Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.1087

v1.c3.s21.1087

Pur is a word of frequent occurrence in the Rigveda¹ and later,² meaning ‘rampart,’ ‘fort,’ or ‘stronghold.’ Such fortifications must have been occasionally of considerable size, as one is called ‘broad’ (*pṛthvī*) and ‘wide’ (*urvī*).³ Elsewhere⁴ a fort ‘made of stone’ (*aśmamayī*) is mentioned. Sometimes strongholds ‘of iron’ (*āyasī*) are referred to,⁵ but these are probably only metaphorical. A fort ‘full of kine’ (*gomatī*) is mentioned,⁶ showing that strongholds were used to hold cattle. ‘Autumnal’ (*śāradī*) forts are named, apparently as belonging to the Dāsas: this may refer to the forts in that season being occupied against Āryan attacks or against inundations caused by overflowing rivers. Forts ‘with a hundred walls’ (*śatabhuji*) are spoken of.⁷