History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s1.35

v1.c24.s1.35

The description of the plough and its parts in the *Mānasāra* (V.56-77) is more graphic. The plough proper is to be made of Babul tree, *Acacia catechu*, nimb, pines or plants containing milk sap and blood. It is to be 1, 1¼, or 1½ cubits long and 3, 4, or 5 mātras (=aṅgulas) wide at the bottom. At the middle of its length it is to be octagonal, half being three-stripped, like a bamboo leaf. At the upper part of its bottom the top end of a bamboo rod is to be pushed in. The rod is to be 3 cubits long with a proportional breadth so that it may be strong. The length of the plough tail is to be 1½ cubits and its width at the bottom 5 aṅgulas (=3¾ inches). As an alternative the tail is to be 1¼ or 1 cubit long. The top of the tail ending by the plough-root is to be 2 aṅgulas (=1½ inches). The tail is to be 1 to ½ aṅgulas thick. Thr root of the tail is to be furnished with a lotus leaf like device. The length of the ploughshare at the forepart of the tail is to be 3, 4, or 5 or 6 aṅgulas and its height 2 or 3 aṅgulas and it is to be furnished with various devices. At the hole an iron nail is to be driven in. The yoke is to be 2½ cubit long. The ploughshare is to be 3, 4, or 5 aṅgulas wide at its middle and 2 or 3 aṅgulas at its two ends.