This plant was introduced in India because of its beautiful flowers and shape of leaves but it became a notorious weed in Indain water bodies. Identify this plant.

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Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Introduction of the Plant**: The plant in question was introduced to India due to its aesthetic appeal, specifically its beautiful flowers and unique leaf shape.

2. **Identification of the Plant**: The plant is known as **Eichhornia**, commonly referred to as **water hyacinth**.

3. **Historical Context**: The introduction of Eichhornia to India is attributed to Lady Hastings, the wife of the first Governor General of India. She brought this plant as a gift because of its attractive purple flowers.

4. **Reproductive Characteristics**: Eichhornia reproduces vegetatively through a process called **offsets**. This means that it can produce new plants from lateral roots that grow horizontally, leading to rapid population growth.

5. **Impact on Ecosystem**: After its introduction, Eichhornia began to reproduce at an alarming rate, quickly covering water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. This overgrowth led to significant ecological issues.

6. **Consequences of Overgrowth**: The dense coverage of water hyacinth resulted in decreased oxygen levels in the water and increased acidity, which adversely affected aquatic life, particularly fish populations.

7. **Cultural Impact**: In regions like Bengal, where fishing is a vital part of the local economy and diet, the decline in fish populations due to the presence of Eichhornia created a shortage of fish, leading to economic and food supply issues.

8. **Common Name**: Because of its detrimental effects, Eichhornia is often referred to as the **"Terror of Bengal"** and is recognized as a notorious weed in Indian water bodies.