Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.337

v1.c3.337

Anas.—This is the term¹ used to designate the draft wagon, as opposed to the chariot (ratha) for war or sport, with which it is sometimes expressly contrasted,² though Indra is once said to be ‘seated in a wagon’ (anar-viś)³ instead of on a chariot. Though Uṣas, Goddess of Dawn, sometimes rides on a chariot (ratha), the wagon is her characteristic vehicle.⁴ Of its construction we know little. The bridal wagon on which Sūryā, the daughter of the Sun, was borne in the marriage hymn in the Rigveda had a covering (Chadis).⁵ The axle-box (Kha) is also mentioned.⁶ In the Atharvaveda⁷ Vipatha appears to denote a rough vehicle used for bad tracks. The wagon was usually drawn by oxen (Anaḍvāh), as in wedding processions.⁸ The wagon of Dawn is described as drawn by ruddy cows or bulls.⁹