Varāhamihira's Brhat Samhita talks about:
(A) Method of measuring the amount of rainfall
(B) Astronomical observations
(C) Construction of houses and temples
(D) Grafting of plants, and ways to increase fruit yield

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Brhat Samhita, written by the famous Indian astronomer and scholar Varāhamihira in the 6th century, is a vast encyclopedic work that covers a wide range of topics, including:
(A) Method of measuring the amount of rainfall: The text indeed includes methods to measure rainfall, along with weather predictions, an important aspect of ancient agricultural knowledge.
(B) Astronomical observations: The Brhat Samhita is renowned for its contributions to astronomy, offering detailed descriptions of celestial bodies, planetary movements, and their impact on terrestrial events.
(C) Construction of houses and temples: The work also provides guidelines for the construction of homes and temples, including the positioning and architectural principles based on planetary influences and Vastu Shastra (traditional Indian architecture).
(D) Grafting of plants and ways to increase fruit yield: The text includes knowledge on agricultural practices, including grafting techniques and ways to improve the yield of fruits and other crops.
Thus, the correct answer is (4) (A), (B), (C) and (D), as the Brhat Samhita covers all these topics.

Information Booster:

Varāhamihira's Contribution: Varāhamihira was a key figure in the development of Indian science, particularly in the fields of astronomy, astrology, and mathematics. His work had a profound influence on subsequent generations of scholars. The Brhat Samhita discusses various celestial phenomena, the movements of planets, and their effect on human affairs, helping to guide decisions in agriculture, politics, and other fields. The section on architecture deals with Vastu Shastra, outlining the ideal construction practices for homes and temples, emphasizing harmony with cosmic forces. Varāhamihira’s insights on agriculture include methods for improving crop yields, emphasizing the use of natural elements and practices such as grafting. The Brhat Samhita serves as a bridge between various branches of knowledge, showing the interconnectedness of astronomy, agriculture, and architecture. This work significantly influenced later texts and scholars, solidifying its place in the tradition of ancient Indian encyclopedic works.