Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c8.t1.1

c8.t1.1

A chariot was a very important means of conveyance in olden days. Unfortunately, no details as to its construction are given in Jain literature. We are told that a chariot was equipped with umbrella, standards, bells, flags, ornamental arches (*torana*), a musical instrument (*nandighosa*) and with a net of small bells; it was made of *tinisa* wood growing in the Himālaya, decorated with many patterns and inlaid with gold. Its spokes and axles (*dhurā*) were firm and its felly (*nemi*) was of iron. Excellent horses were yoked to it and it was provided with an accomplished charioteer. It was furnished with quivers each containing hundred arrows, armours, helmets, bows, and other weapons.²