Drought situation in Vietnam from the 10th to the 19th centuries and the dynastic remedial measures

Abstract

  Due to the impacts of geographical location, climate as well as topography, droughts are frequent natural phenomenon in Vietnam. The consequences of this natural disaster kind on the country's economy and society were very severe, second only to floods. Drought and extreme droughts occurred mostly in North and Central regions. They led to famine, food scarcity and local robberies. In addition to the Vietnamese dynastic measures to overcome these consequences, such as opening canals, digging rivers, and irrigation to bring water to the fields, the governments also provided relief, amnesty, and tax exemptions. At the same time, the courts and their mandarins also conducted spiritual rituals such as praying for rain during the drought time. These above measures showed the state's concern for the people, and on the other hand, also demonstrated the spiritual practice related to Heaven and Buddha of the country's political leaders to address natural disasters.