus grass
Andropogon muricatus
V048-Balsum plant
white variety-

22. V048- Indradant
Baliospermum montanum.
V048-Wild Brinjal plant

23. V048-Wild sweet potato
Dioscoren sativa
V048-Jasmine creeper
Jaspinum sp.

24. V050-Alexandrain Laurel tree-
Ochuro-carpus logifolium
V050-Falsa tree-
Grewia asiatia

25. V050-Ankol tree –
Alangium Lamarki
V050 , Wild Hog plum-
Spondias Magnifera / mombin

26. V050-Anjana tree-
Hardwickia binata
V050-Marking Ink tree
Semecarpus anacardium.

27. V050-Rain tree Siris
Accacia Sirissa
V050-Pindara tree
Combretum ovalifolium

28. V050-Roxb Cabinet tree
Dioscoreo peniculata
V050-Garlic-Pear Tree
Crateva religiosa

29. V053-Catechu tree
Acacia catechau
V057-Solanum Jacquini plant
Solanum Indicum

30. V058-Date palm tree
Phoenix Sylvestris
V059-Pangara tree-
Erythrina indica

31. V063-Walnut tree-
Alcuritea moluocana
V067-Oleander tree-
Nerium Odorum

32. V081-Sprung tree
Prosopi spyicigers
V087-Heart leaved creeper
Tinospaora Cordifolia

33. V087- sarsaparilla creeper
Hemidesmusindicus

34. V063-Walnut tree
Alcuritea moluocana

35. V069-Arjun tree-
Terminalia Arjun

36. V087- Murva creeper
Clematis triloba

37. V087-Thorny capar brush
Capparis brevispina
V087-Wild potata creeper
Dioscoren Sativa

38. V087-Bhuijambhul
V087- Creeper
Cardiospermum Halicacobum Linn

39. V088-wild kidney bean
Phaseolus munog
V088-Thorny Caparbrush
Capparis brevispina

40. V096-Bunyan tree
Ficus Indicus
V100-Cinamum tree

41. V100-Kush grass
V101-Fennel plant

42. V101-Naga plant
Mammamia longiflora
V101- Lotus plant

43. V102-Mehandi plant
Lausonia Alba
Sal tree

44. Soapnut
V105-Teak tree V105-Soapnut tree
Tectona grandis Sapindus trifoliatus

45. V105-Asana Tree
V105-Shiwan tree
Gmalena arberia

46. V105-Sissoo tree-
Dalbergia latifolia
V087-Thorny capar brush

47. V100-Kash grass

48. For any suggestions
Contact
Dr.A.S.Nene
M4 Laxmi Nagar,
Nagpur (India) 440022
Email: nene_ashok@yahoo.com