Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s1.152

v1.c3.s1.152

Ā-yudha, ‘weapon,’ in its widest sense covers the whole of a Kṣatriya’s warlike equipment, which in the Aitareya Brāhmaṇa¹ is summed up as horse-chariot (*aśva-ratha*), bow and arrows (*iṣu-dhanva*), and corselet (*kavaca*). As the bow and arrow (*iṣu, dhanvan*) were essential as the main weapons of the Vedic fighter, they are probably meant when Āyudha is used specifically of weapons, as often from the Rigveda² onwards. The battle hymn in the Rigveda³ confirms this view, as it presents to us the warrior armed with bow and arrow on his chariot, and clad in armour (Varman), with a guard (Hastaghna) on the left arm to avoid the friction of the bow-string. The corselet was not a single solid piece of metal, but consisted of many pieces fitted together (*syūta*);⁴ it may have been made either of metal plates or, as is more likely, of some stiff material plated with metal. In addition the warrior wore a helmet (Śiprā). There is no trace of the use of a shield, nor is there any clear record of the employment of greaves or other guard for the feet.⁵ Skill in the use of weapons is referred to in the Rigveda.⁶