IN ANCIENT India, large population was not a socio-economic problem. A couple without progeny was looked down with contempt, and it is common knowledge that earlier people scorned sterility. But more children were never considered an unmixed blessing. An incantation in the Rigveda had advanced the view: "A man with many children succumbs to miseries". This is perhaps the oldest statement with suggestion against a large family. To have on enlightened son is better than hundreds of illiterates. Like the solitary moon, the former strives and removes darkness which is not possible by hundred of stars. It is with this in view, Lopamudra wanted to have only one virtuous son in preference to hundreds of undesirable ones.

In ancient classics on religion medicine and sexology, much emphasis was laid upon the preservation of shukra or seminal fluid. Semen, when preserved in the body through the process of brahmacharya (celibacy) promotes strength, complexion, longevity and the power of resistance to disease and decay. Except for the sole purpose of procreation, sexual union was proscribed. Sexual act is a part of dharma or religious duty which is to be performed following the prescribed procedure.

For those who are unable to adopt these religious prescriptions and prohibitions, several natural including mechanical devices are described in Ayurvedic works and works on sexology.

Some (non-poisonous) local and oral contraceptives described in these books are elaborated below:
(a) In Yogaratnakara and Brihad-yoga-tarangini, the woman is asked to get her genital tract fumigated with the smoke of margosa wood by burning it. This is to be done after the stoppage of her menstrual flow. This is prescribed to prevent conception. In Tantrasara sangraha, this reference occurs in a slightly different way. The fumigation is suggested to be done during the period or ritu, the menstrual period or the period of fertilization.

A very common technique which is even now practiced in certain parts of the globe for contraception is also described in Yogaratnakara, Brihad-yoga-taranginin and Brihannighantu ratnakara. A piece of rock salt smeared with sesame oil should be kept in the vaginal tract of the female before coitus of prevent conception. In Brihad-yoga-tarangini, there is another reference in this connection. After coitus, a tampon consisting of rock salt and oil should be inserted into the vaginal tract which will work as a contraceptive. Rasa-ratna-samuchchaya has elucidated the mechanism of action of rock-salt in preventing conception. According to it, the shukra or sperm gets dissolved or broken into pieces by coming into contact with rock-salt smeared with oil. This will not stop menstruation but will only prevent conception, even during the time of fertility. By implication, this local contraceptive does not in any way affect the ovulation process of the woman but incapacitates sperm which otherwise would have got united with the ovum to cause pregnancy. According to Haramekhala, a piece of rock-salt smeared with oil and kept at the mouth of the uterus, garbhashaya vadana, i.e., cervix helps in preventing conception,

A paste prepared with the seeds of palasha (Butea monosperma), honey and ghee be kept inside the vagina in sufficient quantity. This is described in Brihad-yoga-taranginit to prevent conception. Another reading of the concerned verse is available in Bharata-bhaishajua ratnakara, according to which a very fine paste is required to be made probably with a view to prevent any irritation in the female genital tract. According to Haramekhala, this medicine is to be applied in the vagina during the time of fertilization. According to the commentators on Haramekhala, this medicine should be applied during the entire period of fertilisation and not only once with a view to prevent conception.

(b) Oral Contraceptives for Males: In ancient classics on sexology and medicine, oral drugs for producing sterility in makes are also mentioned. One such reference is in Ratirabhasya according to which, if an individual takes the powder of haridra or rajani (Curcuma longa) impregnated with goat's urine, he becomes sterile. This recipe is said to produce its effect instantaneously even on young people. In Rasa prakasha-sudhakara, one complete chapter, is devoted to the description of various formulae for bijahandha (prevention of the ejaculation of semen) during coitus.

(c) Oral Contraceptives for Females: The following formulae are described to produce sterility in females:

(i) old Sugar-Candy : In Tantra-sara-sangruha, old sugar-candy with milk is described to be used orally to prevent conception. In Bhavaprakasha, Balatanta, Kuchimaratantra, Yogaratnakara and Brihannighantu ratnakara, old sugar-candy is suggested to be taken. In Anangaranga and Panchasayaka, details of this type of recipe are given.

In Balatantra, there is yet another reference to sugar candy being taken with rice-wash in the form of a linctus to produce sterility in the woman without affecting her sexual passion. This is a popularly used recipe in the villages.

(ii) Root of chitraka: In Kuchimaratantra and Anangaranga, root of chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) is described to be boiled with rice-wash, and after filtration, the decoction is to be taken consecutively for three days after the stoppage of the menstrual flow. This is stated to make the woman barren. In Panchasayaka, this decoction is said to make the woman barren forever.