The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c17.66

v1.c17.66

Fishing is not directly mentioned; and the Vedic Indian seems to have been very little of a navigator. The use of boats, probably dug-outs, for crossing rivers, was known, but the simplicity of their construction is adequately shown by the fact that the paddle alone was used for their propulsion. There is no mention of rudder or anchor, mast or sails, a fact which incidentally negatives the theory that the Vedic Indians took any part in ocean shipping.