Ancient
Beginnings :
The
beginnings of meteorology in India can be traced to ancient times.
Early philosophical writings of the 3000 B.C. era, such as the Upanishadas,
contain serious discussion about the processes of cloud formation
and rain and the seasonal cycles caused by the movement of earth round
the sun. Varahamihira's classical work, the Brihatsamhita, written
around 500 A.D., provides a clear evidence that a deep knowledge of
atmospheric processes existed even in those times. It was understood
that rains come from the sun (Adityat Jayate Vrishti) and that
good rainfall in the rainy season was the key to bountiful agriculture
and food for the people. Kautilya's Arthashastra contains records
of scientific measurements of rainfall and its application to the
country's revenue and relief work. Kalidasa in his epic, 'Meghdoot',
written around the seventh century, even mentions the date of onset
of the monsoon over central India and traces the path of the monsoon
clouds.