The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c19.s9.157

v1.c19.s9.157

In the arts and crafts, a considerable proficiency and specialisation of industry had been reached. A list of callings given in the Milindapañha, reveals three separate industries in the manufacture of bows and arrows, apart from any ornamental work on the same¹⁶. In the same work, the allusion to a professional winnower of grain indicates a similar division of labour to our own threshing machinists and steamplough-owners who tour in rural districts¹. As certain grain crops were reaped twice a year², this would afford a fairly protracted season of work every few months.