The Early History of India, from 600 B.C. to the Muhammadan Conquest, including the Invasion of Alexander the Great c18.84

c18.84

According to Strabo, no private person was permitted to keep either a horse or an elephant, the possession of either animal being a royal privilege. But this assertion is undoubtedly inaccurate, if taken as applicable to all parts of the country, and is corrected by the reasonable and detailed observations of Arrian (*Indika*, 17). That author tells us that the mounts used commonly were horses, camels, and asses, elephants being used only by the wealthy, and considered specially appropriate for the service of royalty. Except as regards asses, which are now looked upon with contempt, and restricted to the humblest services as beasts of burden for potters and washermen, the statement of Arrian applies accurately to modern India.¹ To ride an elephant or camel, or in a four-horsed chariot was, he says, a mark of distinction, but anybody might ride or drive a single horse.¹ The *ekka*, or light carriage drawn by a single pony, still so much used in Northern India, is a very ancient conveyance.