The Antiquities of Orissa v1.c10.360

v1.c10.360

[120] **Shape, size and material of arrows :** Of the shape of the Indian arrow-heads, the Vedas afford no information, but the *Rāmāyaṇa* and the *Mahābhārata* fully supply the deficiency. According to those authorities most of them were barbed; some were spear-shaped, others crescent-shaped with the cutting edge either concave or convex; some needle-pointed, dentiform, or serrated, others square with two, three or more points. In sculptures, some of these forms are distinctly visible. Of the size and make of arrows, the *Agni Purāṇa* gives the following description: “Arrows should be made of bamboos or *śara* reed, (*Saccharum sara*), which must be free from spots, &c. They should be straight, golden coloured, and have feathers of birds attached to their lower extremities”. The Homeric arrows were likewise feathered, *pteroenta*, “and the feathers of large birds of prey were esteemed the best". "Besides the arrows commonly used, the *Dhanurveda* describes two other kinds, the *Nārāca* entirely of iron, and the *Nālika* made of reed. The latter was intended for a long flight, and is, therefore, said to be most appropriately used for sieges. Curtius perhaps alludes to the *Nārāca* when he says, some of the archers shot with arrows which were too heavy to be very manageable".¹⁸⁹