[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v1.c3.s1.152 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s1.152 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s1.152 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c3.s1.152](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.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 - [Previous: v1.c3.s1.151](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s1.151) - [Next: v1.c3.s1.153](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s1.153) - [Up: v1.c3.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s1) ## Linked texts (2) - [Aitareyabrāhmaṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.brahmana.aitreya) — Mahidāsa Aitareya, Sanskrit - [Ṛgvedasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.samhita.rg) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s1.152](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s1.152) · Pramāṇa