The Academy of Yoga and Oriental Studies (AYOS) organised a lecture on “Geography of Ancient India” at the Fakir Mohan Bhavan here recently with Prof Satchidananda Tripathy, former HOD of Geography of the Utkal University as the speaker of the topic.
AYOS director Dr Indulata Das presided over the meeting. Mihir Kumar Mishra welcomed the guests and the audience.
Prof Tripathy said. “We get the geography of India from the descriptions found in the Vedas, Upanisads, Puranas and other literatures. The earth was called Saptadvipa Vasumati, which means the earth had seven islands which certainly points to the seven continents. We get the descriptions of nine geographical divisions and seven mountains and different rivers of Bharat.”
There was a question-answer session after the lecture in which many scholars participated. Dr Indulata Das said, “Our Puranas provide most elaborate and authentic geographical descriptions with very small details and spiritual values attached to the land. Bharat is called the land of action (Karmabhumi) whereas other places are called lands of enjoyment (Bhogabhumi).”