The Social and Military Position of the Ruling Caste in Ancient India, as Represented by the Sanskrit Epic c2.s5.296

c2.s5.296

The allegorical car described in viii. 33. 17 ff. gives a few unique particulars in regard to the chariot. We find here a protector called *parivāra*, and one called *parirathyā* (compare A.V. viii. 8. 22), besides the common *varūtha*; a *pariṣkara*, ‘guard of the wheels’; two *adhiṣṭhāne*, ‘standing places over the fore-wheels’ (M.); and an *apaskara*, a hind-piece of wood. The seat, called *bandhura*, is made of three pieces. Knights guarding the car are called *puraḥsarāḥ*, *pariṣkandāḥ*, and *pṛṣṭharakṣāu* or *cakrarakṣāu*. These are also called *pārṣvagopāḥ* and *paripārṣvacarāḥ*. Both commentators understand that there are four wheels. The similar cars described in the Purāṇas seem to be copies of those in the Epic.