War in Ancient India c6.20

c6.20

According to Śivavyāsa Dhanur Veda, the measurement of a bow is given as 4 × 24 inches.¹³ In the Kodaṇḍa Maṇḍana the various characteristics of a bow are given. Eighteen kinds of bows are mentioned according as the strings are heavy or light.¹⁴ The various weights and measurements of the different kinds of bows are also given in it. The weight of a yogin’s14a cāpa or bow is two palas, of one practising or learning the science, is 300 palas, and the weight of that which is made of reeds 400 palas, that which could be hit with the bowstring is also 400 palas, that used in battle 700 palas, and that used from a distance 950 or 1,000 palas. Very heavy bows could not be used effectively. A description of the divine bow used only by celestials is then given.