An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c21.s17.1

v1.c21.s17.1

The main means of transport on land were vehicles like simple carts, wagons and chariots drawn by men or animals, not to speak of animals like the bullock, horse, camel, etc., while on water boats and sailing ships serve the purpose. Since the vehicles were mainly built of perishable material such as bamboo, wood, tissue, leather, etc., they have not withstood the passage of time. Hence, for lack of actual material evidence archaeological evidence has to be drawn from indirect sources. A large number of miniature or model toy carts, wagons, chariot frames and model boats have been found in excavations which throw light on the various types of vehicles, their techniques of manufacture and use during the Harappa [4.9] and early historical [4.18] times. These were prepared as toys or as realistic models. Many of them were prepared in copper and bronze showing elaborate detalis; those in terracotta were made on a mass scale.