[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.s21.1087 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.1087 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s21.1087 - **Language:** English ### [v1.c3.s21.1087](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.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 - [Previous: v1.c3.s21.1086](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.1086) - [Next: v1.c3.s21.1088](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.1088) - [Up: v1.c3.s21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21) ## Linked texts (1) - [Ṛgvedasaṃhitā](https://indike.org/pramana/in.veda.samhita.rg) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.1087](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v1.c3.s21.1087) · Pramāṇa