Statement I : The Greek travellers were most impressed by the fertilit

Statement I : The Greek travellers were most impressed by the fertility of India’s soil and the energy and ability of her cultivators.
Statement II : Ancient India knew the use of manure.

Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.
Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I.
Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
Statement I is true. Greek travellers, like Megasthenes in his Indica, often commented on the fertility of the Indian soil and the advanced agricultural practices and diligence of the Indian cultivators, which resulted in high productivity. Statement II is also true. Ancient Indian texts and archaeological evidence indicate a sophisticated understanding and use of various types of manure (organic, animal, green manure) to maintain soil fertility. Statement II provides a direct explanation for why the soil was fertile and the cultivators were effective – they used advanced techniques like manuring.
Ancient India possessed advanced agricultural knowledge, including the use of manure, which contributed to high productivity noticed by foreign observers.
Texts like the Arthashastra mention different types of fertilizers. The observed prosperity and fertility were often attributed to skilled cultivation and rich soil, supported by practices like irrigation and fertilization.