Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s5.87

v2.c4.s5.87

The normal number of horses seems to have been two, but three or four¹⁶ were often used. It is uncertain whether, in these cases, the extra horse was attached in front or at the side; possibly both modes were in use. Even five steeds could be employed.¹⁷ Horses were normally used for chariots, but the ass (gardabha)¹⁸ or mule (aśvatari)¹⁹ are also mentioned. The ox was employed for drawing carts, and in fact derived its name, Anaḍvāh, from this use. Sometimes a poor man had to be content with a single steed, which then ran between two shafts.²⁰