Question

Which among the following is/are not correct regarding Hortus Malabaricus?

1. Itti Achuthan, Ranga Bhat, Appu Bhat and Vinayaka Bhat associated with the
   project of compiling the text.

2. The work was published from Lisbon.

3. The book deals with the recipe of Malabar food items.

4. The work was compiled under the patronage of Admiral Van Rheede.

• A. Only 1 and 2
• B. Only 2 and 4
• C. Only 2 and 3
• D. All of the Above (1, 2, 3 and 4)

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Only 2 and 3

About Hortus Malabaricus

• A monumental work on botany: Hortus Malabaricus is a comprehensive treatise on the flora of the Malabar region (present-day Kerala, India).
• Compilation period: It was compiled over a period of about 20 years, from 1678 to 1693.
• Patronage and leadership: The project was initiated and led by Hendrik van Rheede tot Drakenstein, the Dutch Governor of Malabar.
• Indigenous knowledge: The work extensively utilized the knowledge of local physicians, botanists, and scholars, including Itti Achuthan, Ranga Bhat, and others. They were crucial in identifying plants and documenting their medicinal properties.
• Publication: The book was published in Amsterdam, Netherlands, not Lisbon.
• Content: Hortus Malabaricus describes over 700 plants, focusing on their medicinal uses, botanical descriptions, and agricultural significance. It does not deal with recipes for Malabar food items.
• Language: The descriptions are primarily in Latin, with explanations in Portuguese and Malayalam.
• Significance: It is considered one of the most important early works on Indian botany and ethnobotany, providing invaluable information on the region's plant life and traditional medicine.
• Republished: The book has been republished in India, most notably in recent times by the Kerala University.

Points to Note for Competitive Exams

• Authorship: While Van Rheede was the driving force, the indigenous contribution through scholars like Itti Achuthan is significant and often tested.
• Publication location: Be mindful of the publication city (Amsterdam) versus the region of study (Malabar).
• Subject matter: The focus is on botany and medicinal uses, not culinary aspects.