Life in Ancient India as Depicted in the Jain Canons, with Commentaries: An Administrative, Economic, Social and Geographical Survey c9.s8.29

c9.s8.29

The sea-going vessel is denoted by the words, poya, poyavahaṇa, vahana or pavahaṇa. We learn that the two daughters of king Paṇḍusena of Pāṇdu Mahurā arrived at Surattha by the ship vārivasabha.⁸³ The ships made their onward journey by the force of wind (pavaṇabalasamāhaya); they were fitted with oars and rudders (valayabāhā), sails and anchors,⁸⁴ the pilot on board (nijjamaya) piloted the ship. The other workers on the ship were boatsmen (kucchidhāraya), helmsmen (kaṇṇadhāra) and crew (gabhhijja). To obtain a passport (rāyavarasāsana) was necessary.⁸⁵ The merchants proceeded on their journey after having their breakfast (pāyarāsehim) halting at various places.⁸⁶ They visited the king with presents who made them free from taxes giving a suitable place for their residence.⁸⁷