History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s1.11

v1.c24.s1.11

The *Ṛgveda* (VI. 91.1) refers to six to twelve oxen being yoked to the plough. In the *Kathakasaṃhitā* (XV.2) the number goes up to twelve or even twenty-four. The *Atharvaveda* also refers to ploughs drawn by six to eight oxen. This would suggest heavy ploughs required for breaking hard soil. A *Ṛgvedic* passage (X.9.2,3,5,7) refers to the use of horses for ploughing. The application of horse power⁷ would also imply a heavy plough.